What do you think?
Rate this book
Attack of The Black Rectangles
Award-winning author Amy Sarig King takes on censorship and intolerance in a novel she was born to write. When Mac first opens his classroom copy of Jane Yolen's The Devil's Arithmetic and finds some words blacked out, he thinks it must be a mistake. But then when he and his friends discover what the missing words are, he's outraged. Someone in his school is trying to prevent kids from reading the full story. But who? Even though his unreliable dad tells him to not get so emotional about a book (or anything else), Mac has been raised by his mom and grandad to call out things that are wrong. He and his friends head to the principal's office to protest the censorship... but her response doesn't take them seriously. So many adults want Mac to keep his words to himself. Mac's about to see the power of letting them out. In Attack of the Black Rectangles , acclaimed author Amy Sarig King shows all the ways truth can be hard... but still worth fighting for.
298 pages, Library Binding
First published September 6, 2022
181 people are currently reading
8785 people want to read
About the author
Amy Sarig King
5 books192 followersA.S. King writes middle grade fiction under the name Amy Sarig King.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,227 reviews
October 3, 2022
"I think lies are the same as crossing out words in a book. I mean, isn't it a lie to think you know better than everyone else?"
Book banning is one thing that really gets me angry. I just don't understand why you would want to take books out of people's hands because they go against whatever rule you think that they break. I was taught early on in life that if I don't agree with something, I can act as if it doesn't exist. Don't like it? Don't look at it! Why can't everyone take that lead?
I've got a tale for you all about me being screamed at for the Library I work for posting about banned books. I guess this guy didn't get the memo about the Library being a place for everyone... That my friends is a story for another day.
This book was so good and it made me emotional. I'm sitting here trying not to cry at my desk. Mac and his friends stood up for what they believed in and it made banned books week even more powerful. The family closeness, the deep bonding friendships, and sticking together in the worst of times made this an inspiring tale. I really loved this book and everyone should read this.
Attack of the Black Rectangles was such an amazing read. It truly made me want to sit here and cry. We as a society should not be telling people what they can and can't read. Let the reader decide and then they can make an opinion. I'm proud to say that my parents encouraged me to be my true self and to read what makes me happy. Everyone should get that opportunity to feel that freedom.
Book banning is one thing that really gets me angry. I just don't understand why you would want to take books out of people's hands because they go against whatever rule you think that they break. I was taught early on in life that if I don't agree with something, I can act as if it doesn't exist. Don't like it? Don't look at it! Why can't everyone take that lead?
I've got a tale for you all about me being screamed at for the Library I work for posting about banned books. I guess this guy didn't get the memo about the Library being a place for everyone... That my friends is a story for another day.
This book was so good and it made me emotional. I'm sitting here trying not to cry at my desk. Mac and his friends stood up for what they believed in and it made banned books week even more powerful. The family closeness, the deep bonding friendships, and sticking together in the worst of times made this an inspiring tale. I really loved this book and everyone should read this.
Attack of the Black Rectangles was such an amazing read. It truly made me want to sit here and cry. We as a society should not be telling people what they can and can't read. Let the reader decide and then they can make an opinion. I'm proud to say that my parents encouraged me to be my true self and to read what makes me happy. Everyone should get that opportunity to feel that freedom.
October 2, 2022
I was really looking forward to this read, but alas, it did not live up to the hype for me. And I'd just read The Devil's Arithmetic to gear up for it.
King lacks trust in her characters and her story to communicate her message--she lacks trust in her own storytelling abilities! Instead, she invades the otherwise authentic voice of her young protagonist with narrative didacticism, which has no place in effective fiction. Lest her readers feed ducks bread instead of bird-appropriate food at the park, King informs us via Mac that ducks can't eat bread. (Isn't this common knowledge by now? Why is this book trying to be a park sign? The ducks are never mentioned again.) It felt like King was trying to check off a list of issues to confront in the book, and she was racing around like this was Pokémon and she had to catch them all. Yet, she didn't even confront a very serious problem she sets up in the story.
I think King's narrative would have been much more effective if she'd let readers discover what was happening in the town à la The Giver. There's a sixth-grade teacher who has Big-Brother-like control over Mac's hometown. They cancel Halloween, outlaw junk food, (can towns even do that?) rule out pizza delivery, and dictate what colors people can paint their houses...by controlling paint supply. (???) If King had let her readers discover that something was off in the little nameless town, Attack of the Black Rectangles would have been more effective for me as a reader. I felt like King didn't trust my reading skills, not to mention those of the target audience. Her sixth-grade characters reading The Devil's Arithmetic demonstrated a level of reading skill that caught nuances in, cared about, and engaged critically with an extremely emotionally challenging book. Why didn't she trust her readers to do the same?
