Back in September, the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group invited me to participate in “something special” that they had cooked up for Banned Books Week (September 30 – October 6).
Essentially, I was one of several authors invited to place three copies of MCPG’s most challenged books in public places during Banned Books Week.
I said, “Count me in.” And added, “Thanks for asking.”
A couple of weeks later, a letter from Marketing Director Elizabeth Fithian came along with three beautiful books: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle, and The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander.
Elizabeth wrote:
“Enclosed are the books we ask you to place in public areas. Please add a personal note in each book and if you are willing to do so, add your signature.”
I was concerned that the books might just sit there, or be disposed of, unless they were properly identified, so I adhered labels with that key word, FREE.
Here’s a closer look:
I enjoyed lurking about, leaving those terrific books in public places. Yes, that includes a bathroom. It was sneaky and mildly subversive and mostly fun.
Elizabeth also directed me to this two-minute video you might enjoy, put together by the Association of American Publishers:
