This is another one from NetGalley. As always thanks again for this book and I’m giving my honest review in exchange. I really enjoyed Banned Together. The book talks to various authors who have had their work banned.1 They write responses to that and on the topic of banning books. I think I enjoyed this book so much because I find the topic of book banning so important.
Synopsis
This book is an amazing YA anthology that focuses on the way books transform the lives of young people. It also gives teens tips on how to fight for their freedom to read. The book has selections from fifteen diverse authors and illustrators including 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.
The collection addresses the problem of books disappearing from shelves because of book bans. It also deals with what that means for authors, illustrators and especially young readers. This book is a collection of fiction poetry graphic narratives and essays. It explores the topic through various lenses and all the collected contributors show their own ways of fighting against censorship.
Review
There were a wide variety of stories dealing with different topics related to book banning. From combating the charges of grooming and pornography that book banners often throw at authors. To dealing with the effects of book banning on the larger community. This book also shares many resources about diverse books after each story.
Two of my favorites included Groomer by Bill Konigsberg. I found Groomer important because the author talks about the topic of grooming. Konigsberg talks fact that book banners call him a groomer. This is especially hurtful as he was a victim of grooming himself. As someone with a similar experience I find that it isn’t often talked about. I feel like this issue should be brought up more. Especially since it’s a charge book banners like to throw around for shock value when it needs real insightful discussion.
The other story I especially enjoyed was Word Warriors by Padma Venkatraman. The story talked about a teacher bringing books into the school and expanding the students worldview. The story deals with the effects of book banners and those like them trying to stop teachers and others for expanding young people’s worldviews.
Overall this piece was one of my favorites this month and I’ll happily share it with others. Five stars because of the diversity and breadth of the collection as well as the resources provided within. I’ll be sure to put copies of this in my Little Free Library.
Amazon: Banned Together
About the Editor
Debbie Fong is an author and artist. She has illustrated multiple children’s nonfiction books, and her debut middle grade graphic novel, NEXT STOP, was published by Random House Graphic in 2024. She is also the artist behind POMMO Press, an online art shop selling prints, stationery, and other fun goods.
Debbie lives in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, along with her spouse, cat, dog, and many plants. See more of her work on her website.
Image by Marisa Sias from Pixabay
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