Awesome cover, though. And the last few chapters were solid. It just didn't live up to the hype for me, unfortunately.
King lacks trust in her characters and her story to communicate her message--she lacks trust in her own storytelling abilities! Instead, she invades the otherwise authentic voice of her young protagonist with narrative didacticism, which has no place in effective fiction. Lest her readers feed ducks bread instead of bird-appropriate food at the park, King informs us via Mac that ducks can't eat bread. (Isn't this common knowledge by now? Why is this book trying to be a park sign? The ducks are never mentioned again.) It felt like King was trying to check off a list of issues to confront in the book, and she was racing around like this was Pokémon and she had to catch them all. Yet, she didn't even confront a very serious problem she sets up in the story.
I think King's narrative would have been much more effective if she'd let readers discover what was happening in the town à la The Giver. There's a sixth-grade teacher who has Big-Brother-like control over Mac's hometown. They cancel Halloween, outlaw junk food, (can towns even do that?) rule out pizza delivery, and dictate what colors people can paint their houses...by controlling paint supply. (???) If King had let her readers discover that something was off in the little nameless town, Attack of the Black Rectangles would have been more effective for me as a reader. I felt like King didn't trust my reading skills, not to mention those of the target audience. Her sixth-grade characters reading The Devil's Arithmetic demonstrated a level of reading skill that caught nuances in, cared about, and engaged critically with an extremely emotionally challenging book. Why didn't she trust her readers to do the same?
Awesome cover, though. And the last few chapters were solid. It just didn't live up to the hype for me, unfortunately.
July 2, 2022
Another winner by Amy Sarig King. And now I have to go read The Devil’s Arithmetic, too. Kids need more books written by people who understand kids. King understands kids.
December 3, 2022
A teacher's perspective
This book made a strong first impression, and I was excited to finish it. As it developed, however, I became increasingly uncomfortable with the central conflict.
To be fair, King is a highly skilled writer. The characters are unique and well-developed. The setting is immersive. The plot is crisply paced and develops smoothly. I was especially impressed by the use of newspaper editorials to develop all these elements in a concise and engaging way.
Like the antagonist, I am also a 6th grade reading teacher. While I disagree with almost everything she did in this book, I maintain that teachers have the right to determine which materials are fit for their classrooms. For example, I choose not to shelve John Green books in my classroom because I think they are inappropriate for my students. The scenes in this book of students and community members demanding that a teacher keep materials she judged inappropriate in her classroom were very uncomfortable for me.
Furthermore, the depiction of censorship in this book misrepresents the issue in 2022. While I understand that this is based on an incident from King's childhood, in my experience and observation people who ban books almost never read them. Instead, they use shortcuts like internet reviews and content warnings. There are very few people in 2022 who would read a book and say, "I really want this in the classroom, but we have to cross out a few words first." This issue is usually the entire topic of the book rather than a few words.
Lastly, there was a time that I actually did use the "black rectangle" method myself. I found a really cool technology article in The Economist that I thought would be interesting to read out loud as a class, but it had a quote with profanity in it. I felt that the choice was between crossing out the word and not using the article, so I chose to cross out the word before sharing it with students. I maintain that this was a reasonable use of my professional judgment.
First impressions:
I set out to read my standard and 20 page preview, but I accidentally read 30 instead. The characters are interesting. They feel fresh and nuanced. The plot and the characters are developed through action. I was really curious to see where the story would go next. I appreciate King’s economic approach to writing and strong choice of interesting details. I would like to come back and finish this book sometime.
This book made a strong first impression, and I was excited to finish it. As it developed, however, I became increasingly uncomfortable with the central conflict.
To be fair, King is a highly skilled writer. The characters are unique and well-developed. The setting is immersive. The plot is crisply paced and develops smoothly. I was especially impressed by the use of newspaper editorials to develop all these elements in a concise and engaging way.
Like the antagonist, I am also a 6th grade reading teacher. While I disagree with almost everything she did in this book, I maintain that teachers have the right to determine which materials are fit for their classrooms. For example, I choose not to shelve John Green books in my classroom because I think they are inappropriate for my students. The scenes in this book of students and community members demanding that a teacher keep materials she judged inappropriate in her classroom were very uncomfortable for me.
Furthermore, the depiction of censorship in this book misrepresents the issue in 2022. While I understand that this is based on an incident from King's childhood, in my experience and observation people who ban books almost never read them. Instead, they use shortcuts like internet reviews and content warnings. There are very few people in 2022 who would read a book and say, "I really want this in the classroom, but we have to cross out a few words first." This issue is usually the entire topic of the book rather than a few words.
