130. Roar for Reading

Roar for Reading. Beth Ferry. Illustrated by Andrew Joyner. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] 

First sentence: The history of lions and libraries is long and curious. No one knows exactly how or why the first lion came to the first library. It may have been because libraries were once small, and books were once rare. And who better to guard something rare and precious than someone who could roar?

Premise/plot: A lion and her cub are outraged to learn that some books are being banned from the library so they decide to roar to let their voices be heard.

My thoughts: Some books preach to the choir. This is one of those books. It is an agenda-driven book with a thinly-fleshed-out story attached. Labeling a book banned is essentially a way to get wider readership. It is free advertising for everyone concerned. I wouldn't be surprised if it keeps some books in print and circulation. In some ways, any PR is good PR. I mean merely that having a book on a banned book lists gets it readers that it might not otherwise get. It is essentially saying: read this book, you'll like it.

On the one hand, I don't like to read books with heavy-handed hammer-banging. On the other hand, I am not in support of banning books.

It is a complex issue with room for LOTS of confusion. It is a LAYERED subject that is often over-simplified. For example, I don't think it is recognized enough that it isn't just one group, one organization, one institution, one mindset, one worldview "doing" all the book "banning." ANYONE from ANY group, ANY individual can be an advocate for banning a specific book. 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers