As a 90s baby, I can say, with full authority, that we had some awesome movies! Jurassic Park, Toy Story —JUMANJI! Like, come on!
Since the beginning of cinema there, of course, have been many groundbreaking films, but I have a true soft spot for the 90s. And among these incredible movies, there was one that changed the brain chemistry of my childhood mind—even though it didn't grant me powers.
Mathilda, the 1996 fantastical comedy based on the 1988 novel by Roald Dahl, was quite influential to me and my relationship with reading. I still remember watching young Mathilda, played by the adorable Sara Magdalin who grows up to become Mara Wilson, walk into the library, barely able to see over the counter, and talk to the librarian, Mrs. Phelps—perhaps the first adult she’s met up to that point that truly saw her.
After devouring all the books in the children's section, Mrs. Phelps even told Mathilda a very valuable secret...you can have your very own library card...and take books home! Mathilda was "nurtured by the voices of all those authors who had sent their books out into the world, like ships onto the sea." (Ugh! Just writing this makes me emotional). But the books gave Mathilda a "hopeful and comforting message—you are not alone."
That moment sowed a seed of wonder and excitement in me and immediately, I wanted to go to this magical place. Especially on top of the fact that this magical place was able to grant you the power of telekinesis as a direct result of exercising your mind; by growing your knowledge and brain power.
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| Art by Quentin Blake |
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| 8 year old Me |
Today, I am able to connect to other people and cultures, to place myself in their shoes and to imagine a world larger than my own, to the point where I’ve realized my own wildest dreams as a result of entering the dreams of others in the countless books I’ve read. I learn so much from being in the library. I discovered my autonomy as a reader, socialization as a child and even deepened my love to research— There, I even discovered that I could be an artist when I grew up, my lifelong passion for drawing cultivated as a result to my exploratoin.
I even made a petition to try and get a library in my neighbor in Staten Island. I had to go to my closest library, which was 30 minutes away via bus, use my 40 cents to print a self-made petition to have my neighbors sign. I was very ambitious as a child!
I recently heard that there is now a library in my old neighborhood and the lore is that I helped bring it to life. Whether or not I actually did, at that age, the library was my favorite place and I’m glad that there is a library in the community for kids like me.
Reading was a lifeline for me and till this day, I can be found with a book in my hand, no matter where I am. And this love of reading was nurtured by movies like Mathilda, or amazing shows like Reading Rainbow— shoutout to LeVar Burton, and the host of the reboot, Mychal Threets.
I even made a petition to try and get a library in my neighbor in Staten Island. I had to go to my closest library, which was 30 minutes away via bus, use my 40 cents to print a self-made petition to have my neighbors sign. I was very ambitious as a child!
I recently heard that there is now a library in my old neighborhood and the lore is that I helped bring it to life. Whether or not I actually did, at that age, the library was my favorite place and I’m glad that there is a library in the community for kids like me.
Reading was a lifeline for me and till this day, I can be found with a book in my hand, no matter where I am. And this love of reading was nurtured by movies like Mathilda, or amazing shows like Reading Rainbow— shoutout to LeVar Burton, and the host of the reboot, Mychal Threets.
So I invite you to join in supporting your local library.
Get yourself or a child in your life a library card. Take them to the library, find a cozy corner, and read together. Check out what events are taking place. Engage with your library community. Introduce yourself to your librarians.
Growing up in an underserved community, I understand the privilege that education, knowledge and books have. And I've made it my personal goal to read as many books as literally possible and my mission to create books in hopes of being one of those authors whose voice becomes a ship that a child can board and be whisked away to other worlds.
In this tumultuous time for book creators and those who champion them, we must remember the importance of books, their power but also, our own strength to combat the attack on freedom to read and freedom of speech. Consider joining the fight to protect these "ships" by purchasing banned books, requesting them at your local library, joining an organization that is at the forefront! Together our fleet of imagination, of love, of truth will triumph!
Growing up in an underserved community, I understand the privilege that education, knowledge and books have. And I've made it my personal goal to read as many books as literally possible and my mission to create books in hopes of being one of those authors whose voice becomes a ship that a child can board and be whisked away to other worlds.
In this tumultuous time for book creators and those who champion them, we must remember the importance of books, their power but also, our own strength to combat the attack on freedom to read and freedom of speech. Consider joining the fight to protect these "ships" by purchasing banned books, requesting them at your local library, joining an organization that is at the forefront! Together our fleet of imagination, of love, of truth will triumph!
Banned Book Resources
Here are some resources to continue the fight beyond Banned Book Week!
- Banned and Challenged Books Bookshop
- A expansive list of banned books that you can purchase to help support creators
- SCBWI Banned Book Video Playlists
- Check out SCBWI's Banned Book Playlist, full of panel discussions with industry professional, censorship activists and more!
- The Librarians Film
- Consider joining organizations that are on the front line of the fight!
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