March is Indie Press Month, a month to promote independent publishers, authors, and stories. Check out these three ways to support indies beyond buying their books (which you should absolutely do all year long!)
Have you heard of the chilling effect? Book bans do more than leave empty spots on library shelves. They also prevent books from ever entering school walls out of fear they’ll eventually be banned or even put personal jobs at stake.
Rising book bans and librarian firings lay the groundwork for self-censorship. Already underrepresented stories — like those by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other authors with marginalized identities — are the most targeted. Censorship of all kinds makes their stories even harder to find for the kids who need them. Indie book sales are also taking a hit.
We believe one of the best ways to support indie press is to read deeply, to engage critically, to let the ideas linger. That’s why we created free discussion guides for the We Are Stronger Than Censorship campaign, highlighting indie publishing voices from the communities most targeted by book bans. Book picks span across reading levels, from picture books to YA titles. Reading is critical to emotional and intellectual growth, and engaging meaningfully with the material through discussion guides takes learning to the next level.
Our favorite indie publishers know that compelling stories change hearts. Lerner Publishing Group tells stories with staying power.
We created two book sets with Lerner Publishing Group — Courageous Children and Friendship Across Differences — to inspire children to be connected, empathetic, and responsive community members. Book sets go beyond reading by providing discussion guides for deeper engagement. Adults lead children in learning from history, treating others with dignity, and building their own sense of agency. These stories spark honest, intentional conversations that shape the way we show up for ourselves and each other.
Let indie authors and publishers know you value their work by telling them yourself! Attend an event, like a book launch or author panel. Buy a book, and get it signed. Tell the creators in person why their storytelling matters to you.
Book events offer new perspectives on why the story matters, and even give you the opportunity to share your own take. These strategies can help you add book events to your calendar:
If you’re in the Twin Cities, we invite you to attend this exciting event. We’re hosting a dual book launch for Kao Kalia Yang’s two newest picture books: The Blue House I Loved (published by Minnesota Historical Society Press) and A Home on the Page (published by Lerner Publishing Group). Mississippi Creative Arts School is hosting in their auditorium, across the hall from their eponymous Kao Kalia Yang library, and we’ll see student performances from the Hmong dance team and a scene staging. Join us on April 16 from 5:30 – 7:30pm to support these Minnesota-based indie publishers.
