Book Suppressions in Schools ‘Supercharged’:
How is state legislation across the country influencing book bans in schools? PEN America’s latest report recorded an alarming spike with more than a 28% increase of banned books over the last six months with expanded censorship of themes centered on race, history, sexual orientation and gender.
Most Banned Books of 2022:
The American Library Association released its list of the most frequently banned or challenged books of 2022, with 13 books instead of the usual 10. Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer, a graphic memoir about growing up nonbinary and asexual, once again took the top spot. The other books on the list are:
- All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
- The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
- Flamer by Mike Curato
- Looking for Alaska by John Green
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
- Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
- Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
- Crank by Ellen Hopkins
- Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
- This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
Mysteries, Mercies and Mobs:
Jon Land is back with April’s The Thrill List, which features thrilling new and essential reads from David Baldacci’s Simply Lies, City of Dreams by Don Winslow, T. Jefferson Parker’s The Rescue, Samantha Jayne Allen’s Hard Rain, and more.
New Spy Series From Tess Gerritsen in the Works:
Transworld, a UK publisher, is the proud owner of the rights for two new novels about the retired spy called Maggie Bird, which are written by bestselling author Tess Gerritsen. The first novel, titled The Spy Coast, is scheduled to publish in January 2024.
Sparkling News for Twi-Hards:
Twilight fans will be happy to hear that Lionsgate Television is in early development on a TV series that could bring author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga back to life. Meyer is expected to be involved in the television adaptation, but because the TV series is still in its infancy, not a lot more is known.
Women Overcoming Societal Barriers:
This month, the Women’s Fiction Writers Association celebrated ten women’s fiction titles that showcases 20th Century historical fiction. These books show us their triumphs and losses, their expectations and beliefs, as well as the societal barriers those women overcame.
‘Lessons in Chemistry’ Trailer Reveal:
Apple TV+ gave viewers their first look at the series based on Bonnie Garmus’ Lessons in Chemistry, which is scheduled to premiere this fall. The show is directed by Sarah Adina Smith (Looking for Alaska); stars Brie Larson (Room), Lewis Pullman (Top Gun: Maverick), Beau Bridges (The Fabulous Baker Boys), Stephanie Koenig (The Flight Attendant), and Aja Naomi King (How To Get Away With Murder).
Cedric the Entertainer’s Fiction Debut:
Comedian and actor, Cedric the Entertainer, will make his fiction debut with Flipping Boxcars, which is co-written with Alan Eisenstock, this summer. The novel follows Babe, a charming gambler who decides to embark on a scheme involving trains, hoping to make it rich while dodging federal investigators.