Lastly, there was a time that I actually did use the "black rectangle" method myself. I found a really cool technology article in The Economist that I thought would be interesting to read out loud as a class, but it had a quote with profanity in it. I felt that the choice was between crossing out the word and not using the article, so I chose to cross out the word before sharing it with students. I maintain that this was a reasonable use of my professional judgment.
First impressions:
I set out to read my standard and 20 page preview, but I accidentally read 30 instead. The characters are interesting. They feel fresh and nuanced. The plot and the characters are developed through action. I was really curious to see where the story would go next. I appreciate King’s economic approach to writing and strong choice of interesting details. I would like to come back and finish this book sometime.
September 7, 2023
A good middle grade book that looks at book censorship and how people in authority attempt to control society. It is quite 'in-your-face' with the theme and I don't know if Amy needed to be so heavy handed. A good teacher or parent/caregiver would be able to facilitate some excellent discussions unpacking the ideas without them being so overly explained in the novel. I did think it was a great read and reminded me of a few YA novels that show how government control, based on their own ideals, can encroach on civil liberties and rights. It almost had a pre-dystopian society feel to it but sadly book banning is a reality.
As I former librarian, I have mixed feelings on censorship. Officially, libraries don't censor. However, I worked in a high school library so was morally obliged to consider the well being of students. The best system is to take note of any triggering content and make sure the readers are aware of this before they borrow the book so they can then decide if they are in the right headspace to tackle these challenging themes. I would also encourage them to have conversations with trusted adults about any issues that arose from the book.
Back to this novel. I thought the kids were gutsy and likeable characters and the community member POVs were a fantastic way of giving us the temperature of the town, so to speak. So cool that Jane Yolen was involved in this project and I look forward to reading The Devil's Arithmetic.
As I former librarian, I have mixed feelings on censorship. Officially, libraries don't censor. However, I worked in a high school library so was morally obliged to consider the well being of students. The best system is to take note of any triggering content and make sure the readers are aware of this before they borrow the book so they can then decide if they are in the right headspace to tackle these challenging themes. I would also encourage them to have conversations with trusted adults about any issues that arose from the book.
Back to this novel. I thought the kids were gutsy and likeable characters and the community member POVs were a fantastic way of giving us the temperature of the town, so to speak. So cool that Jane Yolen was involved in this project and I look forward to reading The Devil's Arithmetic.
September 29, 2022
I am 100% here for authors writing books about books and censorship, and setting the stage for kids to make a difference when this happens. What I have a hard time rectifying in my head is a sixth grade kid that can have meaningful conversations about the constitution and feminism, but also believes his dad is an alien that can drive a spaceship. The entire storyline about the absent, ill father could have been cut, and the book would have been better for it. I also don't understand why a teacher was made to be the big, bad villain in this story when we know book challenges and attempts to censor are primarily coming from parents and community members. Haven't teachers been through enough? I did still enjoy this book, and I respect the author, but I'd go with Answers in the Pages for a more nuanced censorship conversation starter.
Read
August 27, 2022This is a great middle grade story about censorship. My only complaint is that there's no discussion about why the dad is acting so erratically — he definitely has some serious mental health issues — which is strange for a story that is so much about naming difficult things.
I loved this activist, antiracist main character who is working to be an ally, and I think this story could start a lot of really interesting conversations with kids.
I loved this activist, antiracist main character who is working to be an ally, and I think this story could start a lot of really interesting conversations with kids.
May 26, 2023
Reminiscent of Footloose, in a little town dominated by a truckload of nitpicking rules from one influential and smug woman -- think the HOA from hell, with a curfew and bans on the sale junk food, the celebration of Halloween, and house colors other than white -- some sixth graders start to push back when they find that someone has taken a black magic marker to cross out certain sentences in their copies of Jane Yolen's Holocaust novel, The Devil's Arithmetic (which I read last month in preparation for reading this book).
The protagonist has some personal issues to deal with too: divorced parents, an anxious best friend, a father circling a mental health crisis, and a smart and cute girl he'd like to take to the upcoming dance.
I thought all the story elements came together quite well, and I love the activism to protect First Amendment rights. It's a very timely book, what with dipshits like "Don't Say Gay" DeSantis trying to control what people can read and teach.
The protagonist has some personal issues to deal with too: divorced parents, an anxious best friend, a father circling a mental health crisis, and a smart and cute girl he'd like to take to the upcoming dance.
I thought all the story elements came together quite well, and I love the activism to protect First Amendment rights. It's a very timely book, what with dipshits like "Don't Say Gay" DeSantis trying to control what people can read and teach.
