From October 1 to October 7, 2023, Bel Air High School will be celebrating “Let Freedom Read,” the 41st anniversary of Banned Books Week in the Media Center.
Starting all the way back in 1982, the American Library Association and Amnesty International noticed an alarming increase in the number of books being challenged. Books all throughout history, whether current or old, all are vital resources in developing a further understanding of one’s own world viewpoints.
“No one wants to lose the privilege to read,” says Mrs. Holly Olive, BAHS’s school librarian. Olive is an outspoken advocate in spreading awareness to books experiencing censorship.
Olive has provided input on some books that have caught her interest. One of her favorite banned books is “All the Boys Aren’t Blue” by, journalist and LGBTQ+ activist, George M. Johnson.
All banned books are underrated in their own ways, however. Olive also highlights “Here’s to us”, the sequel to “What If It’s Us,” by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, and “With the Fire on High” by Elizabeth Acevedo.
There are so many challenged books to the point where any and all topics get covered, from “Lawn Boy” by Jonathan Evison, all the way to “Drama,” by Raina Telgemeier.
Ask your local librarian what they suggest starting when getting into banned books based on your personal preferences.