 Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is one of those books that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. Set in the dystopian Republic of Gilead, a brutal theocracy that has taken over the U.S., the story follows Offred, a Handmaid whose only role in society is to bear children for the ruling class. It’s a deeply unsettling look at power, oppression, and the loss of personal freedom, made even more chilling by how plausible it all feels.
What makes the novel especially haunting is that Atwood didn’t invent Gilead out of thin air, every form of control and oppression in the book is based on real historical events. She researched totalitarian regimes, including Puritan New England’s strict theocracy, Nazi Germany’s reproductive policies, and the surveillance-heavy societies of Communist states. Real-world policies like Nicolae Ceaușescu’s forced birth laws in Romania also influenced the book’s depiction of women being stripped of their bodily autonomy. Even Gilead’s rigid language, with phrases like “Blessed be the fruit” and the manipulation of religious texts, is inspired by how real governments have used language as a tool of control. Since its release in 1985, The Handmaid’s Tale has been at the center of controversy, frequently appearing on lists of banned books. Schools and libraries have challenged it due to its depictions of sexual violence, strong language, and themes of oppression and rebellion. However, these are the very reasons why many argue it should be widely read. Atwood herself has pointed out that banning a book about censorship and the control of knowledge only reinforces its message. While it’s not an easy read, The Handmaid’s Tale is an essential one. It’s gripping, thought-provoking, and disturbingly relevant even decades after its publication. Whether read as a warning about the future or a reflection of real-world struggles, it’s the kind of book that forces readers to think critically about power, freedom, and the consequences of complacency. Reserve the book at the library, or the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. We also have the TV show on DVD. Start with Season One! Aimee Clark, IT Librarian
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 Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak is one of those books that sticks with you long after you turn the last page. It follows Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after calling the cops at a summer party. What no one knows is that something terrible happened to her that night, something she can’t bring herself to talk about. As the school year drags on, she withdraws more and more, struggling with trauma, isolation, and the weight of staying silent.
Anderson’s writing is raw and honest, perfectly capturing what it’s like to feel unheard and alone. Melinda’s journey is heartbreaking but also incredibly powerful as she slowly finds her voice through art. It’s a tough read at times, but that’s what makes it so important. Despite its message, Speak has been challenged and banned in schools because of its themes of sexual assault and mental health. Some argue it’s “too mature” for teens, but honestly, that’s exactly why it should be read. Pretending these issues don’t exist doesn’t protect kids, it just leaves them unprepared to deal with them in real life. This book is a must-read, not just for teenagers but for anyone who’s ever felt silenced or ignored. Speak is about survival, resilience, and the power of speaking up, which makes banning it all the more frustrating. Instead of taking it off shelves, we should be making sure everyone has access to stories like Melinda’s. because they matter. Get the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. The library has the graphic novel available for checkout, and you can get the eBook graphic novel. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Friday Night Lights isn’t just a book about high school football, it’s about how a whole town’s identity gets wrapped up in a game. H.G. Bissinger follows the 1988 Permian Panthers in Odessa, Texas, showing how the town lives and breathes for Friday night football. But it’s not all touchdowns and glory. The book digs into tough topics like racism, economic struggles, and the insane pressure these teenage players face.
What makes this book so powerful is that Bissinger doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He captures the highs and lows of small-town football culture, the way people treat these kids like heroes one minute and disposable the next. The players aren’t just athletes; they’re real people with complicated lives, and the book gives them the depth they deserve. Of course, because Friday Night Lights deals with real issues, it’s been banned in some schools. Complaints usually focus on its language or tough themes, but banning it just avoids the uncomfortable conversations it sparks—conversations that are still relevant today. It’s frustrating that a book showing the reality of sports culture and small-town America gets censored just because it’s not always pretty. Even if you’re not into football, this is a gripping, sometimes unsettling read that goes way beyond the game. It’s about dreams, pressure, and what happens when winning is everything. Definitely worth picking up. Get the eBook or audiobook. If you prefer a physical copy, talk to us about interlibrary loan. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Patricia McCormick’s Sold tells the heartbreaking story of Lakshmi, a 13-year-old girl from Nepal who is unknowingly sold into human trafficking. The book is written in short, poetic vignettes that make it a fast read, but don’t be fooled, it packs an emotional punch.
