Advanced Search

Search

Advanced Search

Jacket cover images copied to clipboard.

General Recommendations

ORL Reads - Freedom to Read Week 2025

By:

ORLReads

Okanagan Regional Library

Staff-created list

Freedom to Read Week (February 23 – March 1, 2025) is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom.

By:

ORLReads

Okanagan Regional Library

16 items

16 items

Our Voice of Fire

Our Voice of Fire

A Memoir of A Warrior Rising

by Morin, Brandi

Book - 2022

Author and journalist Brandi Morin was arrested, detained, and charged with obstruction on January 10th, 2024 while on assignment covering forced removals...Show more Author and journalist Brandi Morin was arrested, detained, and charged with obstruction on January 10th, 2024 while on assignment covering forced removals by police at an encampment for the unhoused in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). She received the 2024 Freedom to Read award in recognition of her work. Show less

Author and journalist Brandi Morin was arrested, detained, and charged with obstruction on January 10th, 2024 while on assignment covering forced removals...Show more Author and journalist Brandi Morin was arrested, detained, and charged with obstruction on January 10th, 2024 while on assignment covering forced removals by police at an encampment for the unhoused in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). She received the 2024 Freedom to Read award in recognition of her work. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

All Boys Aren't Blue

All Boys Aren't Blue

A Memoir-Manifesto

by Johnson, George M.

Downloadable Audiobook - 2020

Narrated by author George M. Johnson, All Boys Aren't Blue is a series of essays about Johnson's childhood and young adult life as a Black queer boy. Acco...Show more Narrated by author George M. Johnson, All Boys Aren't Blue is a series of essays about Johnson's childhood and young adult life as a Black queer boy. According to the American Library Association, it's also one of the most banned and challenged books in libraries. Show less

Narrated by author George M. Johnson, All Boys Aren't Blue is a series of essays about Johnson's childhood and young adult life as a Black queer boy. Acco...Show more Narrated by author George M. Johnson, All Boys Aren't Blue is a series of essays about Johnson's childhood and young adult life as a Black queer boy. According to the American Library Association, it's also one of the most banned and challenged books in libraries. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 2 on 1 Copy

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale

by Atwood, Margaret

Book - 1985

While the Handmaid's Tale has only been challenged once in Canada, it's been widely challenged, banned and removed from mutliple school districts in the US. While the Handmaid's Tale has only been challenged once in Canada, it's been widely challenged, banned and removed from mutliple school districts in the US. Show less

While the Handmaid's Tale has only been challenged once in Canada, it's been widely challenged, banned and removed from mutliple school districts in the US. While the Handmaid's Tale has only been challenged once in Canada, it's been widely challenged, banned and removed from mutliple school districts in the US. Show less

All copies in use. Availability details Holds: 15 on 14 copies

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Bluest Eye

The Bluest Eye

[a Novel]

by Morrison, Toni

Downloadable Audiobook - 2011

Toni Morrison's first novel is about America's love of blue-eyed, blonde children, and the experiences of a young Black girl who prays for her eyes to tur...Show more Toni Morrison's first novel is about America's love of blue-eyed, blonde children, and the experiences of a young Black girl who prays for her eyes to turn blue. It has been banned and challenged many times, and activists have staged 'read ins' of the book in protest. The audiobook is narrated by Toni Morrison. Show less

Toni Morrison's first novel is about America's love of blue-eyed, blonde children, and the experiences of a young Black girl who prays for her eyes to tur...Show more Toni Morrison's first novel is about America's love of blue-eyed, blonde children, and the experiences of a young Black girl who prays for her eyes to turn blue. It has been banned and challenged many times, and activists have staged 'read ins' of the book in protest. The audiobook is narrated by Toni Morrison. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 0 on 1 Copy

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Gender Queer

Gender Queer

A Memoir

by Kobabe, Maia

Book - 2022

Gender Queer is a book at the centre of many book-banning efforts in the US and Canada alike, and it was the most challenged book in 2021, 2022, and 2023 according to the American Library Association. Gender Queer is a book at the centre of many book-banning efforts in the US and Canada alike, and it was the most challenged book in 2021, 2022, and 2023 according to the American Library Association. Show less

