I had a poem published October 30th in SHINE International Poetry Series! It’s only my second publication this year, and is one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever written. I wrote it a few years ago, and it reflects my yearning for an impossible whole-body transplant, not to correct my perceived imperfections but because this one is malfunctioning. I’d be honored if you’d give it a read and let me know what you think!
Choice, choices, oh so many choices!
The newest issue of the children’s literary magazine I co-run is out, and it’s on the theme “Choices.” The title of this post comes from a brilliant poem written by eleven year old Bethany Hernandez–my first thought when I read it was, “This is perfect!”–and the cover image, below, is by the same person! The issue is full of adult and kid perspectives on choices, has an author interview, and activity pages. My daughter, Abigail, has a comic in the issue as well. I do hope you’ll read, enjoy, and share with the kids in your life! Also, encourage them to watch out for our next sub call and send us their own writing and/or art.
This issue on choices is meant to be read in tandem with the most recent issue of our adult-focused literary magazine, Epistemic Literary, on “Agency vs. Determinism.” Do all those choices you make matter? Do they make a difference in your life, or is fate the guiding force? We’d love for you to explore with us!
I also thought it might be fun to talk about kids books that center around choices — some favorites that came to mind are “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss, and “Would You Rather be a Bullfrog?”, also by Dr. Seuss but writing as Theo leSeig.
Do you have any favorites? How about books for older kids? Please share!
Take action for Banned Books Week
“Take action” can sound really intimidating, but my ten-year-old and I beg to differ. In honor of Banned Books Week (October 4-10), she created the image above–all of her own accord–for me to share, AND wore her “Read Banned Books” t-shirt to soccer practice on Monday. It’s really that simple!
What is Banned Books Week and why should you care? From Bannedbooksweek.org: “Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools…By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.” Some books are banned for seemingly silly reasons (think I Need a New Butt and Itty Bitty Kittycorn), but many are driven by bigotry, fear, and a desire to suppress truth (think Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, or MAUS). Bannedbooksweek.org goes on: “The most common justifications for censorship provided by complainants were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and covering topics of race, racism, equity, and social justice.”
AND – it’s getting more and more prevalent. Check out these numbers from Authors Against Book Bans:
I believe in giving my kids (guided) access to knowledge, and I believe in our first amendment rights to freedom of speech and expression. In my home we believe in the power of knowledge and truth, and that books are an invaluable tool in attaining and sustaining these goods. We believe in the Freedom to Read and support this week’s efforts to LET BOOKS BE.
If you are looking for more ways to support the freedom to read and join the fight against book banning, here are a few excellent resources:
- Bannedbooksweek.org has a list of actions to take on Let Freedom Read Day (October 10), broken down by how much time they take, starting from just 5 minutes — one is to read a banned book!
- PEN America also has a handy list of actions on their Banned Books Week page.
- American Library Association’s Unite Against Book Bans free Action Toolkit
All of these organizations (and more) have email lists you can join for free to stay up to date on what’s going on in the world of censorship and book banning, and all could use your support to keep doing their work.
Let me know if you’re doing anything for Banned Book Week, or anytime, and share some banned books you love!
