Banned Books Week {book lists}

Happy Banned Books Week!  

It's a week where we celebrate the freedom to read.  It's a week to be aware that books are challenged and asked to removed from the shelf. 

"Yes, books are dangerous. They should be dangerous - they contain ideas." Pete Hautman 

 All of the books on these lists have been challenged or banned from school or public libraries.  Their reasons vary, but are usually as a result of the author's personal actions or beliefs or the content in the book.

"If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed." Benjamin Franklin 

Librarians across the world strive to keep books on the shelves.  Librarians strive to avoid censoring books; we believe parents and the individual can make the choice for himself, herself, or for one's own children. 

"Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there." Clare Booth Luce

Banning books inhibits free speech.  Books have power to teach, inspire, unite, and honestly change the world.  Books have power.  Let's not limit that power by censoring books for everyone. 

"Banning books is just another form of bullying.  It's all about fear and an assumption of power.  The key is to address the fear and deny the power." James Howe

I'm a banned book reader. Are you?  Join the Rebellion, and support the freedom of speech; the freedom to read.  

"To forbid us anything is to make us have a mind for it." Michel de Montaigne

Hopefully, some of these book lists will entice you to pick up a book. 

You must check out the most Ridiculous Reasons Books are Banned in this list.  

These books were all Banned For Being Too Religious or offending a certain religious group. 

Books that are powerful, impactful, or have Too Much aka Too Good are Banned. 

Books for the young and old are banned for all types of reasons. 

The Kid's Banned Books List always surprises everyone.  I'm assuming b/c the list is full of books they read and loved. 

The YA and Adult Banned Book list is full of classics.  A lot of the classics are banned... interesting huh?

Let's see how much of a rebel you are.  How many banned books have you read?

Join the Rebellion. Read a Banned Book! 

Make It Out Alive- Owlcrate June 2017 {dystopian, ya, subscription box}

I've been getting an Owl Crate, a young adult literature subscription box, almost every month for over a year now.  I always get a good book, and fun fandom items in every box.

I'm the only one to read the books, but the whole family enjoys many of the fandom items.   We've increased our Pop Funko collection since getting Owl Crates, and my oldest has a piano bag, my son has a wallet, and my youngest has a dance bag all thanks to the Owl Crate boxes.  

I usually wait to share the boxes contents with you until after I read the book.  Hence, this box is from June.  However, I have such a long TBR pile that I sometimes don't get to the books as quickly as I'd like.  I may change that decision, and share them with you right after getting them.  Any opinions?  

"Make It Out Alive" was the theme for June's Owl Crate.  Basically, it is a dystopia theme.  In my past I have enjoyed many dystopian books like Hunger Games, Divergent, Flawed (from a previous Owl Crate box), Legend, and more.  Hence, why I was quicker to pick this box's book up. 

Factions... Can you name that dystopian book?  If you said Divergent, well done! This box came with a Determine Your Faction Bath Bomb by Fizzy Fairy Apothecary.  Personally, I think it is super fun, but I am a nerd, to determine your faction.  This bath bomb is the sorting hat for Divergent. So fun!  

Fizzy Fairy Apothecary has some other amazing bath bombs; definitely go check them out.  They would make a great gift for a bath lover.   The Chocolate Frog bath bomb and the Patronus bath bombs are probably some of my favorites. HP Love!   

The strong An Ember in the Ashes magnet, The Giver patch, and the fun pin all shown above were great additions to the box.  I love the magnet by Little Inklings Design; the quote speaks to my soul.  I also love the patch b/c The Giver was the original Dystopian book.   

Every Owl Crate box comes with a pin related to that month's theme.  I always add the pins to my work lanyard, and my co-worker refers to such pins as my bling. Book related pins are totally acceptable bling for librarians.  

This Zombie sleep mask from Archie McPhee is totally random and not something I would ever buy for myself.  I'm not really a sleep mask kind of girl, but I am a girl that loves pranks.  When my daughter saw this mask she knew exactly what she wanted to do.  She hid the mask under her pillow, and then put it on when she laid down that night. She wanted to scare Daddy with it, and I thought that was awesome. 

She obviously didn't scare him, but it was definitely fun.  The 5 and 2 year old had plenty of fun with the mask too. Who wouldn't want a little zombie fun in their life?! ;) 

Overall, the Make It Out Alive Owl Crate box is a fun one.  Not only did I get some fun fandom items, but this box came with not just one but two books.  Plus, the hardcover book always come with a letter from the author and the author's signature on a nameplate which is fun too!

Check the blog tomorrow fro my book review of The Sandcastle Empire.  

Overall, I wouldn't say an Owl Crate subscription box, or any subscription box, is something I or anyone NEEDS.  However, it is a lot of fun, and sometimes I need some fun.  

