Answers in the Pages

As I was putting together a book display in my library for Pride Month in June, I came across this grade school novel. This is a timely read that incorporates book banning, LGBTQIA2S+ representation and a sweet story about standing up for what is right.

The story has three parts: 

• the impact of Donovan's mom's crusade to ban a book that his fifth-grade class is reading. I enjoyed how Levithan includes many important themes approaches his themes (identity, choice, acceptance, prejudice and the power of acceptance) and how he gives a depth and relatability to his characters
• excerpts from the banned book in question - The Adventurers - which was my least favourite part of the book. As an adult, these parts often felt more distracting than helpful, but young readers will probably enjoy them
• follows the budding friendship between Gideon and Roberto, who is new to the class

Answers in the Pages shows young readers:

• the power of words
• how everyone should feel free to be their true selves
• that differences are wonderful
• that marginalizing others is harmful
• acceptance is a powerful, powerful thing

This is a timely and highly relevant book with the recent book bans in the US. 

It is also an entertaining read that introduces BIG ideas and incorporates lots of feelings as it teaches valuable life lessons and is a great way to bring young readers into the discussion of censorship. 

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: David Levithan

Genre: Middle Grade, LGBTQ+

Type and Source: Hardcover from public library

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

First Published: May 10, 2022

Book Description from GoodReads: A bold, timely novel about speaking up and coming out as parents lobby to ban a beloved book from the school curriculum by New York Times-bestselling author David Levithan.

When Donovan left his copy of The Adventurers on the kitchen counter, he didn't think his mom would read it--much less have a problem with it. It's just an adventure novel about two characters trying to stop an evil genius...right?

But soon the entire town is freaking out about whether the book's main characters are gay, Donovan's mom is trying to get the book removed from the school curriculum, and Donovan is caught in the middle.

Donovan doesn't really know if the two boys fall in love at the end or not--but he does know this: even if they do, it shouldn't matter. The book should not be banned from school.

Interweaving three connected storylines, David Levithan delivers a bold, fun, and timely story about taking action (whether it's against book censors or deadly alligators...), being brave, and standing up for what's right.