Billings Reads Banned Books Club, Featuring Ricks by Ellen Hopkins
First book discussion: Tricks, by Ellen Hopkins
Date: July 9, 2024
Include discussion with Penny Ronning
Location: Billings Public Library, Community Room
Please RSVP so we know how many people to plan for.
Questions? Please contact Mary Beth Beaulieu at marybethcoach@gmail.com
Join the inaugural meeting for the Billings Reads Banned Books club. As a community, we will be reading and discussing books that have been removed from many public and private schools as well as public libraries, across the country. The purpose of this book club is to read and discuss these titles, while bringing awareness to the rapid rise of book challenges and bans, including recently here in Yellowstone County.
All who have interest in learning about these books, the themes they cover, while discussing with others, are welcome to join. The group will meet on the second Tuesday of every month to have a non-judgmental, respectful discussion of selected books that are being challenged nationally as well as locally.
This month we will be reading Tricks, by Ellen Hopkins. This book was chosen for our first read after it was confirmed by a local FBI agent, that what the teenagersin the book experience, happens here in our community.
Penny Ronning, Co-Founder, Co-Chair, Board President, and Steering Committee Member, of the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force will be joining the discussion and sharing vital information.
Difficult discussions are expected. In order to participate, we ask all to agree to follow these guidelines:
- Arrive on time. We will gather and connect at 5:30pm, and begin book discussion at 545pm, for up to 45 minutes.
- Read the entire book. The content in these books will likely challenge our thinking and any controversial passages should be considered in full context of the story.
- Be prepared to discuss the book, share your ideas and ask questions.
We will have an opportunity to practice having civil dialog when in disagreement by listening to others, showing respect and bring open to learning from hearing diverse views.
Our goal is for this to be a community-wide event. Please invite others who would be interested as well, by sharing this sign-up link: Billings Reads Banned Books.
