Tag: Banned Books week

Read Banned Books

September 30, 2023
by Robin Wood

Banned Books Week is an opportunity to think about the importance of access to a wide range of ideas and representation in books across many sectors of society, including schools and public libraries. It is also an opportunity to read great books that you might not have otherwise picked up.

Here are some recommendations from the store staff of books that have been on various banned and challenged lists.

Judy recommends The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. She writes, “This book is a must! Funny, real, not to be missed.”

Robin loved Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love. “The art for this book is beautiful, and wonderfully complements the story of an imaginative little boy getting to do something he loves.”

Riona recommends The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab, which features a rash deal with the devil that unfolds in surprising and moving ways.

Lori says The Color Purple by Alice Walker will have you rooting for Celie, Shug, Sofia and Nettie, rejoicing in their triumphs.

Find these books and many more in store!

Celebrate Your Freedom to Read

August 25, 2022
by Robin Wood

Banned Books Week: September 18 – 24, 2022

Courtesy of the American Library Association, ala.org

The goal of Banned Books Week is to draw attention to the fact that books are often challenged or banned, pulled from school and community libraries, with relatively little fanfare. But this year, book banning has not been quiet.

In 2021, the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom said it received reports of 729 challenges, representing 1,597 books. This up sharply from the 2020 numbers of 156 challenges, representing 273 books.

PEN America reports that it found 1,586 book bans in 86 school districts in 26 states between July 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.

This is a tactic designed to push marginalized writers and readers off the page, and to shut down discussions about race and sexuality, among other topics, that many people find controversial. But what one person finds controversial, another may find enlightening or affirming. The goal of Banned Books Week is to encourage people to read widely and make up their own minds — and to encourage us all to stand up for the right of everyone to read freely.

Celebrate your right to read with us September 18 – 24. You might be surprised to see many old favorites in our banned books display, including several of Judy Blume’s books, as she is one of the most frequently challenged authors of the 21st century. Pick up a book that someone else doesn’t think you should read. Read dangerously!

If you want to make your voice heard, standing against censorship, you can join booksellers and their customers in a petition condemning book banning. Also, check out the ALA’s new campaign, Unite Against Book Bans.

Banned Books Week 2021

September 6, 2021
by Robin Wood
Partial book covers of the top 10 most challenged books of 2020 from Banned Books Week

Celebrate Your Freedom to Read Sept. 26 – Oct. 2

Partial book covers of the top 10 most challenged books of 2020 from Banned Books Week
Image courtesy of the American Library Association, www.ala.org

What do you think of when you hear the term “banned book”?

Maybe Fahrenheit 451 or Lolita? Books are still being challenged and banned, but these days it’s more likely to be a book targeted to your middle-schooler or teenager. In 2020, all of the top ten most challenged books were titles for kids and teens or often read in school settings, including Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You and The Bluest Eye.

One of the things that many readers love about books is learning, being exposed to new ideas and perspectives. As Jason Reynold, author and honorary chair of Banned Books week, said in a Twitter chat, keeping young people from reading widely limits their resilience and advocacy. He wrote, “I think books for young audiences are banned most often because many adults (in their infinite fear) believe it’s better to shield young people than to help young people grow to become shields for others.” (https://bit.ly/3EB8TbT)

This year’s theme: Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us centers on using books to create conversation and increase understanding. Join us during Banned Books Week and check out our display of books that have been challenged or banned over time. It will likely include some of your favorites, especially if you’re a Judy Blume fan.

Store Manager Emily shows off a few of her favorite banned books, during last year’s Banned Books Week.

We’ll have some great student art, fun merch to show your love of reading what you want, and the opportunity to get your mug shot taken reading a banned book.

~ Robin Wood, Social Media Manager