July 6, 2024
Based solely on the core subject matter, this book gets 5 stars. Everything revolves around two key life lessons: the need to discover and accept the truth "even if it makes us uncomfortable or sad", and the existential importance of having the freedom to be one's authentic self with others. And these are championed through the story of an elementary school friend-group who protest the editorial black rectangles which mar all copies of their lit circle books.
It pains me to report that these principles are often communicated through preachy exposition that can border on smugness. With so many liberal concerns injected into the storyline (the evils of book banning, the persistence of the patriarchy, the predominance of Christian viewpoints in multicultural communities, the need for allyship in civil and LGBTQ+ rights, the destruction of indigenous peoples and theft of native property), things get political and stay that way. And these are my own politics, so the fact that I found this off-putting grieves me. In the end, Censorship is used as a Trojan Horse for several other topics. All are important, but I think King's arguments would persuade more people if presented in finer focus and with greater finesse.
3.5 stars
It pains me to report that these principles are often communicated through preachy exposition that can border on smugness. With so many liberal concerns injected into the storyline (the evils of book banning, the persistence of the patriarchy, the predominance of Christian viewpoints in multicultural communities, the need for allyship in civil and LGBTQ+ rights, the destruction of indigenous peoples and theft of native property), things get political and stay that way. And these are my own politics, so the fact that I found this off-putting grieves me. In the end, Censorship is used as a Trojan Horse for several other topics. All are important, but I think King's arguments would persuade more people if presented in finer focus and with greater finesse.
3.5 stars
December 15, 2022
My gut reaction: This book is a dumpster fire.
My professional reaction: Why did this novel leave me so dissatisfied?
Read on for my angst-ridden review…
I love using goodreads to track what I’ve read and to build lists. I challenge myself to write reviews not because I have a following, but because it is a way to organize my thoughts and document my reactions.
As for the social aspect of this platform…sadly, I don’t give it much thought. In general, I keep my overall social media participation to a minimum. However, even with zero followers and a minimal number of “friends” on goodreads, I am hesitant to post a review of this title.
Why?
Professionally and intellectually, I felt a responsibility to champion this book. I am a Nationally-Board Certified Teacher with 17 years of experience as a public educator. I earned a post-baccalaureate degree and certification as a Library Information Specialist. I served as the Library Media Specialist in a K-5 building for 7 years. During the past 6 years, I have worked as a Youth Services Librarian in three local libraries. It is my professional responsibility to advocate for materials of all types to be accessible to students/patrons in their ORIGINAL form (without edits, such as “black rectangles”).
Removing those vocational labels, however, I am simply a reader—one who browses the shelves and picks up titles that look timely and compelling. And certainly “Attack of the Black Rectangles” fit that criteria. Within the first few pages, I found the writing to be frank and well-paced, and I predicted I would be recommending it to patrons and colleagues.
After reading this novel in its entirety, however, I feel dismayed. I don’t want to recommend it, even though professionally I feel as though I should. What, exactly, felt “off?”:
- Mac’s father has a mental illness…yet the author tiptoes around that language;
- The town’s “bully” is never confronted and there is a lack of resolution;
- Assorted “hot button” issues are scattered throughout the story without being fully-developed; and
- The ongoing, emotional angst of the narrator is neatly wrapped-up in the last few pages.
In addition, the decision by some of the main characters to steal books from their classroom teacher’s closet felt contrary to their characterizations. (Or, was the author including that decision as a possible point for discussion?)
I take no issue with this book being available in school and public library collections, and I don’t mind the story’s students questioning authority figures and exploring the concept of “truth.” However, young and impressionable readers don’t need to be accosted by condescension and didactic rants. All of the issues woven in and out of the story did not add to its authenticity; instead, it felt like the author had an agenda to create an agenda.
My gut reaction: This book is a dumpster fire.
My professional reaction: Other titles, such as Alan Gratz, “Ban This Book,” and David Levithan’s “Answers in the Pages” address the topics of censorship and advocacy with greater effectiveness.
My professional reaction: Why did this novel leave me so dissatisfied?
Read on for my angst-ridden review…
I love using goodreads to track what I’ve read and to build lists. I challenge myself to write reviews not because I have a following, but because it is a way to organize my thoughts and document my reactions.
As for the social aspect of this platform…sadly, I don’t give it much thought. In general, I keep my overall social media participation to a minimum. However, even with zero followers and a minimal number of “friends” on goodreads, I am hesitant to post a review of this title.
Why?
Professionally and intellectually, I felt a responsibility to champion this book. I am a Nationally-Board Certified Teacher with 17 years of experience as a public educator. I earned a post-baccalaureate degree and certification as a Library Information Specialist. I served as the Library Media Specialist in a K-5 building for 7 years. During the past 6 years, I have worked as a Youth Services Librarian in three local libraries. It is my professional responsibility to advocate for materials of all types to be accessible to students/patrons in their ORIGINAL form (without edits, such as “black rectangles”).
