The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

I first tried to read The Wild Robot years ago, not long after it came out, because I was working in the public library with children and teens and wanted to stay current.

But I couldn't get into it.

I was sure it was interesting and I loved Peter Brown's picture books, but I didn't know why this wasn't hitting right for me. However, I strongly believe in the right book at the right time, so I figured it just wasn't time for me and I could come back to it later.

I tried another time, maybe four years ago, and it still wasn't drawing me in.

My son read it over the summer and loved it. Then he read the other two books in preparation for seeing the movie (books before movies - teach 'em young!). I was going to do the same, thinking that my love for comparing and contrasting books with their movies would inspire me.

Nope. I started the book in September, read a few chapters (so short! so easy to finish!) and put it down. I read dozens of books before coming back to it, no kidding.

But when I was finally determined to finish it so we could see the movie, I was completely invested! And it wasn't just because I needed to get it done to see the movie. I got into the story and fell in love with Roz and her family and friends.

There's something just so sweet and hopeful about it, everyone coming together... such a stark contrast from our current world, I suppose. And even when bad things happened, Roz was positive and either tried to change things or accepted them. Certainly a timely message, and one I needed to read.

Now I have books two and three waiting for me, and I can't wait to dive in!

Places I Never Meant to Be: Original Stories by Censored Writers edited by Judy Blume

Places I Never Meant to Be: Original Stories by Censored Writers edited by Judy Blume

After reading Rachel Vail for the first time since middle school, I wanted to see what else the library had of hers, and this anthology came up. I've read books from many of these authors and, as a short story lover, was excited to see what they did with the form.

Each writer also included a brief essay about censorship. A quote from Rachel Vail stood out to me: "But I had made a vow to myself when I was a teenager that I would never forget, and never disrespect, the intensity of the adolescent experience, the power and terror of being a person actively creating herself."

I love that idea, and think it goes well beyond adolescence. Aren't we always actively creating ourselves? If not, I think that quote is certainly inspiration to do so.

But overall, I’m sad this book is still relevant. Let people read what they want to read. Don't parent other people's kids. Don't ban books. Let people make their own choices. Etc etc etc. I could turn this into a full-blown rant, but I won't. That said, I liked reading a bunch of different YA stories in one collection, and the essays authors shared about censorship and why they write were powerful.