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!

Just Walking the Dog

August is National Dog Month and what better way to kick start being back on my blog after a three year break! How about reading some awesome YA titles that feature some AMAZING dogs? If you're like me, you love spending time with dogs even more than people because let's face it, they just get you. 

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Lara Jean's little sister's dog Jamie Fox-Pickle has one of the best fictional pet names of all time! He's a Wheaton Terrier and his name fits him perfectly. He's sassy, but also very sweet. This book is great because it has love, romance, mystery, and playfulness that will pull on your heartstrings.

The Unexpected Everything by Matson Morgan

Sweet with fur flying fun! Andie must learn to embrace the beauty in chaos in this New York Times bestselling novel about friendship, finding yourself, and all the joys in life that happen while you’re busy making other plans.

The Way to Game the Walk of Shame by Jenn P. Nguyen

Taylor is not in a good place. Everyone calls her the Ice Queen because she always put her studies first. Luckily, her faithful sidekick and loyal pup Oreo is there to help her through it all.

Marley & Me by John Grogan

Of course, we can't forget Marley, he is one of the most loveable and sweet puppers out there and this book is based on the true story of his life. Through the telling of this story, we get to see how it is possible for humans to discover the key to happiness through a bigger-than-life, trouble-making, silly but sweet doggo!

My Boyfriend's Dogs by Dandi Mackall

When high school senior Bailey Daley shows up at a St. Louis diner soaking wet in the middle of a rainy night, wearing her prom dress and leading three dogs, the owner invites her in to tell her story of searching in vain for the perfect boyfriend.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

This story follows a dog named Buck, a 140 pound Saint Bernard and Scotch Shepherd mix. Buck is abducted from a comfortable life as a pet and tossed into the chaos of the Klondike Gold Rush and the brutal realities of frontier life. Buck changes hands a number of times before landing in the kindly hands of John Thornton.

Stay With Me by Paul Griffin

Mack is a high school drop-out but a genius with dogs and Céce hopes to use her intelligence to make a better life than her mother. They meet and fall in love at the restaurant where they both work. When Mack lands in prison, he pushes Céce away and only a one-eared pit-bull can keep them together.

Tune in next week for more YA book recommendation from Mrs. Librarian Lady!