Book Warriors Unite!
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Bess Stein wins the 6th grade election for class president and immediately gets her book vending machine installed alongside her new friend and vice president, June. But when some of the books get removed for being inappropriate, Bess can’t believe it and quickly joins in the fight to get them put back. The biggest voice against the books ends up being Bess’s new friend, June’s mom. The girls end up on opposite sides of the issue and Bess wonders if they’ll ever be on the same page.
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We’ve had a couple of YA books about book banning, but having middle grade representation is equally as important, which is why I’m so happen ES wrote this title. I want to use this with students for a #bookclub and plan on adding it to our 25-26 Battle of the Books. Elly nails it every time, but as a librarian I’m partial to this one 😉

CW: antisemitism, gaslighting, religious bigotry, child abuse

Same Page by Elly Swartz

This was an actual gem of a story! I was lucky to receive an E-copy of this story from NetGalley. Which was super exciting for me - as my first NetGalley book.

I adored this story. From the first lines of the Prologue... "I thought hate was loud and scary, like monsters. Turns out I was wrong. Hate is quiet and wears a cardigan," I knew this book would be powerful.

In Same Page we follow Bess Stein and how she unites friends and librarians to fight a book ban happening at her school.

The themes in this book were so fitting for adolescents and young adults: feeling pressure from friends, from parents, worries, anxiety, having those special family moments, laughing with friends, and the sparks of a first crush. The sense of not knowing how to handle tension with friends and adults. Elly captured all of this so perfectly. I felt for Bess, the main character as she tried to navigate her 6th grade year with conviction and passion. Bess is a warrior who handles so many different issues with real anguish, real excitement, and a real sense of doing what's right - even when it's difficult.

I know this book will help our young people look into themselves with purpose and confidence. That even they can make a difference in their worlds.

One favorite quote was: "holding onto anger changes nothing. She says it's a waste of heart space that only hurts you in the end." What a brilliant message for the students of tomorrow.

Kudos to you, Elly for another exceptionally wonderful story.

Do you believe books should be able to be banned or…
Under no circumstances should books be banned?

This book belongs on your TBR list. Layered with present day controversy – bans on books! Oh hello, let the disagreements begin. Should people be able to choose to read about topics offensive to others or groups of people?
The book (in the book) in question contains contention. Some want it banned from the middle school library. Others don’t believe it’s unethical to ban books. There’s anxiety and meditation. There’s pet therapy (I live across the street to the sweetest comfort dog ever). To top this book off with a cherry, is a question – can you love someone who doesn’t agree with you? After the politically charged times and recent election, this is another layer to the story.
Amazing characters, layers upon layers, and lots of angst makes this book worthy for a book club read!

I have read a few YA books about Book Banning but not many in Middle Grade. Elly turned such a controversial subject as this by turning it into a wonderful discussion where both sides of the coin were shown and this gave me the ability to understand each sides point of view and this is down to Elly's wonderful writing.


Yet there were other issues discussed in the book from bullying, peer pressure and being the best person you can be and stick to your beliefs which Bess did and that made her such a wonderful main character.


For all the above reason Same Page receives 5 big fat stars

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Random House Children’s for the advanced copy. Same Page comes out on January 14, 2025.

As a school librarian, this book was so quotable. I probably highlighted more in this than any other book I’ve read. It speaks to me not just as a librarian, but as a parent who encourages my girls to explore the world of books and learn as much as they can.

Plus - and I’ve always thought this and voice it out loud whenever possible - when you tell a student that they can’t do something, like read a certain book for example, they are one hundred percent going to go out and find that thing that has been banned. This isn’t book related, but goes with the example. When I was in the sixth grade, the movie Jerry Maguire came out. My parents rented the movie and watched it at home. The next day they went out with friends and explicitly told me that I could not watch Jerry Maguire. So what did I do the second that they left? I watched Jerry Maguire. See what I’m saying.

I’ve also had the unfortunate experiences of books I wanted to purchase for the school library I worked at (I am no longer there) get questioned. It wasn’t as big as the storyline in Same Page and it’s not even close to what other school librarians have gone through in the last couple of years, but I still felt impacted…and really angry.

Same Page is the story of Bess Stein, newly minted sixth grade president who has promised her classmates a book vending machine. Bess, her new friend June, who is also the vice president, starts putting together a list of books they want in the vending machine. Their librarian Mr. Jasper, wants it to be an experience for everyone.