McCormick doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s part of what makes Sold so powerful. It’s raw, gut-wrenching, and painfully real. She did her research, interviewing survivors and aid workers, and you can feel that authenticity in every page. The book doesn’t just highlight the horrors of trafficking; it also shows incredible resilience and the fight for survival. Unsurprisingly, Sold has been banned in many schools. Some claim it's too graphic or inappropriate for young readers, but honestly, that’s the point. Human trafficking is a harsh reality, and books like this shine a light on an issue that people often prefer to ignore. Instead of banning it, we should be talking about it. Yes, it’s a tough read. Yes, it will probably make you cry. But it’s also one of the most important books you’ll ever pick up. If you like stories that challenge you and open your eyes to real-world issues, Sold is absolutely worth reading. Reserve the book at the library or get the eBook or audiobook at the library. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Wishtree by Katherine Applegate is a sweet, thoughtful story about kindness, friendship, and standing up for others. The story is told from the perspective of Red, an old oak tree that has been a part of the neighborhood for centuries. Every year, people tie their wishes to Red’s branches, hoping for good things to come. But when a new family moves in and isn’t welcomed by everyone, Red and its animal friends decide to help in their own special way.
Applegate’s writing is simple but powerful, making this a quick read that really sticks with you. It’s got a great message about inclusion and community, reminding us all to be a little kinder. Some schools have banned it because of its themes of diversity and acceptance, but honestly, that just makes it even more important to read. If you love heartfelt stories with a bit of magic and a lot of heart, Wishtree is definitely worth picking up. Reserve the book here. You can also get the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Iris Chang’s The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve put it down. It covers the horrifying events of the Nanking Massacre in 1937, when Japanese forces invaded the city and carried out brutal killings, mass rape, and unimaginable violence against civilians and prisoners. This isn’t an easy book to read, but it’s an important one.
Chang does an incredible job of making sure this piece of history isn’t forgotten. She breaks it down into three perspectives, the victims, the Japanese soldiers who committed these atrocities, and the foreigners who tried to help. This structure makes the book even more powerful, showing not just what happened but also how it was later covered up or denied. The book has faced some controversy, particularly from those who deny or downplay the massacre, and it has even been banned in some schools. Some argue it's too graphic or politically sensitive, but honestly, history should make us uncomfortable, especially when it involves crimes like this. Banning books like this only makes it easier for history to be forgotten or rewritten. That said, some historians have pointed out a few factual errors, and the book has been criticized for emotional intensity over academic neutrality. But that’s part of what makes it so impactful, Chang doesn’t just present facts; she makes you feel the weight of what happened. This is a tough but necessary read. If you care about history, justice, and making sure tragedies like this aren’t erased, it’s worth picking up. Just be prepared, it’s not something you can breeze through. Download the eBook with your SPL card. If you prefer a hard copy, talk to us about interlibrary loan. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is a short but unforgettable story about two friends, George and Lennie, trying to make a better life for themselves during the Great Depression. They dream of owning land, but life doesn’t go easy on them, and things take a heartbreaking turn.
The book has been banned in some schools because of its language, racial slurs, violence, and tough topics like sexism and disability. Some think it’s too harsh, while others say it’s an important look at the struggles of the time. No matter how you feel about it, Of Mice and Men is one of those books that stays with you. It’s about friendship, dreams, and how unfair life can be, but that’s what makes it so real. Check it out at the library. Get the audiobook narrated by Gary Sinise or the eBook. We also have the DVD of the movie starring Gary Sinise and John Malkovich. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Raina Telgemeier’s Drama is a fun and heartfelt graphic novel about middle school, theater, and first crushes. Callie, a theater-loving set designer, juggles backstage challenges, friendship drama, and a crush on a boy who might not even like girls.
With bright, expressive artwork and relatable characters, Drama captures the excitement and awkwardness of middle school perfectly. The book's LGBTQ+ representation has led to bans in some schools. A must-read for theater fans and graphic novel lovers! Reserve the book here or the eBook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi is a fun, colorful, and meaningful picture book that helps introduce young kids to the idea of fairness, inclusion, and standing up against racism. With nine simple steps, Kendi encourages little readers (and the adults reading with them) to be aware of racial differences, challenge injustice, and embrace kindness.
The book’s bright and bold illustrations by Ashley Lukashevsky make it super engaging for kids, and the rhyming text keeps things fun while delivering an important message. It’s a great starting point for parents who want to have early conversations about race in an age-appropriate way. Even though Antiracist Baby is meant to promote positive values, it has been banned in some schools and libraries for addressing race and social justice. But that’s exactly what makes it such an important book. It encourages open conversations and helps raise thoughtful, compassionate kids. This is a great pick for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to introduce kids to big ideas in a simple, engaging way. It’s a book that sparks important discussions while keeping things fun and accessible for little ones. Reserve it at the library! Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  I Am Alfonso Jones is a graphic novel that hits hard. Alfonso is a Black 15-year-old boy with big dreams, but his life is cut short when he’s wrongfully shot by an off-duty cop after a hanger is mistaken for a gun. In the afterlife, he meets other victims of police violence, while his family and friends fight for justice back home.
