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Why Kids Need Banned Books | Jason Reynolds and Dr. Emily Knox | A Kids Co.

Oct 7, 2025

Bestselling author Jason Reynolds and Dr. Emily Knox, a censorship expert, dive into the urgent topic of banned books. Jason shares his personal experiences with bans and how they affect kids' access to diverse stories. He emphasizes the importance of reading together to spark curiosity and discussion. Dr. Knox sheds light on the cultural impact of censorship and the topics most often targeted, urging families to engage with difficult knowledge. They provide practical steps for parents to champion access to literature in schools and homes.

34:10

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ANECDOTE

Why Detail Matters To Young Readers

Jason Reynolds recalled discovering in elementary school that surface similarities in books weren't enough for true connection.
He wanted texture and detail that matched his family and neighborhood to hold his attention.

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ANECDOTE

Confrontation Then Curiosity

Jason Reynolds described a confrontation where an angry adult blamed him for societal issues and a teen followed asking curious questions.

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ADVICE

Read With Kids Or Opt Out

Jason Reynolds urged parents to read challenged books with their children and to opt children out if a book truly isn't right for them.
He challenged parents to be equally present for other media (games, YouTube) if they critique books.

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Jason Reynolds' childhood craving for relatable details

01:41 • 2min

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How rap lyrics sparked Jason Reynolds' writing

04:03 • 1min

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The themes and aims behind Jason Reynolds' books

05:31 • 1min

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Emotional impact of having books challenged or banned

06:53 • 2min

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Why Jason keeps writing despite bans

09:10 • 1min

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Kids' responses to challenged books: hope vs. fear

10:29 • 2min

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How parents and teachers should handle difficult books

12:47 • 3min

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Practical steps to support book access locally

What book bans mean and how censorship works today

18:07 • 2min

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Cultural effects of banning books

20:12 • 2min

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Current landscape: attacks on schools and libraries

22:00 • 2min

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Why knowledge and books are being targeted

23:34 • 1min

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Types of topics most often targeted for censorship

24:45 • 2min

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What challengers want instead of contested books

26:40 • 2min

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How to talk with kids about banned books

28:38 • 1min

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Age-appropriate reading: parents should talk about hard topics

29:56 • 1min

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Advice if your child wants to read a challenged book

31:14 • 1min

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Resources and closing recommendations

A Kids Book About Banned Books

Duke Stebbins

Emma Wolf

National Coalition Against Censorship

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Book Banning in the 21st Century

• Mentioned in 96 episodes

The Fountainhead

Ayn Rand

Published in 1943, 'The Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand tells the story of Howard Roark, a young and innovative architect who refuses to compromise his artistic vision despite the opposition from society. The novel explores themes of individualism, egoism, and the conflict between those who think for themselves (the 'first-handers') and those who follow the opinions of others (the 'second-handers'). It also delves into the lives of other characters such as Dominique Francon, Peter Keating, Ellsworth Toohey, and Gail Wynand, each representing different aspects of Rand's philosophical ideas. The book is a defense of egoism and individualism, presenting a radical rethinking of basic moral concepts and challenging conventional notions of selfishness and altruism.

#3971

• Mentioned in 9 episodes

Maus

Art Spiegelman

#24957

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Ghost

Jason Reynolds

The story follows Castle Cranshaw, nicknamed Ghost, a teenager who has always known running as a way to escape his troubles. After a traumatic incident involving his father, Ghost and his mother are left to fend for themselves. One day, he challenges an elite sprinter to a race and wins, catching the attention of Coach Brody, who invites him to join the track team. As Ghost navigates his new life on the track, he learns to harness his raw talent, confront his past, and form meaningful relationships with his teammates. The book explores themes of identity, friendship, and overcoming adversity.

#20191

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

LOOK BOTH WAYS

A Tale Told in Ten Blocks

Jason Reynolds

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by Jason Reynolds is a novel that weaves together ten stories of kids walking home from school. It explores the humor, poetry, and complexities of middle school life, challenging stereotypes and encouraging readers to see beyond surface appearances. The book is praised for its ability to balance humor with poignant moments, making it relatable and engaging for young readers.

#78170

Stamped

Racism, Antiracism, and You

Jason Reynolds

This book is a reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning. Written by Jason Reynolds, it exposes young adult readers to the history of America's racist past, using a presentist approach to interpret historical subjects through the lens of contemporary norms and attitudes. The book aims to help readers understand why we are where we are today, why racist ideas persist, and how to identify and stamp out racist thoughts in daily life.

#63002

Long Way Down

Jason Reynolds

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a powerful novel in verse that explores themes of grief, loyalty, and the cycle of violence. The story follows Will, a 15-year-old boy who seeks revenge for his brother's murder, but is confronted by ghosts from his past who challenge his perceptions. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, leaving Will to decide whether to follow the rules of his community or forge a different path.

All American Boys tells the story of Rashad, a black teenager brutally beaten by a police officer, and Quinn, a white witness grappling with the aftermath. The novel explores themes of systemic racism, police brutality, and the complexities of racial tension in America. Through alternating narratives, Reynolds and Kiely delve into the emotional and social repercussions of this violent incident on the community.

Banned books are sparking debates in schools and libraries across the country. But what do book bans really mean for the kids in your life? And how can families respond in ways that build understanding instead of fear? In this episode, bestselling author Jason Reynolds (All American Boys, Long Way Down) talks about what it feels like to see his work pulled from classrooms, and scholar Dr. Emily Knox (Book Banning in the 21st Century) explains how censorship takes shape today and why it matters for all of us. They highlight practical ways to guide the kids in your life through tough topics on the page without shutting the door on important stories.

Key takeaways for parents:

Why banned books shape the way kids see the world, even if they never read them.

What small, practical steps families can take to stand up for access to stories.

How to approach “challenged” books with curiosity, care, and context.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/347196eeaecf58e1/f40aeb5376d16808

Follow Jason Reynolds on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonreynolds83

Follow Dr. Emily Knox: https://www.emilyknox.net/

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ABOUT THE SHOW

Raising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious Caregivers

Award-winning journalist Elise Hu (TED Talks Daily, Forever35) hosts Raising Us, a parenting podcast for grownups raising Big-Question Kids. From puberty and identity to tech and body image, each episode gives you tools to spark real conversations with the kids in your life.

Created by A Kids Co. (a family media company) the show blends expert-backed insights with real, lived experiences featuring trusted doctors, educators and purpose-driven public figures sharing age-appropriate advice so you don't have to wing the hard stuff.

Follow on:

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If you like parenting podcasts like Good Inside with Dr. Becky, The Longest Shortest Time, Raising Good Humans or Ask Lisa, this podcast is for you.

Topics Covered on Raising Us:

Parenting kids and tweens

Mental health for kids

Talking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusion

Screen time and social media

Puberty, anxiety, and big feelings

Building emotional intelligence in families

Conscious and values-driven parenting

Elise Hu parenting podcast

A Kids Co. podcast series

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