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Ban This Book

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you believe that everyone should have the freedom to read what they want, "Ban This Book" is a hero's tale for you! It's an empowering and heartfelt story about a shy fourth grader who finds her voice fighting back against unfair book bans - perfect for kids who love rooting for the underdog, bookworms who see libraries as safe havens, and even grown-ups who remember sticking up for what they believe in at school. There’s just enough mischief, courage, and camaraderie to spark great classroom discussions and keep pages turning quickly.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers might find the writing style a bit simplistic or think the dialogue doesn’t always sound like real fourth graders. The story has clear lessons about censorship and speaking up, which might feel a little too “educational” or on-the-nose for those who want a subtler, more complex tale. If you're not into stories with strong messages or prefer more action-driven adventures, this one may not be your favorite.

A must-read for anyone passionate about the right to read, "Ban This Book" is a fun, heartfelt middle grade novel that will inspire kids (and adults!) to stand up for their beliefs - especially when it comes to books.

About:

"Ban This Book" by Alan Gratz is a heartwarming story about a fourth-grade girl named Amy Anne who takes a stand against book banning in her school. When her favorite book is removed from the library, Amy Anne and her friends set up an underground library to lend out banned books, sparking a movement for change within their school district. The book beautifully portrays the power of community, the importance of standing up for what you believe in, and the impact of books on people's lives.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and emotional, effectively capturing the perspectives of elementary age children while conveying important themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows a young girl as she confronts book bans at her school, ultimately discovering her voice and rallying her classmates to action.

Setting:

The setting is an elementary school environment that highlights issues of censorship and freedom of thought.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slow but becomes more dynamic as the story progresses, making it enjoyable for readers.
I didn’t know it was missing. Not yet. In my mind, it was still sitting there all alone on the shelf like a kid in the cafeteria waiting for her one and only friend to come and find her. Waiting for m...

Notes:

The protagonist, Amy Anne, is a shy fourth grader who loves books.
The story revolves around the theme of banning books from school libraries.
Amy Anne starts an underground library in her locker to lend out banned books.
The book highlights issues of censorship and freedom of speech.
It includes relatable characters who experience personal growth throughout the story.
There are strong themes of community and support among the children in the book.
The narrative showcases how children can be clever and resourceful.
Amy Anne learns to find her voice and stand up for her beliefs.
The book also subtly critiques the overprotectiveness of some parents.
Principle Banana is depicted as a well-meaning but clueless administrator.
The story emphasizes the importance of accessing information and literature.
It has emotional moments but maintains a fun and engaging tone.
Many readers, including adults, find the book relevant and impactful today.

From The Publisher:

You're Never Too Young to Fight Censorship!

In 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 that will make you laugh and pump your fists 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.

Ban This Book is a stirring defense against censorship that's perfect for middle grade readers. Let kids know that they can make a difference in their schools, communities, and lives!

"Readers, librarians, and all those books that have drawn a challenge have a brand new hero…. Stand up and cheer, book lovers. This one's for you." -Kathi Appelt, author of the Newbery Honor-winning The Underneath

"Ban This Book is absolutely brilliant and belongs on the shelves of every library in the multiverse."-Lauren Myracle, author of the bestselling Internet Girls series, the most challenged books of 2009 and 2011

"Quick paced and with clear, easy-to-read prose, this is a book poised for wide readership and classroom use."-Booklist

"A stout defense of the right to read." -Kirkus Reviews

"Gratz delivers a book lover's book that speaks volumes about kids' power to effect change at a grassroots level." -Publishers Weekly

August 2017
256 pages

Ratings (1)

Loved It (1)

Reader Stats (5):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (3)
Did Not Finish (1)

About the Author:

ALAN GRATZ is the author of many critically-acclaimed books for children and teens, including Samurai Shortstop, an ALA Top Ten Books for Young Adults; Prisoner B-3087; The Brooklyn Nine; Refugee; and the League of Seven trilogy (The League of Seven, The Dragon Lantern, The Monster War). A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Alan is now a full-time writer living in western North Carolina with his wife and daughter.

 
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