In this episode we discuss why the book Sold, by Patricia McCormick, appears in ALA’s Top 10 most challenged books of 2024.

Here are some links relevant to our conversation:

About Patricia McCormick and the book

• Patricia McCormick’s Web page for the Sold

• Unite Against Banned Books. Book Resume:Sold

Information on why Sold has been banned.

• Texas Freedom to Read Project.

Information on human trafficking

• International Labor Organization. “50 million people worldwide in modern slavery”

• International Justice Mission: “Sex Trafficking”

• National Human Trafficking Hotline:

• • Phone: 888-373-7888

  • text: 233733.

Information on our Banned Bits Segment

• Article from the Oregon Capital Chronical: “Oregon ‘freedom to read’ library bill heads to governor’s desk”

• The article references Oregon Senate Bill 1098

Join us for our discussion with Melissa Kantor about her newest book, Biology Lessons. Melissa wrote the book in response to the Dobbes Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v Wade. Below are a few links to things discussed in the podcast.

• Supreme Court Case Roe v Wade

• Supreme Court Case Dobbes v Jackson Women’s Health Organization

• Here is a link to a documentary about the original Jane Collective in Chicago, it’s an HBO film called The Janes.

• I could not find an active website for the revival group, We are Jane, but here is a link to their site on The Way Back Machine. I also found this NPR article from 2022.

• Planned Parenthood

• Legal FAQ from Texas State Law Library.

• Information on teens and REAL ID can be found on this TSA website.

• Here is an article on the license plate trackers in Texas.Tracked across state lines: Texas sheriff's use of license plate data raises alarms

• Finally, Melissa’s favorite books were:

• • It’s Okay If You Don’t Love Me, By Norma Klein

  • Forever, by Judy Blume

In this episode, we discuss The Family Book by Todd Parr. We’ve combined our usual 2 episode format since the book is so short.

Here are the sources referenced in our Banned Bits segment.

• Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, May 09, 2025 - statement on Carla Hayden is at minute 27:30

• Fired librarian of Congress on losing history during Trump 2.0 | GBH News Rooted

• LDF Denounces Trump Administration’s Cruel and Unjust Firing of Librarian of Congress Carla D. Hayden

Here are sources for the information on why The Family Book is banned

• WQAD News: Controversial Decision in Erie Gathering National Attention

• Todd Parr’s Website

• LGBTQ Nation: Out Author Todd Parr wrote one of the most banned children’s books. He still believes in Kindess