Lessons learned from a "banned book"

If I had known one of my favorite banned books was a banned book when I read it as a grade schooler almost 50 years ago, I wonder if it would have made the read different. Would I have hidden it or myself away, so as not to be found out, or would I have been defiant, making sure everyone could see what I was reading?

A Wrinkle in Time, a story by Madeleine L’Engle, almost didn’t get printed. It is filled with questions and issues not usually found in children’s literature at that time. When I first read the challenges many years after the first read, I had to go back and read the book again to look for the objections. If anything it made me look and find even more meaning and brought me more understanding.

A few of the many things I learned from this book: Time is relative. Science is amazing. People are easily led. Courage is often scary. The ugly duckling story can come true. A person grows into each challenge if given the opportunity. And above all, love is healing. Now, I have to admit it has taken years for me to realize some of these gems and I’m almost certain more are hidden in the pages, and will be there when I need them.

I read this title and many of L’Engle’s others every few years. I think this is a book everyone should read, but you should have that choice, to read or not to read. - Jan