Category: Authors
Happy Birthday, Nikki Grimes!
Nikki Grimes, award winning poet and author of books for children and adults, was born on October 20, 1950.
Banned Indigenous Authors
The battle over what to call the second Monday in October, Columbus Day or Indigenous People’s Day, has been long standing and bitter. Today is a day that celebrates heritage: the heritage of Indigenous nations and also the heritage of Italian-Americans. That being said, Indigenous authors have been consistently under fire and that is what I would like to focus on today.
A Note from Jerry Craft
In October 2021, a local petition to ban books by Newbery Medal-winning author Jerry Craft resulted in the postponement of his appearance in front of a Texas school district. Dissenters claim the book teaches critical race theory and therefore should not be taught in schools. The following is Craft’s response to the petition.
Celebrating Banned Authors During Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic American Heritage Month takes place each year from September 15-October 15. Initially started in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week, it was expanded to […]
Happy Birthday, Shel Silverstein!
Silverstein’s children’s poetry is known for its fantastical humor and thoughtful lessons. His words often make the reader laugh out loud, and sometimes even cry. With such a beloved reputation, you would think there’s no way Silverstein also had a reputation for banned books. However, he is a frequently banned and challenged author, and his book, A Light in the Attic comes in at number 51 on the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books List, 1990-1999.
“Happy Birthday, Angie Thomas!” Author of The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas is the author of the highly acclaimed book The Hate U Give (THUG). Angie Thomas’ birthday is today, so we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate her work.
Happy Birthday, Alison Bechdel!
Bechdel is most known for penning the graphic memoir Fun Home, which was later adapted into a Tony-winning Broadway Musical, and her comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For, which ran for 25 year in print and was later published online. Bechdel’s debut graphic novel, Fun Home, was published in 2006 and is about her relationship with her closeted father and her own journey with her sexuality. This year Bechdel reenters the graphic novel scene after nearly a decade away with The Secret to Superhuman Strength.
Book Review: You Can’t Say That!
Leonard S. Marcus’ new collection for teens, You Can’t Say That!, shows firsthand how many popular authors and creators have been affected by book bans and challenges.
Happy Birthday, John Green!
I first encountered Green’s books after I took a course on children’s literature in graduate school in 2012. One of the final sections of the class featured banned and challenged books, and I selected Looking for Alaska, not knowing anything about Green or his books. I really enjoyed the novel, and though I hadn’t attended a boarding school like Miles and Alaska, felt a sense of understanding at Miles’ awkward and anxious high school experiences. I recall reading it and thinking, Okay, so what’s wrong with it?!
Join the #BannedBooksChat With Jason Reynolds!
Join Banned Books Week and Honorary Chair Jason Reynolds on Monday, August 2, at 4:00 p.m. EDT for a #BannedBooksChat on Twitter!