Sunday, September 22: Kick-Off Event!

3pm: Sing for FREADOM concert at The Coral Gables Congregational Church | 3010 De Soto Blvd. This free event features GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Joanie Leeds, whose album FREADOM features songs inspired by children’s books banned in the state of Florida. In addition to a live musical performance, guests will enjoy live readings of banned children’s book titles, banned books will be available for sale, and families can participate in social actions to address educational censorship.  RSVP HERE FOR FREE

4pm: Meet the FREADOM Coalition: After the performance you can meet members of the FREADOM Coalition, who will be providing information on how to to learn and engage in social actions aimed at combating censorship, sending a clear message that our community values the freedom to read and the diversity of voices that enrich our world.

4:30pm: State of Banned Books: Join us as we gather to hear and discuss the current state of banned books with Philomena Polefrone and Katie Blakenship. They will discuss the state of censorship in Florida and beyond, as well as what we can do about it, as detailed in Philomena Polefrone’s new book, The ABA Right to Read Handbook: Fighting Book Bans and Why It Matters.

Tuesday, September 24: An Evening with Jandy Nelson in conversation with Dana Swift

7pm: Discussing When the World Tips Over (Dial Books, $21.99): Ten years ago I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN by Jandy Nelson hit shelves and became an instant success. Winning the much deserved Printz Award Winner and a Stonewall Honor Book, this radiant young adult novel had us all crying and laughing all at once. Now a decade later, Jandy Nelson is back with WHEN THE WORLD TIPS OVER, a potent and explosive novel brimming with love, secrets, and enchantments.  Jandy Nelson’s work has been banned from several Florida libraries, so of course, Books & Books in their fight against censorship, would like to welcome you to Jandy Nelson’s launch event on September 24th at 7pm at the Gables storefront–all in time for Banned Book week! We hope to see you there!  RSVP HERE FOR FREE

Tuesday, September 24: Trivia Night: Banned Books Edition

Trivia Night: Banned Books Edition at Books & Books, Coral Gables @ 9PM. Test your knowledge on the books that have sparked debate, challenged norms, and shaped our literary landscape. It’s a night to celebrate the power of words and the importance of the freedom to read. Expect thought-provoking questions, lively competition, and the chance to win some great prizes. Let’s come together to honor the stories that refuse to be silenced. Don’t miss out! RSVP HERE FOR FREE

Friday, September 27: Join us for a Banned Books Bash!

7pm: Meet and Support Author Ellen Hopkins at Books & Books, Coral Gables. The Books & Books Literary Foundation is proud to present an evening with Ellen Hopkins discussing Sync (Nancy Paulsen Books, $20.99) and hear her talk about the challenges she faced from book banners. From #1 NYT bestselling author Ellen Hopkins comes a new heartbreaking young adult novel in verse about twins separated in the foster care system and the different paths their lives take. RSVP HERE FOR FREE

8pm: Show your support for the freedom to read with DJ Cavaliere and food and drinks from the Cafe! DJ Cavaliere Inesistente spins live in the courtyard to honor Banned Books Week. Groove to the music, celebrate the freedom to read, and support the stories that challenge the status quo.

Saturday, September 28: Moleskine Imprinting Event

Get ready for a personalized touch to your Moleskine journal! Join us at Books & Books in Coconut Grove from 12 pm to 5 pm, where Moleskine will be on-site to imprint your journal with up to 3 characters. It’s a unique opportunity to add a special, customized touch to your writing companion and celebrate the written word at the same time. Don’t miss this chance to make your Moleskine truly one-of-a-kind, you might even want to honor a banned book you love!