Margaret Atwood takes aim at Alberta’s school library books ban with satirical story

Atwood Writes Satirical Short Story in Response to Alberta’s Book Ban

EDMONTON — Margaret Atwood is taking a stand against Alberta’s ban on school library books containing sexual content by penning a new, satirical short story. This comes after her renowned novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” was removed from some shelves due to the province’s strict new regulations.

Atwood’s Response

Atwood took to social media to announce her response to the ban, stating that since “The Handmaid’s Tale” is deemed unsuitable for Alberta schools, she has crafted a short story tailored for 17-year-olds. The story revolves around two impeccably behaved children named John and Mary.

According to Atwood, John and Mary are depicted as flawless individuals who lead a seemingly perfect life devoid of any imperfections. They eventually marry and have children without ever engaging in any form of sexual activity.

The satirical twist in the story lies in the fact that John and Mary embody traits that are contrary to traditional values, opting for selfish capitalism over virtues like forgiveness and empathy. Atwood concludes the story with a humorous nod to current events, alluding to a scenario where “The Handmaid’s Tale” becomes a reality, leaving Premier Danielle Smith in an amusing predicament.

Controversial Book Ban

Last week, the Edmonton Public School Board made headlines for removing over 200 books from its libraries to comply with Alberta’s mandate to eliminate materials containing explicit sexual content. This decision has sparked debate and criticism, with notable works like Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” being among the banned books.

Premier Smith has defended the ban, accusing the school board of excessive compliance and suggesting that a collaborative effort between the education ministry and school boards could address concerns over inappropriate content in books.

As the controversy unfolds, Atwood’s satirical response adds a touch of humor to the ongoing debate surrounding censorship and literary freedom in Alberta’s education system.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on August 31, 2025.

The Canadian Press