Welcome to Litsy!

Feeling slumpy so calling it for March. Full of #banned dystopian paperbacks and LGBTQIA+ ebooks to cheer me up.

Edit: +1 Finished The Handmaid‘s Tale late last night/early this morning.

After reading an article with the author about banned books, I read Lawn Boy to see what all the fuss was about. Without giving much away, there's themes of sexual identity & sex, but the book is much more about poverty & how difficult it is to overcome than anything else. I see no reason for this book to be banned. The honest reflection of class in our society could make some uncomfortable, but as the saying goes, “The truth sometimes hurts“.

This has been on my radar a bit, and the audio was available on Libby at just the right time. As for the story…. It‘s pretty character driven, about Mike, a half Latino guy in his early 20s, trying to catch a break while also figuring things a#out about himself, his goals, and his sexuality. Overall, it was alright - the narrator eventually grew on me, but it‘s a shame it gets challenged in high schools for what it is.

When the library loan for a book you forgot you requested because the wait is just so long.
Alright, let‘s give it a go.
Let‘s see how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system. #banned

One of the ALA‘s ten most banned books. I read it because it was challenged in my high school library by a community member. I thought it was an appealing book for teens with lots of humor. It also had a protagonist who was a little lost and searching for direction, which is something that kids need to see.

#Banned LGBTQIA+, claimed sexually explicit
Age: 9-12
Maybe it‘s the narrator, but I didn‘t feel it. Miquel is figuring out how he feels about dating. I think the age range doesn‘t work (better for teen). It is a good book for those immigrant families who face discrimination every day just for being Mexican, let alone testing gay. The book also talks about wanting the dream job, that one job, you want. How he always expects to owe a favor.

Banned Books Week!!!
I am with the #banned
Also known as my new bookmarked tbr pile. I‘ve only read two of these listed book. I think Lawn Boy will be at the top, as I‘ve heard a lot on that one recently. Best to borrow from the library so they see how important it is to share these books.

Not sure why this is a #BannedBook other that its exploration of a half-Latino young man coming out as gay. I‘d call this New Adult over YA.

Mike can seem to catch a break. He quits a job he loves (mowing lawns) because of an exploitative boss. But he struggles to find work after that, and he and his mom can barely make ends meet. Still, his story rings much more hopeful than sad. A great “be true to your dreams” novel.

I borrowed this book from my library (at least I can in my state!) to see what the fuss is about this book and to learn why it is often known for being “the most #banned book”. I can see how individual parents or teachers would be uncomfortable about some of its contents. However the essential “baring the soul” of the author was necessary to connect with people who have these same questions in order to reach out to them and those who love them.

A student drew this of me at work. I'm glad I finally read Blended. I wondered why my students were taking so long to read it, and now maybe I can offer them some more support. It makes a great book club book. Currently #banned in 3 states.