Gender Queer is a book at the centre of many book-banning efforts in the US and Canada alike, and it was the most challenged book in 2021, 2022, and 2023 according to the American Library Association. Gender Queer is a book at the centre of many book-banning efforts in the US and Canada alike, and it was the most challenged book in 2021, 2022, and 2023 according to the American Library Association. Show less

All copies in use. Availability details Holds: 1 on 4 copies

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Three Wishes

Three Wishes

Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak

by Ellis, Deborah

Book - 2018

According to Freedom to Read Week's interactive map, "In 2006, the Ontario branch of the Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) objected to the inclusion of ...Show more According to Freedom to Read Week's interactive map, "In 2006, the Ontario branch of the Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) objected to the inclusion of this nonfiction book in a voluntary reading program in Grades 4–6 of Ontario’s schools. In Three Wishes, children speak frankly about the strife around them in Palestine and Israel. Concerned about the “toxic effects” of the book on students’ minds, the CJC urged school boards to withdraw Three Wishes from the reading program. At least five school boards restricted or denied access to the book." Show less

According to Freedom to Read Week's interactive map, "In 2006, the Ontario branch of the Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) objected to the inclusion of ...Show more According to Freedom to Read Week's interactive map, "In 2006, the Ontario branch of the Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) objected to the inclusion of this nonfiction book in a voluntary reading program in Grades 4–6 of Ontario’s schools. In Three Wishes, children speak frankly about the strife around them in Palestine and Israel. Concerned about the “toxic effects” of the book on students’ minds, the CJC urged school boards to withdraw Three Wishes from the reading program. At least five school boards restricted or denied access to the book." Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye

by Salinger, J.D.

eBook - 2019

A classic banned book, often described as 'anti-authority' and thus unsuitable for young adults. A classic banned book, often described as 'anti-authority' and thus unsuitable for young adults. Show less

A classic banned book, often described as 'anti-authority' and thus unsuitable for young adults. A classic banned book, often described as 'anti-authority' and thus unsuitable for young adults. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 5 on 4 Copies

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Extraordinary Evil

Extraordinary Evil

A Brief History of Genocide

by Coloroso, Barbara

Book - 2007

In 2008, a Toronto school board removed Coloroso's book from a recommended reading list. The book describes the deaths of more than a million Armenians in...Show more In 2008, a Toronto school board removed Coloroso's book from a recommended reading list. The book describes the deaths of more than a million Armenians in the Ottoman Empire early in the twentieth century as genocide. While they ultimately reversed the decision, the Turkish Embassy protested to the Ontario government. Show less

In 2008, a Toronto school board removed Coloroso's book from a recommended reading list. The book describes the deaths of more than a million Armenians in...Show more In 2008, a Toronto school board removed Coloroso's book from a recommended reading list. The book describes the deaths of more than a million Armenians in the Ottoman Empire early in the twentieth century as genocide. While they ultimately reversed the decision, the Turkish Embassy protested to the Ontario government. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

When Everything Feels Like the Movies

When Everything Feels Like the Movies

by Reid, Raziel

Book - 2014

The 2014 Governor General’s Award winner for Children’s Literature came under fire by a group of concerned parents, YA authors, teachers and others. A pop...Show more The 2014 Governor General’s Award winner for Children’s Literature came under fire by a group of concerned parents, YA authors, teachers and others. A popular online petition circulated to revoke the award, citing the book’s “offensive” and “inappropriate” content. Show less

The 2014 Governor General’s Award winner for Children’s Literature came under fire by a group of concerned parents, YA authors, teachers and others. A pop...Show more The 2014 Governor General’s Award winner for Children’s Literature came under fire by a group of concerned parents, YA authors, teachers and others. A popular online petition circulated to revoke the award, citing the book’s “offensive” and “inappropriate” content. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska

A Novel

by Green, John

eBook - 2005

Not Currently Available.Holds: 2 on 1 Copy

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Ulysses

Ulysses

by Joyce, James

Book - 1992

One of the most banned and censored books by one of the pioneers of modernist literature, copies of Ulysses were regularly smuggled across borders in Europe and the US to avoid obscenity laws. One of the most banned and censored books by one of the pioneers of modernist literature, copies of Ulysses were regularly smuggled across borders in Europe and the US to avoid obscenity laws. Show less

