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.

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.

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! 

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!

Ender's Game Is Excellent

What can I say? I'm a huge fan of the book Ender's Game! In this wild and out science fiction story, Ender Wiggin is a young boy who lives in a world where you have cameras in the back of your head and parents are only allowed to have two children. And oh yeah, aliens have attacked the world before and their going to do it again. Ender turns out is a third child, which is not supposed to happen. One thing we know right out the gate is that Ender is a fighter. He is young, but it doesn't take much to set him off. Early in the book we can see that the author Orson Scott Card engages readers by involving you with all the aspects of Ender's training. You'd think this would be boring, but I think not, Ender is recruited to the kid military at just six years-old! Many of the scenes are described in detail, especially the battle games, which are richly described and will entice any video game fans. Ender is portrayed as just a pawn in the larger scheme of what is really going on and readers will ultimately sympathize with this. Which is why when you read this book, you are completely drawn to Ender's drive and realize that he is a force to be reckoned with. I cheered when Ender made friends in spite of the tremendous forces that continue to bring him down. The ending will be definitely be a huge surprise, but I do not give away any spoilers here! I believe that this book will continue to reach each every new generation - current and future ones.

Booktalking Bonus! This book is great for booktalking about the science fiction genre or is a great book recommendation if a tween or teen is looking for a good book to read. There are some interesting ways to booktalk Ender's Game. You can talk about the elements of science fiction or ask the group what they would do if Earth was being attacked by alien bugs. I mean really, what would they do? This could be a great way to open up a talk for this book. With so many elements based in the future with aliens and putting 6 year-old in the military and cameras in the back of kids' head this one might start some really cool conversations. Ender's Game is one of my all time favorites! I read it over and over again because it is so very captivating. I was never really a big fan of science fiction, but this book is the one that won me over. It is everything you could ever want in a scu-fu book. I love the character Ender he is so awesome and I think that tweens and teens will love Ender too! This also a series so appropriately called The Enderverse. If readers love Ender they can keep on reading about him although they are a grownup version of him and so many light years in space, but well worth the read!

Happy Reading,

Mrs. Librarian Lady

Mrs. McGonagall says hi!

Reality Scoop

I have been interested in writing about the issues of teens and have found that many of the issues that they face are very difficult.  Since I read so much YA fiction, I have seen that there a lot of books that tackle teen topics in a very sensitive and conscious manner.  A few years ago I started to write about real topics that teens are dealing with such as depression, anxiety, lack of sleep, stress, and other mental health issues and pair these topics up with YA realistic fiction books in a column I called Reality Scoop.  I came up with this idea because I feel like many teens could relate to issues they might be dealing with by reading books they can check out from their library.

Here are a few articles that I have written for my column Reality Scoop on the YALSA Hub:

Random Acts of Kindness
Holiday Stress Released
Depression in Young Adult Literature
Autism Awareness
Mental Wellness

I'm thinking of continuing Reality Scoop here on this blog and I am currently working on a list of topics for 2017,

This will be a fun writing project for the upcoming year!

Mrs. Librarian Lady

Are Urban Legends Important for Teens?

I love to write, it is one of my favorite things to do.  I am a librarian so I am an avid and natural born researcher.  I am also very passionate about weird and wacky things and love the history of folklore and legends.  I have a master's degree in Consciousness Studies, so I have a strong background in psychology, philosophy, and dream studies.  My thesis for this degree was all about the history of fairy folklore and the origins of the dark fairy Morgan LeFay.  I love poetry and literature and enjoy reading very much.  I'm very in tune with the young adult world and have been a teen librarian for many years.  I have so many ideas that I could write about.

Right now I am very interested in researching Urban Legends.  I feel that these legends are interesting, upbeat, and engaging for teen readers.  I think it would be great to write about different legends each week and find out more why these legends are important and how they relate to teens in today's world.  I also think it would be really cool to come up with craft ideas that relate to the legends. One urban legend that always sticks with me is the one about the lady with the beehive hairdo that ends up having a spider's nest in her hair!  It would be great to pair that story up around Halloween time with a creepy spider's nest craft.

I think researching urban legends will help to find the answer to whether urban legends are important to teens.  I will further this idea as we progress each week.


