What's the Deal?

With Ali Velshi's Banned Book Club

MSBNC host Ali Velshi founded his #VelshiBannedBookClub in February 2022, in response to the increasingly widespread practice of schools and libraries prohibiting readers — especially young readers — from accessing books that adults believe would make these readers uncomfortable.

These books include such literary classics as William Golding’s Lord of the Flies and Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, contemporary tomes such as Alex Gino’s Melissa and Ibram X. Kendi’s How to be an Antiracist, and illustrated children’s books, New Kid and I Am Rosa Parks. Sadly, the list is way too long to include.

Connect WITH OUR SOCIAL ACTION TEAM



Listen

On our podcast

 

 

 

Watch

Velshi and Cabot discuss Ready or Not

Listen

Ali Velshi Banned Book Club with Meg Cabot

The MSNBC host speaks with the YA author about the inevitability of teen sex

Listen

Ali Velshi Banned Book Club with Meg Cabot

The MSNBC host speaks with the YA author about the inevitability of teen sex

 Ali Velshi speaks with Meg Cabot, author of Ready or Not, a YA novel that addresses the sex life of teenagers. “Teens are having sex,” Cabot says, “whether we teach abstinence or not.”

Best known for The Princess Diaries, which was adapted in 2001 into a hit film and book series, Cabot has authored more thank 80 titles. Her work is known for subverting the notion of chick lit, blending humor, romance — and empowerment.

To this end, Ready or Not focuses on high schoolers grappling with the magnitude of sex and consent. Libraries in Florida and Texas have removed the novel from their shelves. This, says Velshi, is happening at a time when sexual health education in schools is much needed.

“It’s OK to talk about these things,” says Cabot.

Listen to Ali’s interview with Meg Cabot:

 

Watch Velshi and Meg Cabot: 

 

 

Velshi on banned books on MSNBC:

 

MORE ON BANNED BOOKS FROM THE CITIZEN

 

Advertising Terms

We do not accept political ads, issue advocacy ads, ads containing expletives, ads featuring photos of children without documented right of use, ads paid for by PACs, and other content deemed to be partisan or misaligned with our mission. The Philadelphia Citizen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and all affiliate content will be nonpartisan in nature. Advertisements are approved fully at The Citizen's discretion. Advertisements and sponsorships have different tax-deductible eligibility. For questions or clarification on these conditions, please contact Director of Sales & Philanthropy Kristin Long at [email protected] or call (609)-602-0145.