"The stories we accept shape how we understand the world around us."

At a time when Republicans are blocking attempts to teach basic history in public schools, this book couldn't have come at a better time.

This book tells the true story of Emancipation and the Juneteenth Holiday, something I wasn't taught, and I bet you weren't either.

Change the Ref (CTR) was formed to amplify and support youth efforts and movement building. They use urban art and nonviolent creative confrontation to advocate for the eradication of the gun violence epidemic and to expose elected officials who are bought and paid for by the NRA and gun manufacturers.

According to Marshall University Libraries, an English teacher at Choctaw High School in Florida assigned this book to her senior class students.

But when the book was taught, parents objected…

"How dare you read this book…racism is not an issue in America."

You may have heard about this book during Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation hearing to the US Supreme Court.

That's because Georgetown Day School, just outside of Washington, DC, uses this book to teach about prejudice and racism.

And it just so happens that Justice Brown previously served on their board.

It’s probably not surprising anymore to hear that there are even more banned books for kids, even though, and, let’s be clear…

It should always surprise and scare ALL OF US that there are people in this world who think books should be BANNED.