Celebrating the Freedom to Read

What do Captain Underpants, Harry Potter, and To Kill a Mockingbird have in common?  They're all banned books!

Some of the other most "challenged books" of 2018 according to librarians and teachers across the country are:

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Reasons: banned and challenged because it was deemed “anti-cop,” and for profanity, drug use, and sexual references

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Reasons: banned, challenged, and restricted for addressing teen suicide

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Reasons: banned and challenged for sexual references, profanity, violence, gambling, and underage drinking, and for its religious viewpoint

Which brings me to the classics...here are the top ten:

1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

2. The Catcher in the Rye

3. To Kill a Mockingbird

4. Bridge to Terabithia

5. The Lord of the Flies

6. Of Mice and Men

7. The Color Purple

8. Harry Potter Series

9. Slaughterhouse Five

10. The Bluest Eye

Banned Books Week 2019 will be held September 22 – 28. The theme of this year’s event proclaims “Censorship Leaves Us in the Dark,” urging everyone to “Keep the Light On.”

Pick up a banned book this week and celebrate the freedom to read!!

Silver, Steam, and Lasagna at MidSouth SCBWI Conference

I had another amazing time at the Annual MidSouth S.C.B.W.I. Conference this weekend!

Highlights were, of course, seeing old and meeting new writing pals.  (As anyone can attest, writing can be a lonely business, so collaboration and support are so important).  I also had the honor of monitoring Dave Connis's presentation, "How Characters are Like Lasagna" on the multilayers of character building.  And finally, the conference culminating festivity - the Silver and Steam Gala Dinner, which was just tons of fun!  

Love my MidSouth S.C.B.W.I. writing community!!

Dave Connis "How Characters Are Like Lasagna"