Description

This compelling YA anthology highlights the powerful role books play in transforming lives, providing teenagers with the tools and motivation to advocate for the freedom to read. Bringing together works from fifteen award-winning, diverse YA authors and illustrators, this timely collection addresses the growing national problem of book censorship. As books increasingly vanish from library shelves and school collections, what are the implications for authors, illustrators—and, most importantly, young readers?

Through fiction, memoir, poetry, graphic storytelling, essays, and more, this anthology deeply examines the issue of book bans from various perspectives and encourages teens to take an active stand. Readers will encounter heartfelt personal experiences, thoughtful responses to attempts at censorship, and powerful reflections on what our society risks losing when young people are denied access to literature.

The notable contributors featured include Elana K. Arnold, Nikki Grimes, Ellen Hopkins, Kelly Jensen, Brendan Kiely, Maia Kobabe, Bill Konigsberg, Kyle Lukoff, MariNaomi, Trung Lê Nguyễn, Ashley Hope Pérez, Isabel Quintero, Traci Sorell, Robin Stevenson, and Padma Venkatraman. Striking artwork from illustrator Debbie Fong, who has been nominated for the Ignatz Award, vividly complements the meaningful narratives throughout the book.

The anthology also includes practical resources such as insights and guidance from teen activists in the Vandegrift Banned Book Club, an extensive recommended reading list, instructions for launching a Little Free Library in your community, and additional valuable content designed to inform and inspire teenage readers.