Tag Archive for Lloyd Alexander

One Thing I Did for Banned Books Week

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:

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