“I want every kid in this school to be able to see themselves in the pages of at least one of these stories and for every kind of book to be included.”


But when the books in question get challenged by a parent, Bess starts campaigning to stop book banning. But it turns out June’s mom is the one who started the uproar, and Bess feels pulled in two directions - fight for what is right or continue with a friendship.

“There’s no such thing as neutral, June. Saying nothing isn’t really saying anything at all.”


As the fight continues, Bess, along with Mr. Jasper, who has been let go from the school, start a Book Warriors club that works to get the books back in the hands of people. They begin a community movement of leaving challenged books in businesses in their town. They even go to the school board, where Bess speaks for the group.

“Also, not reading about difficult stuff, not talking about it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist and doesn’t make it go away. I pause and look out into the seas of people. “There is nothing in these books to be afraid of. They cannot hurt you. They can only inform and educate. If you let them.”


My parents didn’t find out that I watched Jerry Maguire until I was much older. What they didn’t realize was that by the sixth grade I was already wandering around the adult section of the library, choosing books that, according to some, would be way over my head or inappropriate for me to be reading. The joke was on them, because even if they didn’t know the extent of what I was reading, my parents allowed me to read without question. I think deep down they knew I was going to watch Jerry Maguire, just like if they tried to tell me I couldn’t read a certain book, I was going to go out and do it anyway.

But that’s me and my family. Many aren’t like that. June’s mom was trying to withhold the books from everyone, and that isn’t right. During the school board meeting, Mr. Jasper the librarian, also spoke to the community.

“I respect your right to restrict access to books for YOUR child. Please respect my right to protect and serve ALL the children in my school in a way that represents ALL their families’ hearts, experiences, histories and beliefs. Kids are smart, strong, and capable of understanding and processing information. Empathy and kindness, growth and acceptance come from children seeing themselves and others in the pages of a book.”


A couple years ago, the small Kansas town that I grew up in had a group trying to ban books. My mom sent me a text about it and asked for my opinion. She probably knew what she was asking for and when she received a novel-sized response, she didn’t seem phased. It wasn’t verbatim, because well, this book is brand-new, but I responded quite the same. One person can’t restrict books for everyone. A parent is in charge of their child, but not the entire community's children. Books are representative of everyone. I wanted to purchase a book on the history of Pride for my former school library because several students have same-sex parents. There were also students that identified as gay. Shouldn’t they be able to walk into their school’s library and find a book that talks about the history of a movement that affects their family or their life? Yes. Yes they should. Shouldn’t a muslim student go to the library and find books that represent their lives and their experiences? Yes. Yes they should. Mr. Jasper was right. Students want to see themselves in books and when we don’t allow those books in a library space, what message are we sending to those kids? You don’t matter. When we should be doing everything in our power, buying every single book that represents them and singing it from the rooftop: we care about you.

Same Page was a fast read. It was well-written and entertaining. As far as realistic fiction goes, it was right on the nose. It didn’t hold back and I appreciate that. This is a great read for a student that is social justice minded and wants to get involved in causes. I’m so glad I was able to read this. It almost makes me miss teaching. Almost…

Same Page is a fantastic novel that c3enters on the timely topic of book banning in our schools. Elly Swartz has masterfully woven a story that examines this topic but also touches on so many more.

Bess Stein is thrilled to be the new sixth grade president and is excited that her idea of a book vending machine was approved. But when many of her selections are suddenly challenged and removed, she decides to speak up. Bess can't understand why her new friend and class vice president June remains silent. June won't speak up about the book ban, or even speak up when she is bullied. she joins a group of "Book Warrior" librarians to help battle the ban. Bess learns from her parents and mentors how to speak up in a respectful manner so that her message is heard, how to keep fighting when you don't see results, and the importance of learning to work on what you can actually control.

The story centers on the right to read what you want, but does show the concerns of the other side. The person leading that fight is shown as irrational and vindictive. But some of her supporters are shown as kind thoughtful people. This story examines the concept of what to do when people that you like or love strongly disagree with your beliefs or opinions about an important topic. This book also examines dealing with how friendships change and the book also touches on meditation for anxiety, the importance of pets for emotional well being.

This middle grade novel is age appropriate for any reader and would make a great read aloud or book club choice that could spark conversations on several topics. I read an advanced copy from the publisher but the opinions in this review are entirely my own. This book is a must read!

