Grassroots organizations have stepped in to raise funds to replace lost state support following the controversy over challenged books at the Fairhope Library.

'Sold' details a sexual assault involving a 13-year-old girl in Nepal, describing her feelings of confusion and betrayal without graphic language, yet still facing controversy over its sexual content.

Despite the controversy, 'Sold' is recognized for raising awareness about human trafficking and remains widely used in educational settings.

The Alabama Public Library Service has broadly defined 'sexually explicit' content, leading to challenges against 'Sold' and other books, with some passages deemed inappropriate for minors.

McCormick will speak at the Fairhope Public Library in Alabama to discuss the importance of libraries and the issue of banned books amid a national culture war over censorship.

Patricia McCormick, author of the novel 'Sold', which aims to educate about child sex trafficking, is speaking out amid rising book bans and challenges in US schools and libraries.

The Fairhope Library remains non-compliant with new state standards by shelving 'Sold' in the teen section, and faces a pause in state funding after challenges to 37 books, including 'Sold', which the library has decided to keep in the teen section after review.

McCormick emphasizes her goal to foster necessary conversations about child trafficking and criticizes censorship efforts that threaten access to books and free speech.