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Hi guys, I’m home, safe and sound, feeling like a snack! It’s so nice to be back in Australia, but I already miss my U.S. buddies, and all the readers I met on the road. Before I get into the month’s recommendations there is something really important I want to share with you about books. Specifically about book bans. Did you know that book banning surged to record levels last year? In the U.S. 4,349 book bans were recorded across 23 states and 52 public school districts from July to December 2023. One of my greatest fears has been that Australia will go the same way. Recently, in Sydney, Australia, Cumberland City Councillor Steve Christou put forward a motion to remove same-sex parent books from libraries, after claiming there were ‘complaints’ from some families that a particular educational kids book about same-sex parents was at risk of ‘sexualising’ children. Among the many many reasons this is terrifying, it's the issue of censorship and closing off access to information that poses the greatest threat to us as a society, regardless of where you stand on same sex relationships. (And for the record, I stand very much in favour of my children being able to access books that are representative of all the different kinds of families in our society). (Here’s a great article explaining the issue.) If you have a minute, please consider signing this petition and sharing with your friends, because we cannot let this happen in Australia. Books that reflect back the very real lives of community members — no matter their sexuality, race, religion, background — are vitally important. Thank you for reading, for listening, for caring. Now, to the recommendations! Sally x
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