New report from PEN America documents vast book bannings in U.S. prisons

By HILLEL ITALIE
AP National Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — A new study from PEN America finds that tens of thousands of books are banned or restricted by U.S. prisons. Marquis said that the most common official reasons for bans are security and sexual content, terms that can apply to a very wide range of titles. Michigan’s list includes Elmore Leonard’s thriller “Cuba Libre,” set during the Spanish-American War. It was cited as a “Threat to the order/security of institution.” Amy Schumer’s memoir “The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo” was flagged by Florida officials for both sexual content and security concerns.