10/09/2026
In honor of Banned Books Week, for “Feature Friday” IRC is sharing two books that can prompt great classroom discussions about the right to read books.
First, is the picture book, “This Book is Banned” Written by Raj Haldar and Illustrated by Julia Patton. Instead of focusing on books, the author creates a playful, silly story that includes things (giraffes, avocados, unicorns, roller skates, etc.) that get “banned” because someone doesn’t like something about them. Illustrating that there is always someone who will not like something in a story, so is that a legitimate reason to ban the story for everyone.
Second, is the chapter book, “Ban This Book” by Alan Gratz. Amy Anne discovers that her favorite book of all time, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg, has been removed from her elementary school library. A parent named Mrs. Sarah Spencer persuaded the school board to ban her favorite book and a growing list of other children's books. Amy Anne, with the support of friends, finds the courage to act. First, subversively—leading to consequences. Then to finally use her voice to advocate for herself and others.
After reading “Ban This Book,” a great activity with upper-grades levels is to write a book challenge/banning policy as a class. If your district has one (check with the school librarian), compare the policy written in class with the district’s policy. If your district does not have a policy, now is a great time to teach kids to use their voice to advocate for one.
I read banned books and all I got was smarter!
