About this book
"Little Brother" by Cory Doctorow follows the story of Marcus Yallow, a tech-savvy teenager who uses his skills to fight back against the oppressive surveillance and control imposed by the government in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in San Francisco. The novel explores themes of privacy, civil liberties, and the power of grassroots activism in the digital age, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and resistance against authoritarianism. Its significance lies in its timely commentary on technology's role in society and the necessity of protecting personal freedoms in an increasingly monitored world.
Censorship history
In 2025, "Little Brother" by Cory Doctorow was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States due to its political content, which some officials deemed inappropriate for students. Notably, in a school board meeting in California's San Francisco Unified School District, a formal complaint was raised by a parent group concerned about the book's portrayal of government surveillance and activism. The ban was upheld despite pushback from free speech advocates, and as of now, the book remains contested in various educational institutions.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | Political |