We hope these selections serve to celebrate not only the joy, importance, and impact of reading but also advocate for the essential right to read, emphasizing the value of knowledge accessibility.

ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom compiles a list of challenged books in order to inform the public about censorship efforts that affect libraries and schools, to learn more about challenges to our right to read, click on the link here


Little Libraries, Big Heros by Miranda Paul

The inspiring story of how the Little Free Library organization brings communities together through books, from founder Todd Bol’s first installation to the creation of more than 75,000 mini-libraries around the world.

Available formats: Book, eBook (Hoopla) 


A Library by Niki Giovanni 

In what other place can a child “sail their dreams” and “surf the rainbow” without ever leaving the room? This ode to libraries is a celebration for everyone who loves stories, from seasoned readers to those just learning to love words, and it will have kids and parents alike imagining where their library can take them.

Available formats: Book, eBook/eAudiobook (Hoopla) 


The Library Book by Tom Chapin

Using the lyrics to Tom Chapin and Michael Mark’s “The Library Song, ” this picture book celebrates the magic of reading and of libraries.

Available formats: Book


Our Incredible Library Book and the Wonderful Journeys It Took by Caroline Crowe

This is the story of one incredible library book and all the children who have borrowed it

Available formats: Book


The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale by Aya Khalil

Kanzi has come to feel welcome in her American school–that is, until an entire shelf of books about immigrant kids and kids of color suddenly disappears from the school library. Upon learning that the books with kids who look like her have been banned by her school district, Kanzi descends into fear and helplessness. But her classmates support her, and together–with their teacher’s help–they hatch a plan to hold a bake sale and use the proceeds to buy diverse books to donate to libraries.

Available formats: Book

 

 


This Book is Not For You by Shannon Hale 

When the bookmobile librarian refuses to lend Stanley the story he wants, he learns the importance of advocating for the book of his choosing, and in doing so teaches the librarian the virtue in allowing everyone to select the stories they enjoy.

Available formats: Book


This Book is Banned by Raj Haldar

Banning books is downright dangerous–and if you manage to make it to the end of this book, you might just find out why. Maybe you shouldn’t even try reading this book…But what could possibly be inside? Discover just what happens when we aren’t allowed to freely share and explore ideas with this funny, self-referential picture book romp that kids (and grown-ups) will want to read over and over again.

Available formats: Book


Miss Dorothy and her Bookmobile by Gloria Houston 

Dorothy has always wanted to work in a library like the red brick one of her girlhood, but after moving to rural North Carolina she discovers that the type of library is less important than the books and the people who read them.

Available formats: Book


The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita L. Hubbard

A picture book biography sharing the inspiring and incredible true story of the nation’s oldest student, Mary Walker, who learned to read at the age of 116

Available formats: Book


Ban This Book by Alan Gratz

A fourth grader fights back when From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg is challenged by a well-meaning parent and taken off the shelves of her school library. Amy Anne is shy and soft-spoken, but don’t mess with her when it comes to her favorite book in the whole world. Amy Anne and her lieutenants wage a battle for the books as they start a secret banned books locker library, make up ridiculous reasons to ban every single book in the library to make a point, and take a stand against censorship.

Available formats: Book, eBook/eAudiobook (Overdrive Media on Demand) 


Answers in the Pages by David Levithan 

When Donovan left his copy of The Adventurers on the kitchen counter, he didn’t think his mom would read it–much less have a problem with it. It’s just an adventure novel about two characters trying to stop an evil genius … right? But soon the entire town is freaking out about whether the book’s main characters are gay, Donovan’s mom is trying to get the book removed from the school curriculum, and Donovan is caught in the middle. Donovan doesn’t really know if the two boys fall in love at the end or not–but he does know this: even if they do, it shouldn’t matter. The book should not be banned from school. Interweaving three connected storylines, David Levithan delivers a bold, fun, and timely story about taking action (whether it’s against book censors or deadly alligators …), being brave, and standing up for what’s right.

Available formats: Book, eBook/eAudiobook (Overdrive Media on Demand) 


Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics by Chris Grabinstein

Mr. Lemoncello has invited teams from all across America to compete in the first-ever LIBRARY OLYMPICS. But something suspicious is going on . . . books are missing from Mr Lemoncello’s library. Is someone trying to censor what the kids are reading?! In between figuring out mind-boggling challenges, Kyle and the other children will have to band together to get to the bottom of this mystery. Packed with puzzles, clues, and thrilling surprises, this is the action-packed sequel to Escape from Mr Lemoncello’s Library. Let the games begin!

Available formats: Book. eBook/eAudiobook (Overdrive Media on Demand) 


Attack of the Black Rectangles by A. S King

When sixth-grader Mac discovers several words of his classroom copy of Jane Yolen’s The Devil’s Arithmetic are blacked out he is outraged, so he, his friends, and his eccentric family set out to do something about the censorship imposed by one teacher and the school board.

Available formats: Book, eAudiobook (Hoopla), eBook/eAudiobook (Overdrive Media on Demand) 


The List by Patricia Forde

Letta, charged with collecting and saving words, uncovers a sinister plan to suppress language, robbing the people of Ark of the power of speech, and realizes she must also save the culture, itself.

Available formats: Book

 

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