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Showing posts with label freedom to read. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freedom to read. Show all posts

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Celebrate with a Banned Books Lounge!

 I had the absolute pleasure of hosting a program in honor of Banned Books Week today called the Banned Books Lounge. This hour-long event was more than just a discussion—it was a celebration of our freedom to read, a time to reflect on the significance of intellectual freedom, and a space to share stories that have been challenged or banned over the years.

Throughout the hour, we explored the power of literature and why it’s so important to keep conversations about censorship alive. Some of my favorite books were part of the lineup: Catcher in the Rye, Charlotte's Web, The Giver, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and Where the Wild Things Are. These books have faced challenges for a variety of reasons, but today, we honored them for the impact they've had on readers of all ages.

One of the highlights for me was reading the Grand High Witch's speech from Roald Dahl's The Witches aloud to the group. It's a passage that’s been both feared and loved, and hearing it in this context reminded us all of the unique and sometimes controversial power of storytelling. The discussion that followed was totally amazing. We delved into the topic of censorship and how it affects our ability to engage in critical thinking. Together, we reflected on how banned books often challenge us to question the world around us, offer new perspectives, and help us connect with our shared history.

It was truly inspiring to hear everyone share their thoughts on why these books matter, and why the freedom to read should never be taken for granted. Banned Books Week is more than a time to celebrate the books we love—it’s a reminder of the importance of access to ideas, and the role libraries play in ensuring that these ideas remain available to all.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Spotlight on YA Author John Green

 It’s no secret that John Green has written some of the most beloved YA novels of our time. But with that love has come controversy, as several of his books have faced challenges and bans over the years. As part of Banned Books Week, let’s dive into why Green’s works have sparked debate—and why they’re so important for teens today.


Looking for Alaska

Green’s debut novel Looking for Alaska has frequently been challenged for its portrayal of teenage rebellion, sexual content, and discussions of mental health and grief. Some schools and libraries have removed it from their shelves due to concerns over a certain scene involving intimacy. What makes Looking for Alaska so powerful is its raw and honest exploration of grief, identity, and the complexity of relationships. Green doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles teens face, and that’s why this book resonates so deeply with readers.

During Banned Books Week, I always make sure Looking for Alaska is front and center on my shelf—it’s a reminder that teens deserve stories that reflect the messy, emotional realities of life. While the book may be challenged for its content, its message of understanding and resilience is one that every teen should have the chance to read.

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars may have skyrocketed to mainstream success, but it hasn’t escaped controversy. The novel has been banned and challenged in schools due to its themes of terminal illness, death, and teenage romance. In particular, its depiction of intimacy between Hazel and Augustus has raised concerns about it being "too mature" for younger readers.

But let’s be honest—The Fault in Our Stars is about so much more than that. It’s about love, loss, and finding meaning in the face of impossible circumstances. Green’s portrayal of these themes is what makes the book so universally relatable. Sure, it tackles tough topics, but isn’t that the point? Books like this allow teens to grapple with real-life challenges through the safety of fiction, which is why it remains an essential part of any YA collection.

Turtles All the Way Down

While Turtles All the Way Down hasn’t faced as many challenges as Green’s earlier works, it’s still a novel that pushes boundaries. The story follows Aza Holmes, a teenager grappling with severe anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Green himself has said that this is his most personal book, as it draws from his own experiences with mental illness. Although not banned to the extent of Looking for Alaska or The Fault in Our Stars, Turtles All the Way Down has sparked discussions about mental health in YA literature.

What makes this book so important is that it destigmatizes mental health issues, offering readers an honest look at what it’s like to live with anxiety and OCD. In a world where mental health is still often misunderstood, Green’s work here opens the door for empathy and deeper conversations.


Why John Green’s Books Matter

YA author, John Green’s books have faced censorship, but let’s not forget what makes them so impactful. They take on the tough, uncomfortable topics that many young readers are dealing with in real life—grief, love, mental illness, and self-discovery. While some may argue that these books are too mature, I would argue that they’re exactly what teens need. Banning these books denies young readers the chance to see themselves and their struggles reflected on the page.


As we celebrate Banned Books Week, let’s take a moment to appreciate authors like John Green, who aren’t afraid to tackle the big stuff. His books remind us that it’s okay to be messy, it’s okay to feel lost, and it’s okay to question everything. That’s what makes his stories so essential—and why they belong on every shelf.

