As Banned Books Week comes to a close tomorrow, Grassroots Menomonee Falls Area is proud to reflect on a week of action and community engagement. We kicked off the celebration by distributing over 250 copies of Love Makes a Family to parents at Ben Franklin and Shady Lane Elementary Schools, a powerful gesture in response to the Menomonee Falls School Board’s decision to remove the book from school libraries in July.
Love Makes a Family, which highlights the beauty and diversity of modern families, was pulled from shelves following a parent challenge, marking a troubling trend of censorship in our schools. But instead of allowing this vital story to be erased, we put it back into the hands of parents who were eager to share its message of love and inclusivity with their children.
Reflecting on this effort, Co-Leader Andy Guss said, “Banning books robs children of the opportunity to see and understand the world around them. By distributing this book, we are showing our commitment to intellectual freedom and ensuring that diverse stories continue to be told.”
The response has been incredible. Parents voiced their appreciation for the opportunity to read Love Makes a Family with their children and engage in meaningful conversations about different family structures. This positive feedback strengthens our resolve to continue standing against censorship in our community.
As Banned Books Week draws to a close, Grassroots Menomonee Falls Area remains committed to fighting for the right to read freely. The fight is far from over, and we encourage everyone to remain engaged. Attend school board meetings, raise your voice against book bans, and advocate for the inclusion of diverse stories in our schools.
We thank all of the parents, volunteers, and community members who helped make this week a success. Together, we can ensure that our children have access to the full range of stories that reflect the world they live in.
Let’s continue to celebrate the freedom to read and stand against censorship—not just this week, but every day.