Removing those vocational labels, however, I am simply a reader—one who browses the shelves and picks up titles that look timely and compelling. And certainly “Attack of the Black Rectangles” fit that criteria. Within the first few pages, I found the writing to be frank and well-paced, and I predicted I would be recommending it to patrons and colleagues.
After reading this novel in its entirety, however, I feel dismayed. I don’t want to recommend it, even though professionally I feel as though I should. What, exactly, felt “off?”:
- Mac’s father has a mental illness…yet the author tiptoes around that language;
- The town’s “bully” is never confronted and there is a lack of resolution;
- Assorted “hot button” issues are scattered throughout the story without being fully-developed; and
- The ongoing, emotional angst of the narrator is neatly wrapped-up in the last few pages.
In addition, the decision by some of the main characters to steal books from their classroom teacher’s closet felt contrary to their characterizations. (Or, was the author including that decision as a possible point for discussion?)
I take no issue with this book being available in school and public library collections, and I don’t mind the story’s students questioning authority figures and exploring the concept of “truth.” However, young and impressionable readers don’t need to be accosted by condescension and didactic rants. All of the issues woven in and out of the story did not add to its authenticity; instead, it felt like the author had an agenda to create an agenda.
My gut reaction: This book is a dumpster fire.
My professional reaction: Other titles, such as Alan Gratz, “Ban This Book,” and David Levithan’s “Answers in the Pages” address the topics of censorship and advocacy with greater effectiveness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2023
I have a tendency to get trapped in the dark.
I don't think that's terribly unusual these days. The dark is very big and far reaching and murky and easy to get stuck in. Every hour of every day there's some new tragedy to steal a little bit more of my faith in humanity. Another classroom gets shot up, another person of color is murdered by the people who are supposed to be protecting them, another queer person is called a pedophile for daring to read to children in a Versace gown. The list goes on and on and on and becomes more ridiculous and hateful and ignorant and soul sucking as it goes.
So when I get to read something like this book its like a tiny little window of perfect sunlight has suddenly opened in the prison cell I've been trapped in for a hundred years.
If you know anyone who is battling the dark right now or you're fighting a battle of your own I encourage you to read this. Its a wonderfully inspiring story of a young man who encounters censorship for the first time in his life and rises up like a goddamn phoenix to fight it.
Its a beautiful, hopeful story that those of us who are having trouble finding the light need right now.
I don't think that's terribly unusual these days. The dark is very big and far reaching and murky and easy to get stuck in. Every hour of every day there's some new tragedy to steal a little bit more of my faith in humanity. Another classroom gets shot up, another person of color is murdered by the people who are supposed to be protecting them, another queer person is called a pedophile for daring to read to children in a Versace gown. The list goes on and on and on and becomes more ridiculous and hateful and ignorant and soul sucking as it goes.
So when I get to read something like this book its like a tiny little window of perfect sunlight has suddenly opened in the prison cell I've been trapped in for a hundred years.
If you know anyone who is battling the dark right now or you're fighting a battle of your own I encourage you to read this. Its a wonderfully inspiring story of a young man who encounters censorship for the first time in his life and rises up like a goddamn phoenix to fight it.
Its a beautiful, hopeful story that those of us who are having trouble finding the light need right now.
August 2, 2022
Kids taking on censorship in their small town? We love to see it!
March 17, 2023
Trying to mention a word in almost every sentence about an important theme made it really overbearing for me to keep on reading.
Goodbye, book.
Goodbye, book.
December 24, 2022
Actually, if it weren’t for the topic of this book, which I care about so fiercely, I would drop my review to three stars or lower. I found the character development so cardboard. Really, I’m getting weary of kids portrayed in books emerging as fully formed embryos of social awareness and pure as the driven snow. I found the main-character in this so unbelievable as a 6th grader. If this were a book about a less topical subject like football or baking, no critic would put up with such a two-dimensional protagonist.
The points about censorship were made well, but the story certainly lacked nuance or craft.
The points about censorship were made well, but the story certainly lacked nuance or craft.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2022
I love A.S. King, so I had high hopes for this. The issues she's addressing are important, but it comes off preachy. I wish she had let the story unfold and tackled the rest with more nuance.
