Banned Book Week celebrates the freedom of speech by encouraging the public to read controversial books and promoting respectful dialogue on challenging modern issues. Few people would debate the legitimacy of such an idea, but the situation becomes much more challenging when it comes to children’s books. Some believe publishers take a more conservative stance in the content of their picture books while others would prefer the sheltering of young people to remain entirely within the discretion of caregivers.
Children are certainly the foundation of the future, so the media we expose them to matters from the very start. According to Pew Research Center, between 80-90% of children grow up to agree with their parents’ political and/or religious values. While media such as picture books certainly influence children’s values, it’s important to remember that banned books are not primarily political issues and that book banning is a separate issue from propaganda opposition (in fact, historic propagandists tended to encourage the banning of books)
Encouraging the end of picture book banning is not a movement encouraging children to read books that lead them to a certain political or ethical ideology. Rather, encouraging families to explore banned books is a movement that encourages empathy and rational thinking in young people. By investigating new and different perspectives in children’s literature, parents and educators can encourage well-rounded and open-minded children, who will grow into sensible, just, and empathetic adults.
To encourage the reading of banned children’s books this week, we invite Yonkers families to complete our Banned Book Bingo activity. By reading four banned books, you will be exposed to four previously silenced voices and support the survival of free speech in the US. Also, as a fun incentive, all our winners will receive a fun prize by returning their completed card to the Children’s Desk.
You can print any one of the Banned Book Bingo cards here, and view a list of the Bingo books below. Happy reading!
- Separate is Never Equal
- We Are Water Protectors
- I Am Enough
- Your Name is a Song
- Hair Love
- Brave Girl
- The Proudest Blue
- And Tango Makes Three
- Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
- Jacob’s New Dress
- Everywhere Babies
- We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
- All Because You Matter
- Dreamers
- The Whispering Town
- My Papi Has a Motorcycle
- Red
- I am Jazz
- Dream Builder
- Fry Bread
- When Lola Visits
- Alma and How She Got Her Name
- Prince and Knight
- The Day You Begin
Note: The opinion pieces linked to this article do not necessarily represent the opinions of Yonkers Public Library or any of its employees or staff.
Natalie Varker is a part-time page at the Crestwood Library and a full-time student at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. She is studying elementary education and is especially passionate about child growth and development, special education, and children’s literature. Her free time is spent reading, watching, and talking about her favorite rom-coms.
Z is the Branch Manager at the Crestwood Library. She enjoys cultivating library experiences for patrons of all ages and connecting people with resources and has been doing so for over 30 years.