ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES by Amy Sarig King

 

This is the book the country needs right NOW! Author Amy Sarig King uses her latest novel to speak up and hopefully educate the folks intent on censoring/banning books for children. Believing that kids need to hear the truth and can actually think for themselves, King has created a group of young people out to question what adults think they should or shouldn't read.

Mac is not too sure about this lit circle reading idea Ms. Sett has started in his sixth-grade classroom, but he is interested in the book they've been assigned, THE DEVIL'S ARITHMETIC by Jane Yolen. The group is supposed to read, discuss, and answer questions about the book. Ms. Sett specifically instructed them to not read ahead, but Mac isn't much about following instructions. As he reads ahead, he makes a startling discovery. There are several spots in the book where thick black marks cover up the words.

When Mac points this out to his friends Denis and Marci, they find the same marks in their books. Curious about this strange censorship, the three visit a local used bookstore to locate a copy that might reveal the blacked-out words. When they discover what has been crossed out of their copies, they are stunned. It seems someone doesn't want them to read the word breasts or underdeveloped chest. 

Mac and his friends are determined to find out who made this reading decision and how they can get new books from the school. Finding out the culprit is fairly easy but convincing the administration that it is wrong to censor books is more difficult. What's next? Protests, school board meetings, a letter to the author, and the enlistment of some supportive adults. Mac and his pals learn what it's like to stand up and speak out about an unjust situation.

ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES speaks to censorship in a strong, well-aimed argument that should have people questioning what some politicians and constituents are pushing across our country. A few overzealous individuals should not have the power to judge what is best for others. This is a book that needs to be shared far and wide. If readers have the funds to do so, they should purchase an extra copy and share it with a library, classroom, or friend.