Mrs. Librarian Lady

Books and Recipes for Teens What a Great Combination

I love starting new book clubs for teens! They encourage teens to read something new and provide great enrichment by asking them to examine what they've read. Then the teens soak up new vocabulary words, figure out the storyline, and learn about the characters in the story.

I am also a firm believer that book clubs help teens build leadership skills and gain confidence. Joining a book club give teens a chance to speak up in a group and respectfully share their ideas and opinions, particularly since so many YA books delve into controversial topics. Teens that take the lead in book discussions will gain an extra edge that will help them in school and social settings.

Most of my teen book clubs have focused on a theme. I think having a theme adds a bit more excitement to the club and also offers you, as the facilitator, a chance to be creative and find great books for your teens to read. One of my first teen book clubs was called “Muggles and Magic,” and all the teens wanted to do was read "Harry Potter" over and over again. It was fun — and tricky — to find other books after we were done with the "Harry Potter" series, but my imagination took over, and I found quite a few books that blend magic and mystery for teens. We also played games like "'Harry Potter' Jeopardy" and dressed up as our favorite characters from the book at the end of the school year.

This book club was a great way to figure out how to get teens to read and discuss books. It also gave me the back-up I needed when I started working in a public library to continue to host book clubs. I am always looking for ideas to start a new book club, and since I have just recently started at a new library, I think it could be a great way to get to know the teens in my new community. 

I read a great article about pairing books with desserts on Shari's Berries, and it totally gave me a great idea! It gave me a chance to explore the world of fiction and the food that is taken from the pages of some of my favorite books. You can find all kinds of recipe ideas in books. Many fandoms have created special web pages just for recipes and ideas. I’ve also seen blogs with resourceful recipes inspired by "Twilight," "Hunger Games" and "Harry Potter."

So, what do you think about planning a book club that focuses entirely on reading YA fiction books and making the food that is mentioned in the book?  Sounds fun, right?  It's also a great way to promote reading.  Not only will the teens be reading, they will also be testing their cooking skills. It's so easy to do.  Choose a book every month and have each member pick a treat to make and bring to the discussion meeting? I bet there will be some creative cooking happening! Check out some of these recipes that book club readers could easily recreate for a fun and interactive book discussion group. 

• The Selection by Keira Cass: "May, don't these strawberry tarts just make you want to cry?" America's Strawberry Nutella Tart
• The Maze Runner by James Dashner: “Beds were assigned, clothes and bathroom things were passed out, dinner was served. Pizza. Real, bona fide, greasy-fingers pizza.” Maze Runner - Tablespoon Pizza Rolls
• Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen: "Layla's crazy fry eating ritual will leave you wanting to test out the mystery blend method after completing your own french frey gathering trifecta."  Layla - Homemade French Fry Seasoning Blend
• Splintered series by A.G. Howard: "I need to get to that tea party and wake up the guests ... and how are you supposed to do that? Give a magical kiss to the half-baked hatmaker?"  Allysa -  Edible Tea Cups - YUM!
• Divergent by Veronica Roth: "I only came for cake." Tobias Eaton  - Dauntless Cake recipe
Check out my Pinterest board, "Tasty YA Book Recipes," for more fun ideas on pairing YA books and yummy treats!


Tune in next month for more tips and ideas for tween and teen programming from Mrs. Librarian Lady.

Not Your Average History Lesson - A Look at Historical Fiction

I’ve always been a fan of historical fiction – When I was a kid I loved reading about people that really excited in faraway times and places. My favorite book in high school was none other than Gone with the Wind which was set in the Civil War (go figure??) I think this love followed me to college because I went on to study Humanities in college and learned about the history of art, music, philosophy, religion, language, and how people experience all of these things. Nowadays, I love reading for fun and I love coming-of-age stories combined with fascinating periods of history around the world. If you are tired of the same old boring history lessons you’ve seen and want a great Historical Fiction read then this is place for you! Tune in each month as Mrs. Librarian Lady starts from zero and goes all the way up to the 1990’s. You will be amazed at how many great stories are based on real life people in history!


Here’s a little Historical Fiction kick starter for you!

