THE GREAT BANNED-BOOKS BAKE SALE

Dalia Ramahi narrates this companion to Aya Khalil's picture book THE ARABIC QUILT. Egyptian American Kanzi walks proudly past her quilt as she leads her classmates to the library. But the display of diverse books there is now empty: They've been banned. Ramahi captures the dismay of both children and educators, with plaintive music underscoring their shock. Back in the classroom, the teacher's explanation of book banning leads Kanzi and her classmates to the notion of a bake sale to fund the purchase of diverse books to put in local Little Free Libraries. The music turns hopeful, then triumphant, as the kids plan and execute their pastry protest. Ramahi capably evokes the substantial cast, most notably Kanzi, who finds her voice as a leader. V.S. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2024]