Explore Literature: Banned Books Part 1 (ages 12+)

$180.00
sold out

In this incredibly cool class, we’ll be reading two different books from the American Library Association’s list of Top 100 Banned and Challenged Books; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (#33) and To Kill a Mockingbird (#15). We’ll be discussing how racism was, and is, portrayed in the Southern States, as well as examining the reasons these two books have been banned over the years, along with criticisms of them, both at their time of publication and more recently. In addition, we’ll be addressing the perils of censorship throughout American history, and brainstorming ways we can advocate for a different way. 

As both a teacher and a human, I’ve always been avidly anti-censorship, and I’m beyond excited to start down the road of this epic literary adventure. I know I’ve said this before, but this is seriously one of my favorite things to teach -  kids exploring the muscle of comparing and contrasting, and making connections -  critical thinking for the win!

This class has one creative writing assignment per week, during which students can work independently or team up to create a myth or short story showcasing the theme discussed that week. 

In this incredibly cool class, we’ll be reading two different books from the American Library Association’s list of Top 100 Banned and Challenged Books; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (#33) and To Kill a Mockingbird (#15). We’ll be discussing how racism was, and is, portrayed in the Southern States, as well as examining the reasons these two books have been banned over the years, along with criticisms of them, both at their time of publication and more recently. In addition, we’ll be addressing the perils of censorship throughout American history, and brainstorming ways we can advocate for a different way. 

As both a teacher and a human, I’ve always been avidly anti-censorship, and I’m beyond excited to start down the road of this epic literary adventure. I know I’ve said this before, but this is seriously one of my favorite things to teach -  kids exploring the muscle of comparing and contrasting, and making connections -  critical thinking for the win!

This class has one creative writing assignment per week, during which students can work independently or team up to create a myth or short story showcasing the theme discussed that week. 

Academic Fine-Print for Grownups: Using both “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” we will analyze themes, characters, and societal values. Students will gain insight into the historical, cultural, and artistic context of these texts, as well as the complexities of censorship throughout American history. Students will leave this class with an expanded awareness of the various reasons these books have been banned from libraries around the country, plus a portfolio of 6 short pieces of creative writing.

For your Curriculum Records, we will cover:

  • Historical Context

  • Critical Thinking

  • Classic Literature

  • Philosophy

  • Ethics

  • Creative Writing

Dates and Location:

Section A: Ages 12+ will meet Wednesdays from 11am-1pm EST, and will run from Wednesday, January 15, 2025 through Wednesday, March 5, 2025. All 8 classes will be held over Zoom.

Class Etiquette: I expect and require gentle, respectful language in my classes, and ask that all students come to class prepared to treat each other with kindness. These classes are a great opportunity for your kiddos to practice social/soft skills, with the underlying perspective that we’re all in this together.