June 28, 2022
Attack of the Black Rectangles feel ridiculously relevant to this moment in time. Mac and his two best friends, Marci and Denis realize that their teacher has censored their book club books and they want to do something about it. They go through all the right channels, but most adults at their school ignore or dismiss them. Despite setbacks they fight against censorship with more bravery and organization than I certainly would have had at their age. Is Amy King giving us a playbook for how to solve this issue? Maybe. One thing she’s definitely doing is writing excellent characters who carry us through their story. Even the antagonists are complex and at times sympathetic. Overall this is an excellent middle reader. My teen read it first and loved it. I finally got to it now that I’m on summer and enjoyed it too. I will definitely be gifting my ARC to my middle child’s classroom teacher for her library. Who knows?! Maybe it would make a great read aloud.
Read
August 13, 2022This book does an excellent job exploring the topic of censorship. I wish it had addressed the obvious mental health issues Mac’s dad is facing rather than just treating him as a “quirky” character.
August 8, 2022
Richie’s Picks: ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES by Amy Sarig King, Scholastic Press, September 2022, 272p., ISBN: 978-1-338-68052-2
“Honesty is the best policy
Be honest in all you do
Tell the truth and treat people fairly
And they’ll do the same for you”
– The Smothers Brothers (1990)
“Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed the New York State Division of Human Rights to investigate the Smithtown Library Board after it passed a resolution in a vote of 4-2 Tuesday to remove books and decorations related to LGBTQ+ Pride Month from displays in its children’s sections.
Smithtown Library’s Board of Trustees oversees four libraries in the Town of Smithtown: the Commack, Kings Park, Nesconset, and Smithtown libraries. In a memo, the board told the heads of each library to remove LGBTQ-related books from children’s room displays.
‘Public places are prohibited by law from engaging in discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Everyone – and particularly our state’s young people – deserves to feel welcome at the library. For many LGBTQ+ kids, libraries are a place of refuge and information where they can be welcomed and affirmed for who they are,’ Hochul said in a statement. ‘We will not tolerate a “Don’t Say Gay” philosophy taking root in our state. I look forward to seeing the Division of Human Rights take prompt action to investigate these reports.’”
Long Island Press (6/23/2022)
“The Smithtown Library Board of Trustees in Long Island, NY voted Thursday to reverse their earlier decision to remove LGBT books and displays celebrating Pride Month from the children’s sections of all four libraries in their district. The emergency meeting reversed the decision in a 4-2 vote after more than 1,000 people attended following national criticism of the move. The original vote, on Tuesday, June 21st, was widely condemned as anti-LGBTQ censorship, as similar decisions are being made in libraries and schools across the country.”
– Bookstr.com, “Long Island Library Board Reverses Decision to Remove Children’s Pride Displays” (6/28/2022)
I grew up in Commack, so that news meant a lot to me.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen your face
It’s been a while since I’ve walked this place
I see the monkeys riding on their bikes
Racing through the impossible night
You say you’re feeling like a new tree
Man they’ll cut you from limb to limb
Pick your pocket with such delight
Shake it to the right
Shake it in the light
Oh can’t you see the glitter
The glitter in their eyes”
– Patti Smith (2000)
“By the time I pass the intersection where my house is, I’m crying and trying not to cry, which makes me cry worse.
I can’t go home.
So I walk to the park. It’s dark, which is the best time to cry.
There are three teenagers under the pavilion, so I walk across the bridge and then down the bank of the creek and then under the bridge, and I sit there on the big rock, head in my hands, and cry about everything. The board meeting, Marci, Dad, Mom, Grandad, Gram. I cry about all of it. I think about Hannah in the book–The Devil’s Arithmetic–and I cry for her and for all those people who lived through something so impossible to understand. I cry because the world is a cruel place. I cry because sometimes things don’t make sense. I cry because I feel bad for crying. I have a nice house, a nice mom, a warm bed.”
I love this kid! Mac Delaney is experiencing a hell of a beginning to his sixth grade year. He’s dealing with an abusive, wacked-out father. He’s dealing with a teacher who is a well-known repressive force in town and who doesn’t appreciate Mac’s honest questions about U.S. history. He’s dealing with a bullying classmate. And the icing on the cake is Mac and his friends discovering that the book their lit circle is reading has been censored. Passages in the book have been Sharpied over, creating the black rectangles of the book’s title.
ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES is a story that shows how vitally important it is for adults to be honest with kids. Fortunately for Mac, he has a loving mother and devoted grandfather. He can trust them because they do believe in being honest with him and have taught him about the less pleasant aspects of U.S. history. With their support, Mac and his best friends take on the teacher, principal, and school board over the desecration of Jane Yolen’s award-winning Holocaust-related The Devil’s Arithmetic.
ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES is both a coming-of-age tale and a stellar tween friendship tale, painting a moving picture of the connections between Mac, Denis, and Marci as they approach their teen years.
