Southwest Festival of the Written Word Presents: Banned Book Panel with Performances from WNMU Students

The American Library Association reported that in 2022, the books challenged were the “highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago”   https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2023/03/record-book-bans-2022. In this time where the freedom to read is constantly being challenged, it’s important to understand these book bans and to celebrate literature. It’s also important to hear student voices about this issue.

On Friday, October 27th from 5:00 to 6:00 PM in the Global Resource Center ABC Room, come hear two of Professor Heather Frankland’s classes address banned books in different ways. Students from the Rhetoric and Composition Workshop class will continue to build on the work they did with the Miller Library for WNMU’s Banned Book Week Event. They will start the panel by presenting on specific banned book selections and authors, such as The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, and The Devil’s Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea.

Then stay for a creative approach to banned books as you watch The Introduction to College English students perform an original 3-Act melodrama in which students rush to save the book, The Hunger Games, from being banned at their fictional high school.

Both classes have been contributing to WNMU’s exploration of Banned Book Week whether that be by creating sidewalk art of another banned book, The Alchemist, or as part of the annual event organized by Miller Library and The Humanities Department. Now, they are showcasing their hard work to a larger community. Come join the students for more reflection, readings, and creative work inspired by these banned books.