By WB Senior Intern Cathy Sheafor
“If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed.” Benjamin Franklin
Welcome to Banned Book Week 2023 at The Writing Barn where we stand hand in hand with authors whose books are unfairly and inappropriately being cleared from classrooms and library shelves. The theme for Banned Books Week this year is “Let Freedom Read.” Learn more here.
In celebration, we have selected 5 banned Kidlit books we think are worth reading.
1. Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe
Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe was written to explain the concepts of nonbinary and asexual to family members. But, it reaches beyond personal story to guide advocates, friends and family. This thoughtful memoir is a great read for those seeking to gain a better understanding of gender identity. Check out past WB Intern Kate Dowdy’s banned book review on Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer here!
2. New Kid by Jerry Craft
New Kid by Jerry Craft won a Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers. Jordan Banks is one of a few black kids at his new school, and, as the new kid, he faces a lot of change. But this story is more than one of adjusting to a new school. It is a deep exploration of exclusionary behaviors that many children of color endure in school.
3. Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag written by Rob Sanders and illustrated by Steven Salerno details the history of the Gay Pride Flag, from Harvey Milk and Gilbert Baker to its prevalence in today’s world. This inspiring story of love, hope and pride is a must-read.
4. The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
The Undefeated written by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson received a Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. This poetic tribute to black life offers a powerful celebration of the resilience and strength of black Americans. Do not miss reading this one.
5. Red, A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
Red, A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall is a funny and moving story of the identity crisis of a blue crayon that is labeled red. With a powerful message about the value of finding the courage to be yourself offers an important framework for acceptance.
We invite you all to visit your local Indy bookstore, or visit Book People here in Austin, and support a banned book author by purchasing their banned book. To find more lists of banned books and ways to show your support, visit bannedbooksweek.org.
As former Intern Macy Lane pointed out earlier this year, “We must continue to stand up for our inherent rights as citizens of the United States to have the ability to share our ideas and words with the world. There is no place for censorship such as this in our society.”
About the Author
Cathy Sheafor is a writer from North Carolina. She is a graduate of Duke University and Washington University School of Law. She is currently working on picture books and her first middle grade novel. She loves to swim, hike, travel and paint when she is not writing or reading.