We recently had the pleasure of joining Honorary Chair Jason Reynolds for a #BannedBooksChat on Twitter. Ever the advocate for reading, especially among young people, Reynolds proved why he’s such a powerful voice in publishing today. Some highlights from the #BannedBooksChat:

Q1: #BannedBooksWeek is all about celebrating the freedom to read, but a lot of young people need extra motivation to read. What are some ways we can encourage a love of reading as we work to defend the right to do so? #BannedBooksChat

A1: I think about this all the time. We first have to accept that sometimes "books" as objects can be intimidating. So what if we allow more freedom when it comes to even how we think about reading. A lot of us have been screaming this for years, but…EVERYTHING COUNTS. https://t.co/1FhJV9h8k9

— Jason Reynolds (@JasonReynolds83) August 2, 2021

Q2: In the past few years, nearly every book on the @OIF #BannedBooksList was aimed at young adult audiences. What drives these attempts to ban young people’s literature, and how do we counter it? #BannedBooksChat

A2: I think books for young audiences are banned most often because many adults (in their infinite fear) believe it's better to shield young people than to help young people grow to become shields for others. #BannedBooksChat

— Jason Reynolds (@JasonReynolds83) August 2, 2021

Q3: This year’s @OIF #BannedBooksList (bit.ly/2xB4MfQ) includes titles that address racism, share BIPOC stories, and center on LGBTQ+ characters. What advice do you have for defending these stories from censorship? #BannedBooksChat

A3: For the writers, let's keep writing. I think it's okay for work to be challenging, without it being challenged. Our jobs are to do that, IMO. #BannedBooksChat https://t.co/6AGaPiAwxO

— Jason Reynolds (@JasonReynolds83) August 2, 2021

Q4: Several states have passed or are considering laws that limit teaching related to race and gender in schools (https://ncac.org/news/divisive-concepts-statement-2021). How does singling out and censoring these ideas harm students? #BannedBooksChat

A4: Oof. It harms kids the same way not teaching what's actually in our food harms kids. The fear is that if they knew what was in a McNugget, they wouldn't eat McNuggets, when really that should be the goal. #BannedBooksChat https://t.co/lIOuEjFQAz

— Jason Reynolds (@JasonReynolds83) August 2, 2021

Q5: The theme of this year’s #BannedBooksWeek (Sept 26 – Oct 2) is “Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us.” What are some examples of books that bring us together? #BannedBooksChat

A5: They all have the potential to. Even if it's just for discourse. #BannedBooksChat https://t.co/MQx7w3bnEt

— Jason Reynolds (@JasonReynolds83) August 2, 2021

Q6: How do you plan to celebrate #BannedBooksWeek and the freedom to read in your community? #BannedBooksChat

A6: By reading whatever I wanttttt. And, by continuing to show up for the youngins. I'm telling yall now, whatever questions they ask during q&a at your school, I'm answering honestly. I'm always gonna honor the kid despite all this extra noise. Is what it is. #BannedBooksChat https://t.co/hmfP3ytSTw

— Jason Reynolds (@JasonReynolds83) August 2, 2021

A6: MARK YOUR CALENDARS: We’re going to be LIVE on Facebook with @JasonReynolds83 on Sept 28, 1pm EDT! Watch this space and https://t.co/NU625h1I5l for details! #BannedBooksChat

— Banned Books Week (@BannedBooksWeek) August 2, 2021

Many thanks to Reynolds and everyone who joined the chat. Read the full #BannedBooksChat archive below, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for our live event with Banned Books Week Honorary Chair Jason Reynolds, taking place at 1:00 p.m. EDT on September 28!