Description
Bess knows great things are coming when she and her new friend June land positions as sixth-grade officers. Bess has plans for a panini maker and a book vending machine. However, when she discovers that books have been removed from the machine, books that she, June, and the librarian personally cultivated, she is dismayed and appalled, especially when she finds out that June’s mother is behind it all. Speaking with June does nothing – June is afraid of disappointing her overbearing mother. So Bess starts a banned book club. She also joins a group of local librarians and book champions who plan to inform and educate the local community with activities and speeches. However, it feels like everything they do results in two steps back. How can she, a middle school student, convince others that these books are important for all readers?
Bess is a strong female character hoping to shift views, not afraid to get out there and speak, share her experiences, and use her voice to encourage change. This cute story is about social justice on a very relevant topic, and about friendship, forgiving even when friends don’t see eye to eye. Timely and important.
