One Queer Book at a Time. One School at a Time.

June 18, 2022 | Back

Book bans have become something of a fad and rallying call for groups with oxymoronic names like Moms for Liberty and [Insert State] Freedom Coalition. Unfortunately, it seems many forget what liberty and freedom actually entail when it comes to views they don’t agree with or people they find objectionable simply for existing. Being different than their preconceived and limited narrative is too much for them so they work to limit and restrict the liberty of those they disagree with or attempt to erase those people and groups from our classrooms.

And while they believe they’re doing “God’s work” or “protecting the Constitution”—neither idea of which contains the slightest semblance of truth—they are removing much needed representation. The queer books they are pulling from our schools are those that help this generation feel seen, understood, and safe. They are the books that my generation needed. The books that help queer teens see their worth and help keep them with us. That’s what these groups are trying to take away.

But it isn’t going to work. Why not?

Because we are not going away, we are not being erased, and we exist whether they like it or not. And…yes, there is more. We’re doing something about it. There are libraries in certain areas that are giving free access to censored books to those outside their normal jurisdictions. There are organizations dedicated to providing literature about and containing representation of marginalized communities. And authors are doing what they can to speak out and help as well.

That’s where I come in.

I might not have the reach that some of my amazing queer author friends have, but I’m stepping in to help. How? Good question. How does a single author with limited resources help battle a nationwide queer book banning crisis?

One book at a time. One school at a time.

First, I’ve setup an area on my website to allow teachers, school librarians, and school administrators to request a 100% free copy of any of my young adult books for their school or class library. So all they have to do is submit a request for either A Mark on My Soul, Watching for Comets, or Every Word You Never Said and the request will go in a queue. When I have the ability, I’ll donate a copy of the book to the next school on my list. Although I’ve already donated multiple books, I can’t personally fulfill all the requests that are made.

That’s where I turn to you.

I’ve placed each of my young adult books in my Merch shop for the sole purpose of letting readers purchase a book for only $10 (plus shipping) to be donated to a school. All you have to do is go to my Merch page, choose the book you want to donate, add it to your cart and checkout. Once the order comes through, I’ll then package the book and send it as a donation to the next school on my list (or one you choose if you want).

It's really that easy! Sure we’re not going to solve the whole book banning problem with this one little program. But, we can get a few queer books into schools that want them so that queer students can have the validation and representation that the so need and crave.

So yes, that’s the plan. I hope you’ll help me out.