Shout Publication and Sales Data
Laurie Halse Anderson's memoir Shout was published by Viking Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, on August 4, 2019. The hardcover edition carries ISBN 978-0-670-01415-1 and lists at $17.99. The book expanded on themes from her earlier novel Speak and addressed sexual harassment, consent, and the Me Too movement. According to the Association of American Publishers, the children's and young adult segment generated $6.2 billion in revenue in 2022, with memoirs and nonfiction titles like Shout contributing to sustained growth. Shout appeared on multiple bestseller lists, including the New York Times Young Adult Paperback list, where it has charted for extended periods. Sales data from NPD BookScan shows continued demand for Anderson's backlist titles, with Shout frequently appearing among the top-selling YA nonfiction titles each quarter. Forbes industry data
Formats and Editions
Shout is available in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and ebook formats. The audiobook edition, narrated by the author, was released by Listening Library, a division of Penguin Random House Audio. Penguin Random House reported that audiobook sales grew 12% year over year in 2023, driven by YA and nonfiction titles. The ebook edition is distributed through major digital retailers including Amazon Kindle and Google Play Books. Libraries have been a significant channel for Shout, with the title appearing frequently on school and public library reading lists. Publishers Weekly sales report
Censorship and Challenge Records
Shout has been among the most challenged and banned books in U.S. schools and libraries in recent years. The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom reported that the book appeared on its annual Top 10 Most Challenged Books list in 2021 and 2022. Challenges cited reasons including depictions of sexual content, profanity, and references to the Me Too movement. ALA data shows that 2022 saw a record 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources, the highest number since the organization began compiling data in 1990. Shout's inclusion on these lists reflects broader national debates over YA nonfiction and memoir content in educational settings. ALA challenge data
State-Level Restrictions
Multiple states have introduced or enacted legislation targeting school library materials, with titles like Shout frequently cited in policy discussions. PEN America has tracked book bans and restrictions in school districts across the country, noting a sharp increase in challenges to books addressing sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual harassment since 2021. School boards in several states have convened hearings to review titles in the YA nonfiction category. Penguin Random House and other publishers have publicly opposed broad censorship measures, stating that access to diverse perspectives is essential to literacy and education. PEN America tracking
Author Profile and Related Works
Laurie Halse Anderson is an American author born on October 23, 1961, in Potsdam, New York. She is best known for her YA