Books Distributed So Far…

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

My grandmother, Lynn, was the first in her family to learn how to read, teaching herself by using the newspapers insulating the walls of their home -- a 2-room shack in Appalachia. She ultimately became a professor of English, specializing in reading. She taught me the importance of books. Books are precious. Books should be treasured and never, ever banned. My goal with this fundraiser is to fund, in Lynn’s honor, what I’m calling “The Banned Wagon Project.” Banning books pissed her off, too.

Starting this semester (and for the rest of my teaching career), I will use the money raised to gift any graduating seniors I teach with the banned book of their choice (up to $20). I hope these books will serve as a lasting symbol of the importance of free thought and expression. As the project progresses, I will post on this page a list of books distributed , so donors can see the valuable gifts of knowledge, ideas, and rebellion they are helping to provide.

Book banning is an abhorrent, harmful practice. Whatever small-minded justification is used, attempting to restrict access to ideas is terrible for a free society. The Banned Wagon Project is my way to fight back.

Thank you for any monetary gift you are willing and able to contribute. I'll buy the books from independent bookstores.

Note: I hope to keep this project going for as long as humanly possible. However, should there ever be any unused money at any point, I will donate it to my university library.

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