The story could not be more relevant, given current events coming out of Smithtown, Florida, Texas, and too many places. In library school, we studied the Supreme Court case Island Trees School District v. Pico (1982), in which the Court held that the First Amendment limits the power of junior high and high school officials to remove books from school libraries because of their content. Forty years later, it’s the same old sh…err…stuff.
Young people need to know the truth about history, science, sexuality, and other topics. They will soon own the future and they need to be as educated and wise as possible to live their lives well and to make decisions that will save the planet.
ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES is a must-have for those serving 10-14 year-olds. And you’ll definitely want to have an (uncensored) copy of The Devil’s Arithmetic on hand, too.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
https://twitter.com/richiespicks
richiepartington@gmail.com
“Honesty is the best policy
Be honest in all you do
Tell the truth and treat people fairly
And they’ll do the same for you”
– The Smothers Brothers (1990)
“Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed the New York State Division of Human Rights to investigate the Smithtown Library Board after it passed a resolution in a vote of 4-2 Tuesday to remove books and decorations related to LGBTQ+ Pride Month from displays in its children’s sections.
Smithtown Library’s Board of Trustees oversees four libraries in the Town of Smithtown: the Commack, Kings Park, Nesconset, and Smithtown libraries. In a memo, the board told the heads of each library to remove LGBTQ-related books from children’s room displays.
‘Public places are prohibited by law from engaging in discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Everyone – and particularly our state’s young people – deserves to feel welcome at the library. For many LGBTQ+ kids, libraries are a place of refuge and information where they can be welcomed and affirmed for who they are,’ Hochul said in a statement. ‘We will not tolerate a “Don’t Say Gay” philosophy taking root in our state. I look forward to seeing the Division of Human Rights take prompt action to investigate these reports.’”
Long Island Press (6/23/2022)
“The Smithtown Library Board of Trustees in Long Island, NY voted Thursday to reverse their earlier decision to remove LGBT books and displays celebrating Pride Month from the children’s sections of all four libraries in their district. The emergency meeting reversed the decision in a 4-2 vote after more than 1,000 people attended following national criticism of the move. The original vote, on Tuesday, June 21st, was widely condemned as anti-LGBTQ censorship, as similar decisions are being made in libraries and schools across the country.”
– Bookstr.com, “Long Island Library Board Reverses Decision to Remove Children’s Pride Displays” (6/28/2022)
I grew up in Commack, so that news meant a lot to me.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen your face
It’s been a while since I’ve walked this place
I see the monkeys riding on their bikes
Racing through the impossible night
You say you’re feeling like a new tree
Man they’ll cut you from limb to limb
Pick your pocket with such delight
Shake it to the right
Shake it in the light
Oh can’t you see the glitter
The glitter in their eyes”
– Patti Smith (2000)
“By the time I pass the intersection where my house is, I’m crying and trying not to cry, which makes me cry worse.
I can’t go home.
So I walk to the park. It’s dark, which is the best time to cry.
There are three teenagers under the pavilion, so I walk across the bridge and then down the bank of the creek and then under the bridge, and I sit there on the big rock, head in my hands, and cry about everything. The board meeting, Marci, Dad, Mom, Grandad, Gram. I cry about all of it. I think about Hannah in the book–The Devil’s Arithmetic–and I cry for her and for all those people who lived through something so impossible to understand. I cry because the world is a cruel place. I cry because sometimes things don’t make sense. I cry because I feel bad for crying. I have a nice house, a nice mom, a warm bed.”
I love this kid! Mac Delaney is experiencing a hell of a beginning to his sixth grade year. He’s dealing with an abusive, wacked-out father. He’s dealing with a teacher who is a well-known repressive force in town and who doesn’t appreciate Mac’s honest questions about U.S. history. He’s dealing with a bullying classmate. And the icing on the cake is Mac and his friends discovering that the book their lit circle is reading has been censored. Passages in the book have been Sharpied over, creating the black rectangles of the book’s title.
ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES is a story that shows how vitally important it is for adults to be honest with kids. Fortunately for Mac, he has a loving mother and devoted grandfather. He can trust them because they do believe in being honest with him and have taught him about the less pleasant aspects of U.S. history. With their support, Mac and his best friends take on the teacher, principal, and school board over the desecration of Jane Yolen’s award-winning Holocaust-related The Devil’s Arithmetic.
ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES is both a coming-of-age tale and a stellar tween friendship tale, painting a moving picture of the connections between Mac, Denis, and Marci as they approach their teen years.
The story could not be more relevant, given current events coming out of Smithtown, Florida, Texas, and too many places. In library school, we studied the Supreme Court case Island Trees School District v. Pico (1982), in which the Court held that the First Amendment limits the power of junior high and high school officials to remove books from school libraries because of their content. Forty years later, it’s the same old sh…err…stuff.