In SAME PAGE, class president Bess Stein is excited to select books for a book vending machine at her school with her friend and vice president June. When she learns that some of the books identified to be in the machine are being removed after community complaints, Bess is upset. She is even more upset once she learns that June’s mom is one of the parents behind the challenges to the books, putting a strain on their friendship. Not willing to back down, Bess joins a group called the Book Warriors to advocate for reinstating the books.

Beyond the content about book challenges, the book addresses a wide range of issues from middle grade friendship drama to mental health to complex family relationships and shows a young character standing up for what she believes is right, even though it might come at a cost. The book's important messages about representation and advocacy are made accessible and engaging by framing them within the daily life of a middle school student. A timely and thought-provoking read for middle grade readers.

Same Page by Elly Swartz is a very relevant and timely middle grade book that addresses the issues of book bans. When books are taken out of a school book vending machine, student council president Bess is outraged and makes plans with family and friends to help fight the decision. In addition to the book ban theme, Bess deals with issues of friendship with her new friend and class vice president June.

As a librarian, this book hits so close to home. I’ve had many friends involved in book challenges and know the stress and hate that can accompany them. I appreciate how Elly Swartz dealt with the issue in an appropriate way for the middle grade audience. Thank you for writing such an important and powerful book!

Thank you to Random House Children's and NetGalley for the eARC!

This was a nice quick read that I greatly enjoyed. The topic of book banning is incredibly prevalent for today's youth so it was nice to see a novel centered around such a young character when it came to this topic. I also liked how the main character's friendship with her friend June was interwoven with the main struggles of the story. Some story threads were unresolved or could have been fleshed out a bit more, like Bess' worries that her parents would separate again, or her worries that her BFF Emmy was replacing her. The ending was also incredibly rushed, and I would have liked to see that drawn out more. All in all, this is a nice, topical story that is a worthy addition to any library collection.

Sixth grader Bess is ready for the best school year ever, but things get complicated when books are banned from her school library. She, along with some incredible librarian and book warriors, launches a campaign to stand up for what she believes is right:  Students’ access to information and knowledge.

This book offers so much more than the book campaign. It’s about navigating friendships and sibling relationships. It’s about understanding other people’s views and feelings and listening with respect and compassion. It’s about being brave and using your voice for what matters most to you.

It’s evident that Swartz has only respect for her middle grade readers. Her book, Same Page, addresses the hard realities they encounter in middle school and speaks to these issues with a gentle truthfulness by offering a positive light on the roles of supportive parents and teachers, the power of young voices, and the importance of forgiveness. Teachers ,there are so many excerpt gems that you’ll want to unpack with your students (and maybe even post in your classrooms!). Get this one in the hands of your middle grade readers!

Book banning, complicated friendships/relationships, anxiety and mental health, bullying, and a mix of -phobias and -isms that are clearly generational. This is a highly relevant book that covers some of the experiences currently middle grade aged students are facing on a daily basis. It's not a blueprint on what to do, but it does provide readers that may be experiencing something similar to Bess with the chance to learn how to find their voices and how to fight back in a non-violent manner for the things they believe in. I highly recommend to all.

I loved the complex perspectives at the age level. Just so well done - great conversation starter, thought provoking and representation of a complicated issue.
As the 6th grade president, Bess starts some great programs - including a book vending machine. Students are given a token on their birthdays and other events. Together with the school librarian and her friend, June, also the vice president - books are selected, purchased and fill the vending machine. Someone complains - a bulk of the books are removed.
Life is so complicated - even children's.
I loved Swartz's use of past horrific events such as the Holocaust to highlight some people don't believe it happened. The use of queer titles in the vending machine.
A person's right to all information, even children, becomes the focus point. How do we balance parents' belief system while we become independent thinkers? How is racism, homophobia, etc. perpetuated among generations?

Challenged books, fractured friendships, facing fears, advocacy, self-reflection, & navigating complex emotions/relationships. These are some of the issues & themes sixth-grade Bess Stein must wrestle with in Same Page by Elly Swartz. As class president, Bess is elated when the PTO implements her new book vending machine idea at school. However, after she and her new best friend, June, select the books to be included, June's mom challenges many of the titles chosen. This book is highly relevant and a must-read! Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC.

With a rapidly approaching mid-January release date, Same Page by Elly Swartz is a middle grade novel that should definitely be on your radar or perhaps even pre-ordered already from your favorite local indie bookstore!