One of the most banned and censored books by one of the pioneers of modernist literature, copies of Ulysses were regularly smuggled across borders in Europe and the US to avoid obscenity laws. One of the most banned and censored books by one of the pioneers of modernist literature, copies of Ulysses were regularly smuggled across borders in Europe and the US to avoid obscenity laws. Show less

All copies in use. Availability details Holds: 1 on 3 copies

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Out North

Out North

An Archive of Queer Activism and Kinship in Canada

by Jennex, Craig

Book - 2020

In 2002, Little Sisters Book and Art Emporium, a queer bookshop in Vancouver, took the Canadian government to the Supreme Court over the Customs Act, whic...Show more In 2002, Little Sisters Book and Art Emporium, a queer bookshop in Vancouver, took the Canadian government to the Supreme Court over the Customs Act, which gave customs officers unilateral authority to decide what material was 'obscene,' and thus refuse its entry into Canada. This book traces queer activism in Canada, and illuminates how intertwined freedom of expression, and the freedom to read, is to LGBTQ2S+ struggle. Show less

In 2002, Little Sisters Book and Art Emporium, a queer bookshop in Vancouver, took the Canadian government to the Supreme Court over the Customs Act, whic...Show more In 2002, Little Sisters Book and Art Emporium, a queer bookshop in Vancouver, took the Canadian government to the Supreme Court over the Customs Act, which gave customs officers unilateral authority to decide what material was 'obscene,' and thus refuse its entry into Canada. This book traces queer activism in Canada, and illuminates how intertwined freedom of expression, and the freedom to read, is to LGBTQ2S+ struggle. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Incest Diary

The Incest Diary

Book - 2017

In 2017, a BC library patron demanded the removal of the anonymously authored memoir, and stole the library's copy so that others could not read the book. The library reviewed the book and kept it in the collection. In 2017, a BC library patron demanded the removal of the anonymously authored memoir, and stole the library's copy so that others could not read the book. The library reviewed the book and kept it in the collection. Show less

In 2017, a BC library patron demanded the removal of the anonymously authored memoir, and stole the library's copy so that others could not read the book. The library reviewed the book and kept it in the collection. In 2017, a BC library patron demanded the removal of the anonymously authored memoir, and stole the library's copy so that others could not read the book. The library reviewed the book and kept it in the collection. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Snow Falling on Cedars

Snow Falling on Cedars

by Guterson, David

Book - 1995

This award-winning novel about a murder trial in the Juan de Fuca strait was removed from an Ontario school district's library after a complaint on the basis of sexual content. This award-winning novel about a murder trial in the Juan de Fuca strait was removed from an Ontario school district's library after a complaint on the basis of sexual content. Show less

This award-winning novel about a murder trial in the Juan de Fuca strait was removed from an Ontario school district's library after a complaint on the basis of sexual content. This award-winning novel about a murder trial in the Juan de Fuca strait was removed from an Ontario school district's library after a complaint on the basis of sexual content. Show less

All copies in use. Availability details Holds: 3 on 1 copy

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Book of Negroes

The Book of Negroes

by Hill, Lawrence

Book - 2009

Author Lawrence Hill received The Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read award, in recognition of his response to threats made to burn his work. Author Lawrence Hill received The Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read award, in recognition of his response to threats made to burn his work. Show less

Author Lawrence Hill received The Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read award, in recognition of his response to threats made to burn his work. Author Lawrence Hill received The Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read award, in recognition of his response to threats made to burn his work. Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass

by Pullman, Philip

Book - 2014

"In 2007, Ontario’s Halton Catholic District School Board voted to ban Philip Pullman’s trilogy of fantasy novels—The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knif...Show more "In 2007, Ontario’s Halton Catholic District School Board voted to ban Philip Pullman’s trilogy of fantasy novels—The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass— from its schools. The board objected to “atheist” themes in the British author’s books." - Freedom to Read Week Show less

"In 2007, Ontario’s Halton Catholic District School Board voted to ban Philip Pullman’s trilogy of fantasy novels—The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knif...Show more "In 2007, Ontario’s Halton Catholic District School Board voted to ban Philip Pullman’s trilogy of fantasy novels—The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass— from its schools. The board objected to “atheist” themes in the British author’s books." - Freedom to Read Week Show less

Available in some locations

Place hold

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Powered by BiblioCommons.

BiblioCore: app37 Version 9.27.0 Last updated 2025/02/06 12:11

[]

[]

To Top