There were a wide variety of stories dealing with different topics related to book banning. From dealing with book banners charges of grooming and pornography. To dealing with the effects of book banning on the larger community. This book also shares many resources about diverse books after each story.

Two of my favorites included Groomer by Bill Konigsberg. I found Groomer important because the author talks about the topic of grooming. Konigsberg talks fact that book banners call him a groomer. This is especially hurtful as he was a victim of grooming himself. As someone with a similar experience I find that it isn't often talked about. I feel like this issue should be brought up more. Especially since it's a charge book banners like to throw around for shock value when it needs real insightful discussion.

The other story I especially enjoyed was Word Warriors by Padma Venkatraman. The story talked about a teacher bringing books into the school and expanding the students worldview. The story deals with the effects of book banners and those like them trying to stop teachers and others for expanding young people's worldviews.

Overall this piece was one of my favorites this month and I'll happily share it with others. Five stars because of the diversity and breadth of the collection as well as the resources provided within. I'll be sure to put copies of this in my Little Free Library.

First of all, I am not from the U.S nor do I live there, however, this book can be applied to most countries as book censorship is also spreading.

As it is pointed out censorship of libraries is pretty much a political maneuver by people aligned with conservative ideologies. By those who can't bear the idea that anyone from a younger generation may learn and understand realities that they don't consider worthy of existence. What groups such as "mom's 4 liberty" do is quite literally anti-intelletual terrorism, plain and simple.

The election results tell us that the next several years will be a fight, a hard one, but there is people such as the authors of this antology, whose words are inspiring despite the circumstances. Their work is inmeasurable, and they have given some really good reccomendations, tips and insights. This book teaches us many things, but one thing is clear: organise, develop a community and share.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This book has some great authors’ views along with various books that have been banned over the years. One book even got banned cause the author’s last name is Gay! I think the people that bring complaints about books and want them off library shelves; need to actually read the books in question. Too many people see what others have said online or read reviews and go off that. Sadly the average adult reads one book a year, if they even pick up a book. Yet you’ve got people outraged over books that they want banned yet have probably never bothered to read it.

Such an important book in this terrible time of book banning. Hearing directly from the authors who are the target of frequent bans was extremely powerful. I only wish that people who think books should be banned would read this book.

It’s sad a book like this had to be created. But since it had to be I am glad it was. I would like to start by saying thank you for the ARC. This book was so beautifully done. Aimed for younger readers but definitely something adults can enjoy to. It dives into several author stories of how their life stories are being banned from library shelves and how they and their fellow readers are standing behind them to help. This book gives stories from authors of poetry, children’s books, graphic novels, autobiographical stories and so much more and how their stories of racism, bigotry, navigation thru life as a trans person and more are being ripped from shelves claiming it “hurts our children”. This book tells the reader how they can help keep these books from being banned and keep them in the hands of people that need these stories.

this is one of those books that are necessary, but upsetting that they’re necessary. these authors shouldn’t have had such awful experiences; books should not be at risk of being banned, period, but especially not ones with hardly any “problematic” content at all. reading this was difficult, especially as a school librarian in training. i could feel myself tearing up, having to put it down before picking it up again. but, at the same time, it was so powerful. it’s difficult to put into words how important this book, and fighting against bans is.

I love this book, I love how it includes information on banned books and libraries as well as the short stories. Beautifully put together and honestly I cant wait to add it to my shelves. I recommend it to a local librarian in my area who also loves the premise. This is a must buy, must read book in this day and age. It gives facts as well as personal experience. We need more of this type of book on the shelves and in this world. I am buying a hard cover first chance I get.

These are good looks into what authors have had to fight for to have their stories be out there.
Everyone deserves to have their story heard and to see themselves in a story.
A good collection to educate about book bans.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

An interesting premise but would take some selling to students. This title would definitely be helpful to librarians and teachers, particularly the author feedback and responses. A worthy addition to teacher and librarian training widening he scope of traditional views.