I personally have looked at a few different literature subscription boxes.  So far, I've always been most impressed with Owl Crate b/c of the books they select and the variety of the fandom items.  If you decide to go with Owl Crate I wouldn't mind if you used the link above.  Apparently, I could maybe get a free box, but I'm not holding my breath for that to ever happen for me.  ;)

I have looked at Lit Joy Crate for the picture book box, but I haven't been sold on them yet.  Though, if you know of any awesome literature subscription boxes send them my way.

   

January OwlCrate Classic Remix gets 3 Stars {ya lit subscription box}

Once a month a cute little brown box arrives on my door; it is full of goodies inside and a new book to read.  I like to think it's an owl that delivered it, but it never comes at breakfast when the House Elves are making breakfast. ;)  Though, when my white truck delivery man drops the package at my door it is definitely a glorious day.  I love when my OwlCrate comes in the mail. 

January's box was themed Classic Remix and I gave the box as a whole 3 out of 5 stars.  it was an okay box, but nothing that blew my mind or I was super excited about.  There was some delicious smelling soap, but I rarely use bar soap.  This box also contained a calendar, tea, magnet, bookmark, and the book RoseBlood by A.G. Howard. 

I think the items in this box that I enjoy the most is the magnet and bookmark, b/c their design is beautiful. I feel Sweet Sequels did a great job creating a creative and original Phantom of the Opera magnet.  Plus, that Etsy shop has an amazing Harry Potter quilt that I am currently drooling over. It is amazing!  I also think the sturdy cardstock watercolor bookmark from Lexy Olivia is simple and beautiful, and her Etsy shop says they are all handmade.  Wow! 

The calendar by Obvious State is cool and well designed, but I just don't have a great place to put it.  The soap, by TeaSoapBooks, is in the shape of an open book.  It is super cute and smells amazing; I just wish I used bar soap.  The tea, by First Edition Tea Co, is a mint herbal tea and it is inspired by The Little Prince.  I love that book and love that their teas are based on books.  Though, I keep forgetting to try the tea b/c I am in love with my apple cider vinegar tea right now.  Oh it is yummy!

Finally, the whole reason for the subscription box is the young adult literature book.  January's book was RoseBlood by A.G. Howard.  It is a continuation of sort of The Phantom of the Opera.  I was actually incredibly excited for this book b/c I love The Phantom of the Opera.   I haven't been a huge fan of Howard's work in the past, but that didn't even sway my excitement for this book.

Besides the book, every OwlCrate box includes a letter from the author and a signature sticker.  I like those little touches.  It's fun!  

This may not have been my favorite box, and I probably wouldn't have spent the $30 on it had I known how I was going to feel about the book, but yet I don't regret the box either.  Does that make any sense at all?  

The book review of RoseBlood will be on the blog tomorrow.  Check back tomorrow!  

I am still loving my OwlCrate subscription box, but I am definitely intrigued with the OwlCrate Jr. boxes with a middle grade fiction book and fandom.  Those boxes are geared toward 8-12 year olds.  I may have to try it out one month to see what I think.  

I know there are several subscription boxes out there, but I don't know all of them.   Do you get any?  Which ones are your favorite?  

Happy subscription box mail and happy book reading! 

OwlCrate's October Once Upon a Dream Fairy Tales Box {YA Lit Subscription Box Review}

I'm still paying every month for an OwlCrate subscription box, and I'm still enjoying the contents of every box.  Of course, it'd be nice if OwlCrate wants to make me a permanent rep for them, but why would they when I am happily paying.  Oh, such a conundrum.

Until I become an incredibly famous book and recipe blogger I guess I'll have to keep paying $35 dollars a month.  Though, really, if you are looking for a fun gift for a reader or bookworm you should consider an OwlCrate box.  They are fun.

Happy mail and book mail are the best kinds of things to get in the mail.  OwlCrate is both!

I'd rate this month's box 4 out of 5 stars. Really good.

October's theme was "Once Upon a Dream" aka fairy tales. This month there was a Russian fairy tale/folk lore, Wizard of OZ, Sleeping Beauty, and Peter Pan represented.

I love that I get all this stuff for $35. If you priced it out separately it would be much more.  Score!

I absolutely LOVE this sleeping beauty bracelet.  I'm not one to buy a lot of jewelry, but I love having jewelry with a book touch sent to me.  These are so cute!

The Geeky Cauldron made this exclusively for the OwlCrate; which things like that make getting an OwlCrate so much more awesome.

A few months ago, The Geeky Cauldron had some Patronus Chapstick in an OwlCrate box.  I still love to use that chapstick and smile every time b/c of the Harry Potter connection.

The past couple of boxes have included these "Passports." The passport is more like a little notebook, which is fun for my kids to write all of their secrets in.

This Wizard of Oz passport is made by The Unemployed Philosopher's Guild, and they did a fantastic job with the details.

