Read Banned Books

More on my own banned book habit here

Read Banned Books.

That's it, that's the post.

Well, maybe a little more:

Get to the library and check out banned books. Skip the self-check out and instead, go to the desk and smile at the librarian when you check out the book. Tell them "I'm so glad you have this book. Thank you."

Go to the local bookstore. Ask the bookseller for a recommendation. "I'm looking for a book that will make me think, help me see the world differently, step into another's heart." Buy that book; head home, make some tea, and read with your heart open.

Find a little free library, and thank your stars that caring people fill them. Choose a book that you might not, if it wasn't banned books week. Then return that book, and bring a few from your house that need to leave your shelf and head back out into the world.

Text your most readerly friend, the one who always has a book in their bag. Seek out their idea for a must-read banned book, and then follow-up once you read it, letting them know how it made you feel. Express an extra dose of gratitude for them and for these books.

Subscribe to the Banned Books Box. Wait for your mail, then read Ariel's letter each month. Shake your head, shake your fist, then take a breath and write your elected officials - a school board member, a state legislators, our Congress people. Tell your story. "I read this book. It shares a story we all need. I invite you to read it. But if you don't want to read it, please make sure it's on the shelf for me."

Open your wallet, and buy/gift books, but also consider a gift to PEN America and the American Library Association.

Track down your favorite banned book author - and if you don't have a favorite, you can start here. Slide into their DMs or use their "contact me" link to send a message. Tell them why you love their book and that you'll stand with them. Add your deep appreciation for the facts they share, the stories they tell.

Let teachers know you see how hard it is, right this moment, to build an inclusive curriculum. Find out if they need a new book, or some good Ticonderoga pencils, or more journals. Perhaps snacks for the GSA or writing center or affinity group that has to meet on the down low. Help out, however you can.

That's it.

Read banned books, and help everyone read banned books.

That's the post.