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Every year during Banned Books Week, we honor books that have been banned or challenged throughout history. We do so because stories that attract censorship are often speaking truths some are fearful of hearing. These are books that break down established norms, challenge authority, provoke critical thinking, and yes, make people uncomfortable in doing so. And when they are banned, we as a society are lesser for it.

So this week, let’s turn these so-called “dangers” into something to celebrate. Stick these printable bookmarks in your favorite banned book, and let the world know that the freedom to read is an intellectual right and privilege. 

September 22 is Hobbit Day, being the birthday of both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. What better way to celebrate than by reading all four of J.R.R. Tolkien's most celebrated works within a span of 24 hours? And if you don't have time for that, here's the next best thing: a timeline that allows you to go there and back again in the hairy footsteps of you favorite hobbits.

Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can't lose (my page in this book). 

With autumn comes crisp winds, seasonal hot beverages, and the fiery frenzy of football season. Now the realms of literature and NFL football don't collide often—one notable exception being the Baltimore Ravens, who are named after Edgar Allen Poe's famous poem. Inspired by this fact, we thought, what if it was the other way around? What if novels took their cues from NFL team names? Here's what happens when you bring novels and the NFL to the line of scrimmage: 

This Sunday, August 30, is Frankenstein Day…and the birthday of the beloved monster's creator, Mary Shelley. What better way to celebrate than to create your own monster? Here's how Shelley did it…good luck!

Infographic created for Quirk Books by Michael Rogalski, eyewashweb.com.

CAMP PLOT-A-WANNA is a weekly 8-part series where Quirk Books staffers reimagine famous authors as pre-teens, stuck together at summer camp. Check out the rest of the posts here. It is also an entirely fictional place. Please don't have your parents drop you off at our offices with sleeping bags.

Memo
To: Camp Plot-A-Wanna Senior Counselors
From: Counselor Sappho

Come now, luxuriant Graces and beautiful-haired Muses.

As you know, this week at Camp Plot-a-Wanna, it was a war of the wits and words as campers went head to head in our traditional COLOR WAR. As the staff amanuensis, I have taken it upon myself to remit this record of Team Scarlet Letter vs. Team Black Beauty as they faced each other for glory, honor, and extra dessert at the dining hall! 

Let the games BEGIN!

CAMP PLOT-A-WANNA is a weekly 8-part series where Quirk Books staffers reimagine famous authors as pre-teens, stuck together at summer camp. Check out the rest of the posts here. It is also an entirely fictional place. Please don't have your parents drop you off at our offices with sleeping bags.