When we began holding the meetings of our Veland book club in February of 2022, nearly three and a half years ago, news coverage of book banning efforts and censorship was everywhere. Feels different now, quieter. But while books may have fallen out of the news cycle, the assault on information and the freedom to read is still a very active tool in the arsenal being deployed against our democratic norms and institutions.And that's why we've made a point to let the literature sitting in the crosshairs of cen ...

Amanda Gorman captured the world's attention when she became the youngest inaugural poet, delivering a powerful message at President Biden's inauguration in 2021 at the age of 22. We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be. A country that is bruised but whole, benevolent, but bold, fierce, and free.In the four years since, Gorman has become an advocate, speaking out against racial inequality and the banning of books. She is out with a new book, Girls on the Rise, where she speaks to young ...