If you’re looking for a book that’s been challenged (and for good reason!), pick up one of John Green’s YA novels. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Celebrating Banned Books Week This Week!

 Banned Books Week is here!! And what better way to honor it than by setting up a “Read the Banned” book display at your library? This is a great opportunity to showcase a collection of YA and Juvenile books that have all ended up on the challenged or banned list sometime or another. I love creating book display that spark curiosity and conversation. My hope is that everyone will be encouraged to explore these powerful stories and understand why they’ve been challenged—and, more importantly, why they should read them!

I’m excited to have a Banned Books display at my library, because it gives everyone the freedom to pick up a book that someone, somewhere, thought they shouldn’t read. There’s something so empowering about that—knowing you’re choosing a story that’s been silenced, and getting to decide for yourself what it means to you.

How to Set It Up

The “Read the Banned” display should be as bold as the stories themselves. Think colorful, thought-provoking signs highlighting why these books were banned, and maybe even some quick facts about censorship. Stack the shelves with titles like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Eleanor & Park, The Hate U Give, and Speak. I guarantee the display will attract plenty of attention!

Encourage teens to check out a banned book, and don’t stop there—pair this display with a discussion program. Teens can come together to share their thoughts on the books they’ve picked, why they think these stories matter, and how censorship affects their ability to engage with the world. This is the perfect way to turn a simple book display into a meaningful community conversation.

Program Highlight: “Wall of Words” Activity

One of my favorite ideas for this week is the “Wall of Words”. Here’s how it works: after reading a banned book, teens can write their favorite quote or a line that impacted them on a sticky note, and then post it on the wall. By the end of the week, you’ll have an entire wall of words that represents the strength and beauty of these banned stories.

It will look amazing—each note will be a small act of rebellion against censorship and a powerful visual representation of how stories bring people together. Whether it’s a line that gave them strength, a quote that made them think, or a sentence that stayed with them long after the book was closed, this “Wall of Words” will reflect the incredible influence of literature, even when it’s been silenced.

Extra Fun: “I’ve Been Banned” Photo Booth

Here’s where we take it up a notch—set up a “jail cell” photo booth in the library with the words “I’ve Been Banned” above it. Teens (and anyone else!) can take photos in the booth to show their solidarity with banned books. I’ve done this before, and trust me, it’s a blast! It’s the perfect way to combine awareness with a little fun, and everyone walks away with a memorable photo from Banned Books Week.

You’ll be surprised by how many people want to take part, and the photo booth adds a lighthearted twist to an important conversation. It’s a great opportunity to post on social media and spread the message about the freedom to read!

Check Out Banned Books!

Banned Books Week is definitely about celebrating books— but it’s also about protecting our freedom to read. I've had lengthy discussions with my students and my own kids about books that get challenged and the consensus is that these books often hold a mirror up to society, dealing with tough topics like race, identity, sexuality, and the complexities of growing up. Yes, these are difficult topics, but by showcasing banned books and giving readers a chance to dive in, we’re saying loud and clear: these stories matter. 

Let’s make sure that everyone has the chance to read banned books and find themselves within their pages. And, my advice to you too is don’t forget to check out a banned book! 

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Banned Books Week 2024: Freed Between the Lines

Banned Books Week 2024: Freed Between the Lines

Banned Books Week 2024 is here! From September 22 to September 28, let's celebrate our freedom to read and shine a light on the ongoing challenges to freedom of expression. This year’s theme, "Freed Between the Lines," reminds us of the importance of protecting access to diverse and often controversial stories—stories that help us see the world from different perspectives.

Banned Books Week is more than just a celebration—it's a reminder that censorship limits our ability to explore, learn, and grow. By reading and discussing banned books, we keep the conversation going and defend our right to seek out all kinds of ideas. 

Banned Books Week is also a time to celebrate the diverse stories that make us who we are. It’s a reminder that no matter how uncomfortable or challenging a book might be, it deserves to be read, discussed, and cherished. When we protect our right to read, we protect our right to learn, grow, and understand each other a little better.

What is your favorite Banned Book? I have a lot of favorites and I'll be sharing about them and other ideas all week long. Let me know what yours are in the comments. I’d love to hear your favorites!