The story of the recent pulling of the book Woke by Mahogany L. Browne from the shelves of Martin Elementary School in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Apparently, this was done after a single parent complained about the book in the spring of 2023. It was only reported public just a few weeks ago.
What also infuriated many was the secrecy. It was pulled with only a recommendation of a still unnamed committee without anything said to the public. It was reportedly in an attempt to keep others from trying to ban other books. It was only after a report in the Boston Globe by Christopher Huffaker that it was made public. The public uproar was quick and did have results. A short time later the book was returned to the school by Superintendent John Antonucci acknowledging the error.
There have been calls myself and others about how this happened in the first place.
The book has also inspired a run on the book at local libraries and stores. I noticed this too when trying to locate a copy. I finally did find one outside the local library network on Cape Cod. It inspired North Attleboro attorney Stephen Clapp to give out free copies of the book after he also had problems locating a book. I applaud his efforts.
Thanks to all who made the effort and speak out against this politically inspired attempt to ban this book. We must be vigilant against these attempts. It didn't work here but unfortunately in other places, it has worked where librarians and school officials have been harassed and stressed by what is usually a very vocal minority. Attempts to ban should not be left uncontested nor done in secret. As always support your local libraries.