I found myself highlighting passages, and marking down topics. This book will make a fantastic book club or read aloud title because it inspires so many possibilities of layers of rich discussion. This includes, but is not limited to: the Book Warriors messages, the meditations to deal with anxiety, the power of pets in regards to our mental well-being, the ponderings of whether you can be friends with or love somebody who disagrees with you in massive ways, the concepts of how change occurs, and how to stand up for things whether or not you see results right away, and the importance of controlling what you actually CAN control.

Additionally, there’s friendship situations and a friend’s crush worthy older brother added into the mix that conveys realistic day-to-day middle school life in a way that readers will relate to and appreciate.

I always find myself engaged in the stories and lives of Elly’s characters, as well as beyond grateful both to have read the words myself and to have her books in the world for our students to read.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review**
**All quotes are taken from the unpublished version of the book, and may differ from the final version.**

Representation:
Anxiety: Avi
Jewish: Bess and her family
OCD: Ginger?

Bess Stein has just become 6th grade president, and is excited about the titles chosen for her new book vending machine. The feeling is short-
lived, however, when she is informed by the school librarian, Mr. Jasper, that a parent has challenged many of the books selected for it. When she finds out who it is, it actually leads her to being mad at multiple people. She teams up with the Book Warriors, a group of local librarians, to fight back by leaving books with notes in them around town, and speaking at a school board meeting.

Bess soon realizes though that people will try to ban books they haven't even read! As she goes around town, she finds out not everyone is on her side. One business owner tells her, "I know enough from the cover," when Bess asks her if she'd actually read the book or knew what it was about.

It is important not to forget, deny, or erase the terrible, dark parts of history and the natural discomfort that comes with that knowledge. Bess' family is Jewish, so there is reference to the Holocaust, and a fear that the book challenger will come for that as well as other historical events next. We learn that her great-grandmother was a Holocaust survivor and on her eleventh birthday, Bess' mother gave her Nana's Jewish Star necklace that traveled along with her sewn into her coat. Now she wears it as a constant reminder of the past, and Nana's strength and courage.

Everyone should be able to see themselves in books at their school and local libraries, even if it makes other people uncomfortable. School is not meant to be a bubble - quite the opposite in fact. It is a place to go to learn things that your parents can't or won't teach you; to decide for yourself who you want to be and what media you want to consume. However, there sure are a lot of parents trying to control and parent everyone's kids. Just parent your own kid!

This is an enjoyable middle grade novel following two sixth graders as they navigate family and societal/social drama, coming of age, and the ever-present stress of how tweens/teens are affected by book bans. Several of my students have asked how books end up banned, and I would definitely recommend this book to them.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book.

Elly Swartz does a great job writing for middle grade readers and this one does not disappoint. Students will love this one.

Sadly this was not my favorite by Elly Swartz! I think this topic has been done better in other books (namely Ban This Book by Alan Gratz) and this one was just a bit too preachy. I did like the complicated relationship between the two friends though; I thought that was very reflective of the middle school friend experience.

Bess and June meet on a camping trip before the start of 6th grade. They become friends & decide to run for class president and vice-president. One of their big platforms is the installation of a book vending machine. Some of the books Bess chooses are brought up to be taken out of the library & banned. June’s mom is one of the people behind the book ban. The girls start to argue and stop talking to one another. Lots more happens, but some things get worked out in the end.

I enjoyed this book. Book banning is a topic I’m passionate about. I thought this was a great middle grade novel. Had some drama, a little crush, family drama & a good social issue. Lots of things late elementary and middle grade will relate to.

Oh my goodness, look at this cover! So many details covered in one image, including Barnaby's sweet face.

I really liked the premise of Same Page -- I had high hopes based on the book's description. There were lots of good things about the story: it was incredibly readable and a lot of the school and family scenes seemed realistic. (I especially liked the sibling relationships for both Bess and June!)

However, as an (adult) child of abuse, I really feel like the story line with June's mom was underdone (and too easily "solved" at the end). I had many run-ins with friends who didn't understand why my home life was different from theirs, why I wasn't allowed to do things, why I was so scared all the time... With Bess's mom being an actual *therapist*, I had hoped there would be more conversations about empathy and being a good friend, instead of blaming June for not being "brave" enough. Bess seems like a really self-involved person (which is probably developmentally-appropriate), and I felt like I had a lot more empathy for June than the author.