About the Podcast

Since 2021, an unprecedented number of Young Adult books, especially ones with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC characters, have been removed from libraries across the country. In this podcast, three teacher-librarians discuss YA books that have been banned in recent years.

We discuss each selected book in two episodes. The first episode illuminates why the book has been banned and why we think it is worth reading. The second episode discusses the book’s characters, themes, and significance in greater detail.

Books are meant to be read.

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Marian*

Co-Host (She/Her)

Marian has been a school librarian for almost a decade and a half, working at the elementary and middle school levels. She has a master's degree in Education with an endorsement in Library Media. One of Marian's treasured pastimes has been accompanying her mom to library conferences and book festivals, where she has gotten to meet some of her favorite authors, including Avi, Judy Blume, Walter Dean Myers, Mo Willems, Jacqueline Woodson, John Green, Rainbow Rowell, Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, Louise Penny, Lisa Scottoline, Bill Bryson, Patricia Polacco, and many others. When not reading or talking about books, Marian enjoys biking, baking, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family.

Dorothy*

Co-Host & Audio Editor (She/Her)

Dorothy has been teaching English electives in a middle school for nearly two decades. She has a master's degree in Education focusing on Library Science. A lover of learning, Dorothy has also studied business, English, writing, and photography. A favorite pastime of hers is going to book festivals of all varieties. She is fond of saying, "I could sit for hours and listen to authors talk about their craft, and I do!" A fan of YA, Dorothy has several favorite authors, including John Green, Tamora Pierce, Garth Nix, Rainbow Rowell, and Philip Pullman. She is also a fan of Doctor Who and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which always deliver great stories.

Alanna*

Co-Host & Producer (She/Her)

Alanna has taught English for over a decade, most recently in a middle school. She has a master's degree in English and specialized in nineteenth-century British literature. Alanna's favorite genres are realistic and historical fiction, and she is a huge fan of YA books. Some of her favorite authors are Jane Austen, Tamora Pierce, Elizabeth Gaskell, Rainbow Rowell, Jacqueline Winspear, Angie Thomas, Casey McQuiston, Jason Reynolds, Elizabeth Acevedo, Becky Albertalli, and Mackenzi Lee. Alanna loves listening to books and podcasts and watching plays and musicals.