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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
Put the word "librarian" in the title, and of course I am going to check it out! This book would appeal to anyone who loves books and enjoys the freedom of reading (especially middle-grade readers, who are the author's intended audience).
In June Harper's middle school the parents (especially her own who are leading the charge!) have gone off the rails with banning all books from the Dogwood Middle School library that might have any potentially offensive or suggestive content, including any content that may give readers "the wrong idea" (such as any hint of children or teens showing rebellion).
It is an interesting premise and the book starts out as realistic fiction. However, as the actions of the parents and school community get more extreme, the book begins to read as a prequel to dystopian fiction -a community on the brink of complete censorship of its residents. That is until real-life news events (such as the 850+ book list Texas schools are currently being asked to check their shelves for) reminded me that this IS realistic fiction in some communities.
A good read for middle-grade readers who love books and appreciate intellectual freedoms.
~Diana F.
In June Harper's middle school the parents (especially her own who are leading the charge!) have gone off the rails with banning all books from the Dogwood Middle School library that might have any potentially offensive or suggestive content, including any content that may give readers "the wrong idea" (such as any hint of children or teens showing rebellion).
It is an interesting premise and the book starts out as realistic fiction. However, as the actions of the parents and school community get more extreme, the book begins to read as a prequel to dystopian fiction -a community on the brink of complete censorship of its residents. That is until real-life news events (such as the 850+ book list Texas schools are currently being asked to check their shelves for) reminded me that this IS realistic fiction in some communities.
A good read for middle-grade readers who love books and appreciate intellectual freedoms.
~Diana F.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Man, I wanted to like this book SO MUCH. As the owner of a Little Free Library and a lover of books, I thought it would be right up our alley and did it as a read aloud for my two girls. But the plot was full of holes. June’s parents suddenly object to her reading books— pretty much out of nowhere. She’s been a voracious reader for a long time, and the issue of content never came up before? And then, once it does, they don’t just object to certain books, but ALL books? And then only adult in the entire town who is opposed to censorship is the librarian? And, even once she speaks out, nothing changes at all? June’s parents don’t even have a conversation with their daughter about what’s going on. As we are reading my girls are saying “her parents are awful; we hate them.” And other than telling them that we don’t hate, I couldn’t articulate an added dimension to their behavior. We used this as an opportunity to talk about censorship and how grateful we are to read all different kinds of books. But it wasn’t really fodder for a GOOD conversation about censorship, because the book was so unrealistic and lacked nuance.
It was okay. It did some of what I wanted (secret library!) but I wished that this book explored better parent/child engagement and the reason why banned books are bad. It also wasn't realistic - adults are not evil and want to ban all books; some love the books, some don't like them, some don't want their kids to read those books, some don't want ANY kids to read those books.
Eh, I wish it had explored more of those ideas because that's what I would want to know as a 7th-grade reader.
Eh, I wish it had explored more of those ideas because that's what I would want to know as a 7th-grade reader.
This book was a fun, albeit (intentionally) frustrating, read. I loved seeing June grow and learn that it’s okay to be herself and not who she thinks she’s supposed to be. The insanely strict parents were a little over the top, but honestly not that far-fetched. This would be a great book to get kids discussing censorship, protest, and advocacy.
Yes! This book was so good. Even though it is a middle-grade book, everyone can enjoy it. I highly recommend it. Loved it.
This book follows 12yr old June's journey in the bizarre world of censorship...it just seemed so surreal. Like a child's book version of Fahrenheit 451, but in modern-day America.
It just didn't seem realistic at all...no one can actually be like this, right? I mean, the author didn't bring religion into it at all...that would have felt more realistic. Religious zealots censor books because they think things are "inappropriate" with "satanic content" and other such nonsense. That seemed like that would be more in the realm of realism than "too scary."
But then I just found this video by the author: https://youtu.be/ICtdj7FIF5U and she says that many of the things in her book happened to her as a teacher in the past. And the story in her book is basically happening in parts of the US right now. It's absolutely mind-boggling!
I mean, it's 2022, people! I totally understand keeping children from reading books that are meant for adults...THAT makes sense...I mean...children should certainly not be reading erotica or things like real crime books that are written for adults. But CHILDREN'S BOOKS??? Classic children's books, no less!
What struck me the most in this story was just the overwhelming sense of control that the adults in the story felt that they had the right to have over their children. Like the children were not at all their own unique and separate human beings. But that they were like sub-humans or pets or property to be controlled completely.
I had such a hard time rating this book because of the negative emotions that this book invoked in me. Ultimately, I think I liked it, but I also feel like it was very unrealistic in the very over-the-top and across-the-board reactions from the staff and parents in the school. That just bugged me very much. And even if this IS happening somewhere in America right now...I highly doubt that it is across the board like this...with EVERY staff member and parent being on board and zealous like this book portrayed! This was a bit insane and unrealistic, and hence, the 3 star rating.
