Let Freedom Read

Over the past two weeks on tour, I've been visiting elementary schools to read my books for the kids. It's not lost on me that these readings--among my absolutely favorite things to do--have happened during banned books week. When we read to kids, we open their minds to new experiences, validate their feelings, build connections, and introduce new ways to look at the world. When books are kept out of their hands with bans, children's worlds get just a little bit smaller.

People are always surprised to learn that some of our most cherished children's stories have been, at some point, banned or challenged. I've rounded up a few of my all time favorite, and most surprising, banned books for kids.

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh was banned in several states for encouraging bad behavior.

Where the Wild Things are by Maurice Sendak has been banned and challenged as being too dark.

Drum Dream Girl and Voice of Freedom have been banned and challenged for representing diverse perspecives.

The Bridge to Terabithia is one of the most frequently banned and challenged books in the United States for its alleged use of inappropriate language, religion and themes about death.

I hope you'll introduce the kids in your life to these if they haven't discovered them already. To learn more about #bannedbooksweek and #letfreedomreadday (that's today) visit bannedbooksweek.org.

Thanks to @watchungbooksellers for creating this great banned books display for young readers to discover.