A review by erine
This Book Won't Burn by Samira Ahmed

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

While this is a very message-driven book, I really enjoyed the character of Noor and her relationships with her sister, mom, and friends. I admit I'm a complete sucker for a book-banning story, and while the example used here is drawn pretty closely from reality, it's hard to encompass the sheer weird variety of book challenges. 

Part of me wanted there to be fewer caricatures and more depth to the book banners. There should have been at least one parent who was genuinely concerned about the content of the books who ended up appreciating that diverse stories have a good purpose. But as it was, we had power-hungry, ignorant, racist, religious extremists. While these unfortunates are also drawn from reality, I think it's important to represent people who change their minds in these stories, if for no other reason than to show it is possible. The closest we get here is Andrew, who is mostly indifferent to the issues with the book challenges, and who tries to do better but still is meh.

I appreciated the librarian representation.