Scan barcode
sinead_m_s's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
readingrobin's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is probably the third book I've seen with a setup like this: an emboldened young female reader is spurred by book banning in her school that leads her to take up running a banned books library from her locker. The first two, being Ban This Book and Property of the Rebel Librarian, were middle grade reads and slightly a little more lighthearted than this teen read, naturally. They were generally more optimistic, whereas I think here there was a more realistic ending/take of things.
The narrative flows well to the point that you could probably get through this book fairly quickly. It's a great way to introduce teen readers to activism as well as the basics of book censorship. I like the stance of "your activism must be fueled by something more than anger, it has to build towards something and not just tearing something down." I think a lot of activism prose gets so swept up in dismantling oppressive systems (as one should) that they forget that something must come after, something better. It's a good way to get readers thinking about these issues and discover further reading.
While I mentioned this book having a more realistic outcomethe books stay banned, fired teachers stayed fired, and the private school does whatever it can to keep to the status quo, there are elements that do seem a little out there. All these teens start a reading habit once the library is closed down and write inspirational quotes on the covered covers of the banned books with nary a crude illustration in sight. A bit hopeful depiction of teens, but eh, I'll take it.
Though it's story I've seen before, I think any lover of books with find themselves in Clara. I think it was a bit out there when she started to question the validity of the books she was defending.That whole couple of chapters where she was like "books HURT people" seemed a bit overboard but I'm glad it didn't stick around for too long. But I think she was an effective lead nonetheless.
Of course, I have to end my review with a quote that stood out the most to me.
"The communal aspect of books. They became so close to you, so ingrained in your blood, that it was like they became unpublished....And somewhere between the covers you'd start to think you were the only one who'd ever set eyes on the words, that there couldn't possibly have been another person that book spoke to as much as you."
The narrative flows well to the point that you could probably get through this book fairly quickly. It's a great way to introduce teen readers to activism as well as the basics of book censorship. I like the stance of "your activism must be fueled by something more than anger, it has to build towards something and not just tearing something down." I think a lot of activism prose gets so swept up in dismantling oppressive systems (as one should) that they forget that something must come after, something better. It's a good way to get readers thinking about these issues and discover further reading.
While I mentioned this book having a more realistic outcome
Though it's story I've seen before, I think any lover of books with find themselves in Clara. I think it was a bit out there when she started to question the validity of the books she was defending.
Of course, I have to end my review with a quote that stood out the most to me.
"The communal aspect of books. They became so close to you, so ingrained in your blood, that it was like they became unpublished....And somewhere between the covers you'd start to think you were the only one who'd ever set eyes on the words, that there couldn't possibly have been another person that book spoke to as much as you."
roxymaybe's review against another edition
3.0
Probably a good teaching tool for middle/high school students, but besides that not a particularly compelling story. People who already love books will find it meaningful and call it mandatory reading. I didn't love the titles the protagonist keeps pushing, so it really fell flat for me.
hispoetry's review against another edition
5.0
Can I give more than 5 stars? This book is a reminder of the importance of books and why I do what I do! Loved it!
adrianoanne's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books I read this year, and it's only February!
chris10b's review against another edition
2.0
did not finish @ pg. 89
I hate not finishing books, but this book is trying entirely to hard. Bleh.
I hate not finishing books, but this book is trying entirely to hard. Bleh.
bookmarkedmack's review against another edition
5.0
This book is all about the power of words, and yet, I have none. ∞/5
shelbybrewer27's review against another edition
Ehh , felt shallow. Not a ton of character development in the 60% that I read. Main character feels sorry for herself a lot of the time which was annoying.
papertraildiary's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. I liked the writing but had some issues with the storyline. More thoughts to come.