We’ve all heard about “banned book lists”.   Years ago, books placed on these lists usually had objectionable or immoral content.  More recently, books land on these lists if a critic disagrees with their message of deems them politically incorrect, like Mark Twain novels, for example.  I’m usually not a fan of banning books, especially if the ban is only because it contains a difference of opinion.  Authors do have freedom of speech.       

Further, banning a book usually just causes more people to read it.  Depending on the book, that can be good or bad.  Some authors even consider it an honor to have their works banned.  It definitely boosts book sales.       

I don’t like profane and vulgar books, but I wish our society had enough morality to keep them off the shelves altogether.  My disappointment comes from the fact that people even write these books.  If readers wouldn’t buy garbage, publishers would not bother to print them.       

All that said, I usually ignore most banned book lists.  But one recently caught my eye and tempted me to read the forbidden.  Private publishing company, Heroes of Liberty Inc., was banned from Facebook earlier this year when it began advertising its new biographies.  These books tell the stories of famous people and how they succeeded in life by exemplifying “American values”.  They are not “conservative” or politically slanted, but rather just about interesting people in a pro-American way.  Facebook, however, called them “low quality and disruptive”.  When the overwhelming backlash over their removal hit Facebook, it relented and reinstated the Heroes of Liberty’s account.       

Well, now is your chance to read some books from the “banned” list!  The Family Vision is acquiring these new biographies as they are published.  They are about both historical and contemporary figures.  Not all are even Americans, like Margaret Thatcher, from England.  Each book is about 46 pages long and nicely illustrated in color.  They are written for children in grades 2-5 and in the 7-12 age range.  That’s not to say that family members outside this range won’t enjoy them, too.     

Learn how an abandoned teenager from the Caribbean became a Founding Father when you check out Alexander Hamilton:  From Immigrant Boy to Founding Father.  Or, how Amy Coney Barrett is able to juggle being a Supreme Court Justice with being a mother of seven in Amy Coney Barrett:  A Justice and a Mother.  Other books tell the stories of John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, and Thomas Sowell.  You’ll learn about the character traits and values that helped these people succeed and earn the respect of Americans and people around the world.  The company plans to release additional titles, as well, so stay tuned for more.         

Heroes of Liberty Inc. states that “we shape our dreams, beliefs, and desires by observing heroes in the stories we read as children and following their examples.  Introducing greatness to our children through storytelling is the best way to give them valuable life lessons, and to connect them to our heritage and founding principles.”  The company also says it has “crafted a series of children’s books designed to bring magic, joy, and laughter back to your child’s bedtime.”  That hardly sounds like books that should be banned!  If you want more information on these books or the company, please visit heroesofliberty.com.       

I hope you get a chance to be a little naughty and read one or more of these books!    

Reading is Rewarding!

Katie

Request the following titles from the Family Vision Library here:

Not a member of the library? Subscribe online to have books shipped directly to you!

Want to become a local patron? Visit the library to sign-up for free!