I think the book has a great idea for a premise. But I think it doesn’t do enough to hold the readers’ attention. The stories need more emotion and depth. The factual parts feel too heavy handed. I am not sure u see most readers sticking with it.

It's hard to rate this book. There are so many important facts and resources in the book but the stories/poems by the included authors fall short.

A book like this shouldn’t have to exist, but unfortunately it does. This is powerful collection of essays, fictions, poetry, comics, and information from a range of award-winning YA authors who have all had books challenged or banned.

I won’t write anything in this review that these authors haven’t already said better than I could. As a teacher these are powerful words which both teens and adults need to read and understand. The pieces in this collection reveal the insidious and ignorant goals of those who try to get books banned, and the authors here are quick to point out the inaccuracies, contradictions and harmful consequences of book challenges. It’s a measured and yet deeply emotional response to the hysterics plaguing school board and local government meetings.

I’m Australian and we have yet to see the waves of book challenges that America is facing, and this book is upsetting. It’s meant to be upsetting, to confront us with the realities that young people face and the dangers of not being able to read similar experiences of people who have endured the same. Young people need to read stories that are real and relevant, to show them that the world is a crazy, scary place and to teach them the tools to deal with that. No sanitised approach is going to do that. It’s upsetting to read that book banners want to erase history, as if by covering up racism, abuse, assault, violence, genocide and protest, they can pretend these things never happen. To tell young adults that everything is perfect in the world is to lie to them. To deny diversity, neurodivergence, and queerness is to harm young adults searching for the voices who share what they feel and experience – and sometimes this can save their lives.

An important element of this book is the lists of great banned books you should be reading, and links to access free resources to fight back against book banners. I hope that anyone reading this collection goes in search of these books and supports the authors.

A few extracts which stood out to me:

“Young people are often asked to accept at face value whatever adults say is the truth…they have forgotten that young people like you are capable of critical thought and leadership.” – Isabel Quintero

“I’d hoped that we had moved beyond the flimsy sexual education discourse that reduces people to paper hearts, that considers a normal human urge pornographic, that treats as taboo and experience connected to the existence of every person on the planet.” – Kelly Jensen

“Regardless of their age, children are not property: they are people, and have rights of their own.” – Robin Stevenson

“It’s easy to see the absurdity of treating speaking up about harm has if it were the harm itself. But that’s exactly what book banners are doing when they insist that it is dangerous or damaging for students to read books addressing painful topics.” – Ashley Hope Perez

I thought this was a great overview of book banning and why it matters to fight it. It was entertaining and informative and I will purchase a copy for our library.

In this era of increased book bans and attempts at censorship, Banned Together is a shining beacon of hope and resistance.

Young people have forever been a scapegoat, a convenient excuse for the book banner's bevy of complaints. Accurate and well-sourced American history, discussions of racism/prejudice, LGBTQ+ content, sexual content, etc. — we simply *can't* have our innocent children exposed to these things, right?! Except that all of us (including our children) are living in a world where these things exist, impacting our daily lives. Books are the mirrors to reflect them, and some people simply don't like that.

Banned Together takes young people seriously, respectfully and with dignity, starting with the crucial assumption that they are intelligent and curious people with minds of their own. From essays to comics and poems, this anthology presents the concept and consequences of book bans in an engaging, accessible format for teens/young adults. The stories are real and raw, never shying away from the impact a book can have on both its author and its reader. With every entry, I thought I'd found a favorite only to love the next one just as much.

Although it is aimed at younger readers, Banned Together provides useful information and resources throughout that are helpful to everyone involved in the fight against book bans. If you're a parent, this should be required reading for your kid; request it at your local library, or buy an extra copy and put it on your local tiny free library. It is a necessary glimpse into censorship, the everyday heroes standing up for what's right, and the young folks fighting the good fight.

(Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.)