The Knox County Schools (KCS) district in Tennessee has officially banned Alex Haley's acclaimed novel Roots, citing compliance with the state's Age-Appropriate Materials Act. This law, enacted in 2022, has led to a significant increase in book bans across the state, with Tennessee now ranking third in the nation for such actions. The law requires schools to maintain a public list of library materials and mandates a review process for appropriateness based on feedback from parents and staff. Although KCS acknowledged the cultural importance of Roots, the district's spokesperson, Carly Harrington, stated that the decision was based on a specific passage in the book that was deemed not suitable for students. Critics, including Haley's grandson, Bill Haley, and representatives from PEN America, have condemned the ban as detrimental to students' education and understanding of American history. They argue that Roots serves as a vital resource for exploring the complexities of slavery and its lasting impact on society. The ban adds to a growing list of 124 titles removed by KCS, which includes other significant works such as The Handmaid’s Tale and The Kite Runner.