Wicked Girls: A Novel of the Salem Witch Trials by Stephanie Hemphill - I have always been entranced with the Salem Witch Trials, so I am so glad that I found this terrific book! This story written in verse is based on the epic historical event that took place in Salem, Massachusetts throughout the year of 1692. Wicked Girls is very engaging and brings a stunning reality to the actual girls that accused many people of being witches in Salem during the 1600’s. This is a fictional account of what it might have been like for the girls that started the vicious lies and rumors about their friends and neighbors. The historical information on this subject is very easy to find in any history book or in the Salem museum. However, Hemphill gives a more personal look at how a handful of Puritan girls took hold of a town and used this fortune to their own advantage. I found this book to be a truly amazing account of how that year in 1692 unfolded in the town of Salem. This book also gives the reader insight on how difficult it must have been to live in the rural area of Salem and how strict and narrow minded the Puritan townspeople were.

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys – Set in New Orleans, in 1950, the city is getting back to regular life with the war over. But for Josie Moraine, there’s no such thing as a normal life. Her mother is a brothel prostitute and Josie only wants to get out of New Orleans and attend college where she can make a life for herself without her mother’s reputation always tainting her attempts to make something of herself. But then someone dies in a pretty suspect way and Josie’s involvement in the investigation might keep her from ever being able to escape the Big Easy.

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein– All I can say is that reading this book takes you back in time to World War II and it is an emotional and intense ride from the start. You get to read the story through written pages and notes. One side of the story is of Queenie the British spy who has been captured by the Nazi's in Nazi occupied France in 1943. She made the crucial mistake of looking the wrong way while crossing a busy street in the town of Ormaie, France. The Gestapo orders Queenie to unravel the tale of how she met her best friend Maddie and how they went down in the plane that Maddie was flying over France. Queenie manages to stay alive in prison as long as she's writing what the Gestapo approves of. Otherwise, she is horribly tortured. The second half is the story of Maddie and how she has to hide and survive in France after crashing the plane. The two stories woven together are totally compelling and the courage that these two young women possessed was amazing. I felt as if I was reading their personal diaries as it really happened all those year ago.This book is definitely a tribute to women and has resounding themes of friendship and courage throughout the book.

Tune in next month for more YA Historical Fiction recommendations!

Mrs. Librarian Lady ♥

Books will come and books will go

Right now I'm reading The Sorceress by Michael Scott. It's the third book in the series the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. So far it's been pretty good, but the first book still has my vote for #1. I also have plans to read Max by James Patterson this week, but have not been able to thus far. I just finished some really great books that I want to write reviews about.

I've become a huge Jodi Picoult fan and my #1 fave book by her is House Rules. I think my second fave is the Tenth Circle. I recently read two books by Sara Zarr and thought her writing was really fantastic. Sweethearts captivated me and I found myself not wanting the book to end. Once Was Lost was again captivating but not as amazing as Sweethearts. Zarr has other books that I definitely want to read and I think she is up and coming as an author and will rock the teen reader world.

I also finished The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Calletti and was actually pretty surprised by the unfolding of this tale. I thought it was going to be a lot of fluff and really the book had a lot of depth to it. The main character Quinn was really a breath of fresh air for me since a lot of characters in teen books are either really shallow or under described. I liked the myriad of women that voiced their stories on the men they had known in their lives and how that affected them throughout their lives and in their current relationships. What was interesting is that all these women could be traced back to Quinn's father, who was the catalyst for the journey in this book. I loved it!

I also read Big Girl by Danielle Steele which is not my usual reading material, but I found it to be a pretty good read. Victoria in the story had always been a big girl and she was treated cruelly by her parents because of it. She had a younger sister who was perfect in every way and that always made her feel like such a loser. The story follows Victoria on a journey of discovering who she is deep down inside and not for what she looks like on the outside. She becomes a high school teacher who is caring and dedicated to her students. Eventually she find love and changes the tides of the emotional abuse she received from her parents as a child. Nice book, not much depth, but a good read for sure.

Ok, let's see what else is on my horizon of reading. Oh yes, I'm about to start Catching Fire the sequel to the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and I've need to go pick up Poor Little Bitch Girl by Jackie Collins and a brand new book by Sarah Dessen called Lock and Key. I'm so busy with books I can't believe it!!