Inside the back cover of the book are 5 Traveler Tips.  I loved the creativity in these tips, connecting them to the Wizard of Oz story.  I took a sweet picture of these tips, but I swear the camera gods didn't approve of this cool detail being shared b/c I can't find that picture anywhere anymore.  Sadness.

Though, I will probably curse myself more with those camera/photo gods by sharing a few with you, but they are too cute not to share.

1. FOLLOW the yellow brick road.
2. Throwing liquids MAY be beneficial.
3. Always look BEHIND the curtain.

The other two are just as cute, but I feel I can't give it all away.  You 'll just have to comment to hear the other two, or grab one of these on your own.

Below, you'll see another cute detail of these passports.

I think this picture of my son wearing the Peter Pan Neverland Beanie from Whosits and Whatsits is adorable.  Sure, I'm partial to the kid, but his expression seems just perfect for this loose beanie style.

He often grabs this hat from my room and wears it even in warm and sunny Arizona.  I'm not sure it'll be used in any cold weather, but if it keeps him from growing up and staying my little boy forever I will take it.

Stay little sweet boy!

The only aspect of this month's box that I didn't love was the bookmark from My Heart My Tribe; it's the big paper clip with the button on it.  I actually think it is super cute, but I don't do bookmarks that stick out of my books.  It makes it harder for the book to be in my purse.  I'm weird, I know.

To be honest, I could be ridiculous and not know how to use the cool bookmark, but really it was the only downer in the box for me.  However, if you are reading this, and would like the bookmark, I will ship it to you.  First one to comment gets it.

The last thing in this month's OwlCrate box was Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter. It is based on a Russian Folklore, and so far it is a different kind of story.  The different kind of narrator reminds me of The Book Thief.  I'll be reviewing it in my next book post (probably next week).

Every month now the book comes with a letter from the author (which Sarah Porter's handwriting was a tad challenging to read, reminded me of my mom's handwriting- love you Mom!) and a sticker with the author's signature on it to stick in the book.  It's fun to have.

Oh, I almost forgot, that a pin comes with every box too.  I always place the pins on my work badge so the nerdy in librarian is proudly evident. ;)

Yay for my monthly OwlCrate Subscription Box! Do you do any subscription boxes?

Happy reading!

September OwlCrate Subscription Box- YA Fantasy

I have a 5, 4, and almost 2 year old (day before Halloween), but yet my Young Adult Literature Subscription Box, OwlCrate, is a family affair.  My kids get some of the fun stuff, and we all partake in the excitement of opening it.  If I was a really good mom I'd get a kids subscription box, but I've yet to find one I really love.  

Today, I'm reviewing my September OwlCrate box, it had a Darkness theme which included a dark fantasy ya/teen read.   I thought this box was a lot of fun, but I really do love most of my OwlCrate boxes.  All in all, I've been very happy with my first subscription box service. 

Included in this box were a couple fun and unique items.  I love the Fortune Telling Bath Bomb; you take a bath and eventually you'll have a yes or no question to whatever deep conundrum you may have.  I like that the Da Bomb Bath Fizzers were created by to teenage sisters, and every one of their bath bombs has a surprise inside. What a cool concept. 

If a fortune telling bath bomb wasn't enough of a "spoil yourself" kind of night, this OwlCrate box included an amazingly smelling candle from The Melting Library. These book inspired candles are all hand poured, and the normal candle sizes found on the etsy site has the best library card covers.  They are awesome, and I spotted a couple Harry Potter candles I feel I may need to purchase.  

The book fandom fun didn't stop there with this box.  A cool Miss. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children pouch.  My son was quick to claim that one, and though I really wanted it b/c it was so cool looking I figured this pouch was a better fit from the shiny purple pouch he was "borrowing" from his sister. 

Finally, the book.  Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake was the dark fantasy young adult literature book that came in this box.  Check back tomorrow for my full review of this first in a series book.  I also love that OwlCrate includes a letter from the author and now a book plate sticker with the author's signature.  As well, this book included an old school paper fortune teller as shown in the picture below.  It wasn't until I opened my box and started folding the paper did I remember how they were made.  Man, I made hundreds of these paper fortune tellers in my elementary school days.  

All in all, September's OwlCrate box was another winner.  

If you have any questions about OwlCrate I'm happy to answer them.  This box is something I pay about $35 for myself b/c it is something fun for me.  I like books, and I like the fun things included in the boxes.  

 Rarely as a mom do I ever do things just for me, but this is something I love doing just for me (even though my kids partake in the fun). Now, if you have a teenager, I'd say most of the boxes are geared towards girls) that is a big reader this could make a really fun gift for them.  

If you sign up through my link here we both get a little bonus. 

Happy YA literature fandom and book fun enjoyment!  

Do you do any subscription boxes?