But I have to say that the children in this book...the bookworms...the ones that rebelled and found books to read despite the rules being forced upon them... and especially June....These characters were so heartwarming to me. Because I was this kid!! I was the bookworm that couldn't get enough books!
The loss that June felt without access to her beloved books...I SOOOOO GOT. Like, I felt it with her. I KNEW what that would feel like.
And her solution...wow, very inspiring! Absolutely love the bravery! Very uplifting and awesome to read!
This story made me think, and it made me feel so very much more connected to my bookworminess and the importance of reading good books! I am taking the book list from this book and seeing what others I should read next!
Even though I am 51, I adore reading kids' books still...and reviewing them on my blog, HomeschoolRealm.com so I love a good book list!!
It just didn't seem realistic at all...no one can actually be like this, right? I mean, the author didn't bring religion into it at all...that would have felt more realistic. Religious zealots censor books because they think things are "inappropriate" with "satanic content" and other such nonsense. That seemed like that would be more in the realm of realism than "too scary."
But then I just found this video by the author: https://youtu.be/ICtdj7FIF5U and she says that many of the things in her book happened to her as a teacher in the past. And the story in her book is basically happening in parts of the US right now. It's absolutely mind-boggling!
I mean, it's 2022, people! I totally understand keeping children from reading books that are meant for adults...THAT makes sense...I mean...children should certainly not be reading erotica or things like real crime books that are written for adults. But CHILDREN'S BOOKS??? Classic children's books, no less!
What struck me the most in this story was just the overwhelming sense of control that the adults in the story felt that they had the right to have over their children. Like the children were not at all their own unique and separate human beings. But that they were like sub-humans or pets or property to be controlled completely.
I had such a hard time rating this book because of the negative emotions that this book invoked in me. Ultimately, I think I liked it, but I also feel like it was very unrealistic in the very over-the-top and across-the-board reactions from the staff and parents in the school. That just bugged me very much. And even if this IS happening somewhere in America right now...I highly doubt that it is across the board like this...with EVERY staff member and parent being on board and zealous like this book portrayed! This was a bit insane and unrealistic, and hence, the 3 star rating.
But I have to say that the children in this book...the bookworms...the ones that rebelled and found books to read despite the rules being forced upon them... and especially June....These characters were so heartwarming to me. Because I was this kid!! I was the bookworm that couldn't get enough books!
The loss that June felt without access to her beloved books...I SOOOOO GOT. Like, I felt it with her. I KNEW what that would feel like.
And her solution...wow, very inspiring! Absolutely love the bravery! Very uplifting and awesome to read!
This story made me think, and it made me feel so very much more connected to my bookworminess and the importance of reading good books! I am taking the book list from this book and seeing what others I should read next!
Even though I am 51, I adore reading kids' books still...and reviewing them on my blog, HomeschoolRealm.com so I love a good book list!!
A wonderful read! Reminds me how important reading, and the freedom to read, is in growing up. A great read for anyone who loves libraries or needs reminded of their importance.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the advance Kindle copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this 9/18/18 release. When June’s parents find a library book that she checked out and insist that it’s too scary for her, she offers to return it. They have other plans. Suddenly, the school library is closed, the librarian is placed on administrative leave, and a group of community members and students have wiped out any books that contain “inappropriate” content. June, appalled, starts running a library out of an empty locker. Before long, she finds herself in over her head.
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I wanted to love this book. The librarian is the hero and the story shows the dangers of censorship. However, I found the whole thing a bit implausible. Not a single adult, aside from the librarian, protests censorship. I simply can’t see an entire school and community of teachers standing for it. Not to mention the fact that the library is immediately closed based on one complaint. While I appreciate that the characters are of a relatable age to middle school (that’s my one beef with Ban This Book), I just didn’t love it like I wanted to.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this 9/18/18 release. When June’s parents find a library book that she checked out and insist that it’s too scary for her, she offers to return it. They have other plans. Suddenly, the school library is closed, the librarian is placed on administrative leave, and a group of community members and students have wiped out any books that contain “inappropriate” content. June, appalled, starts running a library out of an empty locker. Before long, she finds herself in over her head.
•
I wanted to love this book. The librarian is the hero and the story shows the dangers of censorship. However, I found the whole thing a bit implausible. Not a single adult, aside from the librarian, protests censorship. I simply can’t see an entire school and community of teachers standing for it. Not to mention the fact that the library is immediately closed based on one complaint. While I appreciate that the characters are of a relatable age to middle school (that’s my one beef with Ban This Book), I just didn’t love it like I wanted to.
I love the feisty main character because she rings true with my middle schoolers. It poses a serious issue in a manner that is approachable to middle school students--should books be banned?