The Banned Book Club is a club at Aliso Niguel High School that meets to discuss different banned books. Club members vote, read and discuss their opinions on several banned books throughout the year.
The Banned Book Club is held in Ms. Lusar’s room, in room 504. Meetings are held during the second Thursday of each month, but the schedule is not always set.
Madelyn Streeter, a junior at ANHS, is the president of the club. She began the club during her sophomore year, realizing that many books have been banned across the country for their content. She wanted to discover why these books were banned, realizing that the content in many of them are the same.
Streeter mentions, “Being able to read books is something that’s very important to me. I’ve always loved books since I was a young girl.”
Book banning doesn’t occur on a federal level, but many school boards and public libraries remove books that they see as inappropriate or unfit for society.
The club reads many novels that have been banned by different cities and states, including places like Florida and Texas. The club has even discussed books that are banned in the Huntington Beach libraries, and other places nearby.
Typically, the Banned Book Club focuses on books that address current issues happening within the United States. The club discusses how current laws affect the lives of others, and advocates for a change in society.
Madelyn Streeter, the president of the Banned Book Club, says, “Usually a lot of our discussions have to do with politics and what’s happening in our current society.”
The club doesn’t require members to buy or check out their own book, but usually finds ways to read the book online for free. This makes it easier for students to access the book, and allows everyone to be able to read if they wish to do so.
Streeter adds, “For some people, seeing these books and these characters helps them understand themselves more, and makes them feel more seen and represented.”
Streeter believes that children should have access to books, as each story provides them with a specific experience that helps them discover more about themselves. She believes that taking these experiences away from children and young adults is wrong, and removes an important resource from these people.
One of Streeter’s favorite parts about the club is finding new books to read, and discovering the reasons behind why they were banned. She also loves reading about where these books are banned, as it is usually in places like Florida and Texas.
Streeter also believes that the club offers experience with discussing different books and their topics. She thinks it can allow students to feel more comfortable during speeches and socratic seminars in class.
Streeter states, “I encourage people who love reading to join this club because you get to learn about different books, different authors and why they’re relevant.”
