Americus

Title: Americus

Author: M.K. Reed

Illustrator: Jonathan David Hill

Publisher: First Second Books

Publication Date: August, 2011

Genre/Format: Realistic Fiction/Graphic Novel

GoodReads Summary: Neal Barton just wants to read in peace. Unluckily for him, some local Christian activists are trying to get his favorite fantasy series banned from the Americus public library on grounds of immoral content and heresy. Something has to be done, and it looks like quiet, shy Neal is going to have to do it. With youth services librarian Charlotte Murphy at his back, Neal finds himself leading the charge to defend the mega-bestselling fantasy series that makes his life worth living.  This funny, gripping, and relatable tale of life and local politics in middle America is currently being serialized online at saveapathea.com.

What I Think: Neal is your stereotypical book worm who gets picked on, would rather spend time in the library than anywhere else and has a great imagination. He is transitioning into high school and is struggling. Yet, when his favorite series of young adult fantasy books is attacked and challenged by his best friend's mother, he knows he has to do something to stop her. These books are so special to him, he can't let her take it away from him or any one else. 

A book about censorship- love it!! This book is a love letter to books. It shows how important books (and book choice) are to teens and all readers.  It is a book that needs to be shared with students. Though it doesn't lend itself to being used the way that books we normally share do, it is one that is worth sharing here on Mentor Texts. 

Read Together: Grades 6 to 12

Read Alone: Grades 7 to 12

Read With: Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Snatch of Text: 

Writing Prompts: What is a book that you couldn't live without? What would you do if someone told you you couldn't read it? 

Topics Covered: Censorship, Reading

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