P is for Property

I’m doing folklore and book review posts to reach and please a larger audience. Previous years have shown select interest in both and to minimise blogging throughout the year, I’m focusing my efforts on April.

Focusing on an A to Z of my TBR (to be read) list, each letter will have books starting with that letter on my list, a book I’ve read and reviewed (with the review!) and one of my books matching the letter with a link about more info about the book.

If you’d rather check out my folklore post for today, go here.

My TBR

About the Book I’ve Read

Property of the Rebel Librarian by Allison Varnes

When twelve-year-old June Harper’s parents discover what they deem an inappropriate library book, they take strict parenting to a whole new level. And everything June loves about Dogwood Middle School unravels: librarian Ms. Bradshaw is suspended, an author appearance is canceled, the library is gutted, and all books on the premises must have administrative approval.

But June can’t give up books . . . and she realizes she doesn’t have to when she spies a Little Free Library on her walk to school. As the rules become stricter at school and at home, June keeps turning the pages of the banned books that continue to appear in the little library. It’s a delicious secret . . . and one she can’t keep to herself. June starts a banned book library of her own in an abandoned locker at school. The risks grow alongside her library’s popularity, and a movement begins at Dogwood Middle–a movement that, if exposed, could destroy her. But if it’s powerful enough, maybe it can save Ms. Bradshaw and all that she represents: the freedom to read.

Equal parts fun and empowering, this novel explores censorship, freedom of speech, and activism. For any kid who doesn’t believe one person can effect change…and for all the kids who already know they can!

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

It’s one of those books that make you angry: the parents who rip out “inappropriate” pages from books, change endings (no-one can die, get ill, etc.), and remove books from the school library for being “harmful to children”.

Why not let them read books that are deemed age-appropriate by the trained librarian? Why not trust that reading about different people and different situations broadens horizons, breeds empathy, and makes people think?

Oh, because doing anything like that threatens authority.

*Breathe* This can quickly turn into a political rand and censorship.

I like that June learns that one shouldn’t change for anyone, what the warning signs are of an abusive romantic relationship, makes more friends, and learns that parents are people who can make mistakes.

The way everyone became desperate for books, how June found and distributed books, and all the “illicit” reading was fun to read about.

I wanted to know what happened to Matt after he did what he did. And Madison? What’s really going on there?

Though I’ve read and enjoyed most of the book the Rebel Librarian shared, some might be problematic now because their authors have become embroiled in scandals. There are other books about magic schools, alternate realities, and scary places that can be read instead (a look through the Goosbumps catalogue ought to fill the gaps).

This book made me laugh, feel angry and sad, had me wonder which books I’d share if I were a Rebel Librarian, and even think about what made parents want to wrap their children in so much bubble wrap they’d smother them.

A good book.

My Book

Power Players of Faerie (Origin of the Fae #3)

I hope you enjoyed this. For more books I’ve read and reviewed, check out either my Pinterest board about reviews or my Goodreads profile. Alternatively, you can check out my reviews on BookBub. Have you read any of the books? Loved or hated any of them?

You can now support my time in producing book review posts (buying books, reading, writing reviews and everything else involved) by buying me a coffee. This can be a once-off thing, or you can buy me coffee again in the future at your discretion.

*FYI, my reviews are my honest opinion and if something bothers me, I tell it straight. How else will anything change? My opinions are based on being a voracious reader and book buyer, not an attack on the author.*