Summer is the perfect time to spend our precious moments of free time with a good book. So it’s no surprise that over 13,500 members signed up to read a banned book on our Uncensored reading list. In fact, members have gone above and beyond, suggesting over 200 additional banned titles to our program including favorites like Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and I Kissed Alice by Anna Birch.
We’re stoked that young people are questioning the status quo by picking up banned books, especially during a time when book bans are running rampant across the country. These bans censor the voices and experiences of people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, and more, and we’re not about it, tbh. Plenty of leaders are speaking up about these bans, and even President Obama is pushing back with his summer reading list!
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The summer might be dwindling down (say it ain’t so!), but as we prepare for next school year, we’ve got your back with plenty of banned book suggestions for you to enjoy, reflect upon, and pass on to a friend. Representation matters, and we ♥️books that feature diverse experiences! Join Uncensored today, and help build cross-cultural empathy, one book at a time. 📖
Let’s Do This! DoSomething |
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Exchanging screen time for reading time, we see you flipping those pages! Our DoSomething members are diving in deep with stories written by an array of diverse voices - learning important lessons along the way: |
“I read the book Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, which is a graphic novel about Kobabe's relationship with gender and sexuality. This book helped me to learn about what being an out LGBTQIA+ adult is like. In addition to that, it showed me what others' relationships with gender and sexual orientation look like," said Mallory D., 16 "Being nonbinary and asexual myself, it helped to solidify what I felt, and made me more confident in my identity and my part of the LGBTQIA+ community. When books like this are banned from schools, it is taking away invaluable resources from students. At a high school near where I live, banned books were returned to shelves by student protests, which I would be a part of if and when the situation arises at my school. Reading Gender Queer helped me to learn about myself, and it can help others as well, but only if they have the resources to do so.”
DoSomething member Carley D., 20 said, “1. This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson; David Levithan. 2. As someone in the LGBTQIA+ community this book made me feel heard and also made me feel included. The book was able to show the hardships that different people go through on a deeper level while also having some comedic relief. It was eye opening to hear what others have been through and it also helped me feel like I had people standing with me for my own journey. I am currently about the the LGBTQ+ club at my campus and I plan to bring up the topic of banned books at our next meeting. I think it is important for more people to know about these books. Then with the people in the club we will come up with a plan to reach a even further audience on campus and educate people on why it is hindering to have these books banned.”
We are impressed! Don't hesitate to join Uncensored and have an opportunity at a $1,000 scholarship. Knowledge is power. 🧠 |
BIG news… In Chicago, the Obama Foundation just granted $1 million to fund safe spaces and create fun summer opportunities for young black and brown men. Yay, for safe spaces!
Our hero today… is Robyn Warren, the founder of Geek Girl Strong, a health and wellness brand aimed at helping girls and non-binary baddies build health knowledge with an empowering edge. She also hosts virtual dance parties, so we’ll see you at the next one, right?! 🕺
Clapping back…This week, Elise Joshi, executive director of Gen Z for Change, bravely confronted the Biden Administration over ongoing drilling projects. The video is going viral, and showing that young people will not stay silent about climate change!
Eco-Barbie?… Greta Thunberg is jumping on the Barbie hype in her own way, by using the viral movie to protest a new oil and gas field. She and other protesters used a scene from the movie to get their point across. Genius! 💡 |
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FastWeb Class of 2024 Scholarships
The finish line is getting closer & closer every day. August is the perfect time to start looking into scholarships – your year’s going to be BUSY!
Fastweb has put together the ultimate list of #scholarships for the #Classof2024. High school juniors or current college student? Fastweb has scholarship lists for you, too! |
CollegeXpress Our friends at CollegeXpress are giving YOU the opportunity to earn a $1,500 scholarship, and all you have to do is answer one question!. Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and share your response to the following: What is your favorite song to listen to for the summer? |
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