Unban Coolies

Dive into our interview with the acclaimed author, Ashley Hope Pérez. Ashley, is honored with the Printz Honor, the Tomás Rivera Book Award, and the Américas Award, as she takes us on an in-depth journey into her powerful novel, "Out of Darkness." Ranked as the 4th most banned book in America, this masterpiece has not only garnered prestigious accolades but also ignited essential conversations aro...

Dive into a conversation with Carolyn Foote, a revered Texas educator who has dedicated 39 years to teaching and library services. As the co-founder of Texas Freadom Fighters, she's championed intellectual freedom and the irrefutable right to read. Awarded as a White House Champion of Change and recognized by esteemed platforms like People Magazine and The Guardian, Carolyn's journey intertwines r...

Kasey Meehan, the Freedom to Read Program Director at PEN America, a leading organization dedicated to protecting students' rights to access diverse literature in schools. The discussion revolves around banned books, censorship, and the importance of preserving literary freedom. The conversation touches on personal experiences with books, banned book recommendations, common reasons for book bans,...

Join us in this enlightening conversation as we delve into "The Urgent Need for Books that Reflect ALL Voices." Our guest, Caroline Richmond, shares her journey into writing and her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity in literature. Discover the impact of banned books and how "We Need Diverse Books" is making a difference. Learn about strategies, challenges, and ways you can get invo...

Chris Soentpiet is a highly acclaimed illustrator renowned for his exceptional work on numerous multicultural children's books. He boasts an impressive array of accolades, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work and the Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year. Notably, his contributions have also been recognized with the International Reading Association (IRA) Book Award for t...

Kia Brown-Dudley is currently the Director of Programs and Partnerships at The Education Partners. In this interview, she discusses her journey into advocating for literacy, her involvement with ILA, and their efforts to combat censorship. Highlights include: - Kia's expertise includes professional learning, research-based reading programs, and advocating for transparency and equity in education....

Deborah Caldwell-Stone, the director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom at the American Library Association (ALA), discusses various aspects of book censorship and intellectual freedom. She emphasizes the ALA's commitment to defending the right to read and ensuring access to diverse and controversial literature. The video covers topics such as age-appropriate content, challenges in the digital...

Hear the inspiring librarian, Martha Hickson from Annandale, New Jersey, who's more than just a guardian of books! She's a fierce advocate for the freedom to read, especially when that right was on the line right in her own high school library. Shes been recognized with the Intellectual Freedom Award from the American Association of School Librarians and the 2022 Outstanding Librarian Award from t...

Interview with Mikki Kendall author of "Hood Feminism", is a thought-provoking book that critically examines mainstream feminism's shortcomings in addressing the unique challenges faced by women of color, especially those from marginalized communities. Kendall argues that mainstream feminism often prioritizes issues that primarily affect white women, neglecting the broader needs of women of color,...

In this episode of the Unban Coolies podcast, host Christopher Lau delves into the contentious issue of book bans. Using George Orwell's "1984" as a starting point. Lau discusses the themes of censorship, surveillance, and the consequences of restricting diverse voices in literature. He examines recent incidents of book banning in schools, the motivations behind these bans, and their impact on mar...

The shortage of Black librarians in the United States stems from a historical legacy of exclusion, limited access to quality education and professional development, the absence of visible role models and mentors, unconscious biases in recruitment processes, unequal salary structures, unwelcoming work environments, and broader systemic racism. These interconnected factors have led to a lack of repr...

Yin’s message to Moms for Liberty as to why her book COOLIES is banned. Do you think her delivery was tactful and diplomatic? Is her message effective way to get her voice heard? Moms for Liberty is a grassroots organization that advocates for parental rights, limited government intervention in education, and individual freedoms. It was founded by a group of mothers in the United States who are co...

It’s time to unban those amazing books and embrace the richness and beauty of our diverse literary universe. So join me on this journey, and together, let’s make a difference! Welcome to Unban Coolies!

As Associate Director for EveryLibrary Peter Bromberg brings over 30 years of library experience to his work advocating for libraries on local, state, and national levels. He provides pro bono consulting to librarians, boards, associations, ballot committees, and watchdog groups, helping them to fight censorship through the use of effective messaging, political strategies to build coalitions and c...

Linda Trott Dickman served as a children’s librarian for over 40 years between public library service and school library service. She is the author of five books; Robes, the Art of Being Covered, The Air That I Breathe, Road Trip, Road Trip2: On the Road Again, and Catching the Light a book of poetry prompts for children of all ages. Linda is the coordinator of poetry for the Northport Arts Coalit...

Nick Higgins is the Chief Librarian at Brooklyn Public Library in charge of public service across Brooklyn. In concert with other members of the senior management team Nick leads the leads the development of transformative library services and spaces for the residents of Brooklyn. He discusses BPL’s Books Unbanned.. the initiative is a response to an increasingly coordinated and effective effort t...

I was visiting Lake George and since I was in town wanted to get perspectives from librarians on book banning. I used the book COOLIES as a point of reference.

Former vice president and editor at large of Philomel Books, Patricia Lee Gauch is now a fulltime writer and lecturer. She has authored more than 40 picture books and novels for young readers. Patti holds a doctorate in English literature, taught children’s literature and has reviewed for the New York Times. Patti has edited three Caldecott books, including Owl Moon by Jane Yolen and John Schoenhe...

Joe DeSantis is a well-known business owner in Florida. His last name is synonymous with the current governor of Florida which state has at least two bills that are allowing for sweeping changes to banning books in schools and libraries. He’s all for book banning but against COOLIES being on the book ban list.