Katherine Locke has been appointed the new president of Authors Against Book Bans, the nonprofit advocacy group announced in a news release.
Locke, the author of the young adult novels The Girl With the Red Balloon, The Spy With the Red Balloon, and This Rebel Heart, will succeed outgoing president Maggie Tokuda-Hall on July 1. Tokuda-Hall is the organization’s first president, and, with David Levithan, its co-founder.
Authors Against Book Bans was founded in 2024 with the mission of organizing “authors on the national and local levels to support grassroots groups already fighting book bans and challenges around the United States.” Its national team leaders include Samira Ahmed, Dhonielle Clayton, Maris Kreizman, and Sarah MacLean.
In a statement, Locke said, “It is my honor and privilege to step into this role alongside the board members, regional leaders, volunteers, and members who are the strength of Authors Against Book Bans. Book bans threaten the freedom to read at a scale we can’t ignore, including at the federal level in bills like HR 7661, HR 2616, and HR 8705. Building on two years of growth, strong leadership, and clear vision, I look forward to fighting alongside my fellow authors to defend the freedom to read everywhere it is threatened.”
And Tokuda-Hall said, “I am thrilled that AABB will be entering its next phase under the leadership of Katherine Locke. They have already proven to be an indispensable member of our board, and their steady hand and expertise will serve AABB well.”
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