The story is raw, emotional, and eye-opening, with powerful artwork that brings it to life. It’s been challenged in some schools for tackling police brutality and racial injustice, but that just makes it an even more important topic to discuss. If you’re looking for a book that makes you think and feel, with great art to boot, this one’s a must-read. Check it out at the library. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Sharon M. Draper’s Blended is a powerful and relatable story about identity, family, and figuring out where you fit in. The book follows 11-year-old Isabella, whose parents are divorced, her dad is Black, her mom is white—and she feels like she’s constantly switching between two worlds. As she moves between their homes, their expectations, and even their cultures, she struggles to figure out who she really is.
Draper does an amazing job capturing what it’s like to be a middle schooler dealing with family changes and big questions about race and identity. The story is easy to read but doesn’t shy away from tough topics, including racism and feeling torn between two sides of yourself. There’s even a shocking and emotional moment involving police violence that makes this book especially relevant. Despite its important themes, Blended has been banned in some schools for addressing race, privilege, and police brutality. However, these are exactly the kinds of conversations that make the book so valuable. Draper handles these issues with honesty and sensitivity, making Blended a must-read for young readers and adults alike. Reserve the book at the library or download the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  To Kill a Mockingbird is one of those books that sticks with you. Set in the 1930s South, it’s told through the eyes of Scout Finch, a curious, sharp kid growing up with her brother Jem and their dad, Atticus. When Atticus, a lawyer, defends a Black man falsely accused of a crime, Scout starts to see the ugly side of the world, racism, injustice, and the way people refuse to do what’s right. Harper Lee’s writing is simple but powerful, making big themes like racism, morality, and empathy easy to connect with. At its core, it’s about growing up and realizing the world isn’t always fair, but that standing up for what’s right still matters. The book has been banned and challenged in some schools for its discussions of race, language, and tough topics. Some people think it’s too controversial, but others see it as an important read for understanding history and injustice. Whether you’re reading it for the first time or coming back to it, To Kill a Mockingbird is a book that makes you think, feel, and see things a little differently. Reserve the novel in regular or Large Print. Or, download the eBook or audiobook narrated by Sissy Spacek. We also have the classic movie starring Gregory Peck available on DVD for checkout. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian   1984 pulls you into a world where the government watches everything, controls what people think, and even rewrites history. Winston Smith, the main character, dares to question the system, but in a place where Big Brother sees all, that’s a dangerous game.
Orwell’s writing is unsettling and powerful. We’ve seen nations dealing with real-life examples of media suppression and attempts to rewrite history, making this dystopian story feel eerily close to reality. While it’s clearly fiction, it scratches that uneasy spot where the line between imagination and truth starts to blur. The book has been banned in some places for its political themes, sexual content, and sharp critique of authoritarianism. Some found it too radical, while others just thought it was too bleak. Love it or hate it, 1984 stays with you forever. It’s a must-read for anyone who cares about freedom, censorship, and the dangers of unchecked power. We have the novel as well as a graphic novel if you prefer. There's also an eBook and audiobook available for download with your SPL card. There is also a Spanish edition eBook and audiobook available. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  The Poet X is a powerful story told in verse about Xiomara, a Dominican-American teen who finds her voice through poetry. Caught between her strict religious upbringing and her need for self-expression, she pours her thoughts into her notebook, using poetry to figure out who she really is.
Acevedo’s writing is raw and emotional, making Xiomara’s journey feel real and relatable. The book has been banned in some schools because it talks about sexuality, religion, and standing up for yourself, but that just makes it even more worth reading for adults and youth alike. If you love stories about finding your voice and pushing back against expectations, this one’s for you. Reserve it at the library or get the audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You isn’t a dry history book, it’s fast, engaging, and written in a way that feels like a conversation. Jason Reynolds takes Ibram X. Kendi’s work and makes it super readable, breaking down how racist ideas started, how they’ve changed over time, and how they still show up today. This book has been praised for making tough topics easy to understand, especially for younger readers. But it’s also been banned in some schools for talking about systemic racism and U.S. history. Some critics say it’s too divisive, while others believe it’s an important tool for understanding the world we live in. No matter where you stand, Stamped gets people talking. If you want a fresh, honest take on history and race, this is a book worth reading. Get a copy at the library or download the audiobook. There is also Stamped (for Kids) that was adapted for younger audiences by Sonja Cherry-Paul. Reserve it at the library! Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  |
The SPL StaffWe work here at the library, and we’re into all kinds of books! How Do I Get These Books?See our Quickstart Guides page for information on how to use the online catalog and how to get eBooks and audiobooks for your specific device. You can also contact us there if you need more help!
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