Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Set during South Korea’s authoritarian Fifth Republic, Banned Book Club explores censorship, student activism, and the power of reading as resistance. While the narrative may be challenging for some readers without historical context, its striking artwork and compelling true story make it a valuable addition to high school discussions on democracy, freedom of expression, and global history.
When Mac discovers his classroom novel has been blacked out by a censoring teacher, he fights back. Intertwining student activism with the poignant reality of parental mental illness, Amy Sarig King’s The Attack of the Black Rectangles is an empowering masterpiece.
Rushdie recounts the 2022 attack and its aftermath with unflinching honesty, reflecting on trauma, art and resilience. A gripping memoir that invites readers to confront the cost of storytelling in a world where words can inspire both connection and violence.
This graphic novel adaptation of 1984 captures the bleak, oppressive world of Orwell’s classic through stark black, grey, and red artwork. The reviewer shares that the visuals deepen the dystopian atmosphere, though some dark text is difficult to read. The story of surveillance, censorship, and rebellion remains powerful, making this a strong companion to the original novel. Readers familiar with the classic will appreciate the adaptation, while newcomers may find it less impactful on its own.