Young people need to know the truth about history, science, sexuality, and other topics. They will soon own the future and they need to be as educated and wise as possible to live their lives well and to make decisions that will save the planet.
ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES is a must-have for those serving 10-14 year-olds. And you’ll definitely want to have an (uncensored) copy of The Devil’s Arithmetic on hand, too.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
https://twitter.com/richiespicks
richiepartington@gmail.com
September 20, 2023
Middle grades book #3.
Yes. Yes. YES. I have been so excited for this book since I first heard about it on TikTok in like June or something. I’ve been waiting to read it, and it lived up to my expectations. Actually…it exceeded them. I even read “The Devil’s Arithmetic” earlier this year to prepare for this book. I was shocked to finally find out what parts of the book were censored in Mac’s classroom.
This is not just a book about censorship; it is about a young boy trying to make sense of the world around him, of the adults who underestimate him, and of the feelings he has inside of him.
Mac Delaney reminded me of a few of my own 6th grade students, and I felt so proud of the way he and his friends stood up for their right to read all words. I want my 6th graders to feel this empowered. I might just start 6th grade off with this as a whole-class novel.
Yes. Yes. YES. I have been so excited for this book since I first heard about it on TikTok in like June or something. I’ve been waiting to read it, and it lived up to my expectations. Actually…it exceeded them. I even read “The Devil’s Arithmetic” earlier this year to prepare for this book. I was shocked to finally find out what parts of the book were censored in Mac’s classroom.
This is not just a book about censorship; it is about a young boy trying to make sense of the world around him, of the adults who underestimate him, and of the feelings he has inside of him.
Mac Delaney reminded me of a few of my own 6th grade students, and I felt so proud of the way he and his friends stood up for their right to read all words. I want my 6th graders to feel this empowered. I might just start 6th grade off with this as a whole-class novel.
March 7, 2024
This is an important book. I don't know if I've ever read a book that has drawn so much attention from other students; most wondered if I drew on the front cover, and that gave me the opportunity to tell them what the book was about... a lot of informal little book talks.
I didn't understand the character of Mrs. Sett. She had very nice, understanding moments with her students, but her blinders were so unforgiving that she left me unconvinced.
I was pretty disturbed by Mac's dad. I felt like that was another book, and I wanted to know more, while at the same time, I just wanted him to go away. I was so glad Mac had his grandpa, who was my favorite character in the book.
I won't give away the ending, but it was very satisfying and even got an audible gasp from me.
This isn't a perfect book, but I love what it's trying to do. And if it gets kids thinking about censorship and their rights, I'm all for it.
I didn't understand the character of Mrs. Sett. She had very nice, understanding moments with her students, but her blinders were so unforgiving that she left me unconvinced.
I was pretty disturbed by Mac's dad. I felt like that was another book, and I wanted to know more, while at the same time, I just wanted him to go away. I was so glad Mac had his grandpa, who was my favorite character in the book.
I won't give away the ending, but it was very satisfying and even got an audible gasp from me.
This isn't a perfect book, but I love what it's trying to do. And if it gets kids thinking about censorship and their rights, I'm all for it.
March 10, 2025
..just because I’m white doesn’t mean I can’t talk about what white people do wrong. We do a lot wrong. For starters, we don’t talk about how 73 percent of the signers of the Declaration of Independence owned slaves.Another horrifyingly timely young people’s novel about the normalization of book censorship and the (attempted) dumbing down of America. (No punchbacks, I’m Canadian, we’re smart and we see things.) ASK gets it, she really gets it. I've been knocked flat in the past by her YA novels - I recommend Switch which is somewhere beyond brilliant. This one hit home as I experienced almost exactly this, to a lesser extent: in my first year as an elementary school librarian, a Fundamentalist parent attempted to remove a picture book she called “devil worship” that had an illustration of a little bear floating along holding a balloon. (You can guess how that ended - we had Fundamentalist church members stomping up and down the hallways, but the book stayed on the shelves. Chalk one up for little loud librarians.) I haven’t yet come across any book by this author that I wouldn’t recommend to any of my reading friends and this one’s highly recommended.
Being around people who pretend something didn’t happen when it did happen requires grace. Accepting that Dad doesn’t live with us anymore requires grace. Helping him work on Grandad’s car every Saturday while he barely talks to me requires grace. Acting like this is all normal requires grace.
Grace is a good thing to have.
It’s like jam. It sweetens things.
***Plus there's a 1967 Karmann Ghia. *** 5 stars
December 13, 2022
Read this for Alma. Characters preach about feminism, colonization, and censorship constantly. I can get behind these ideas in general, but I can't stand characters being mouthpieces for lazy authors. Can your story speak for itself or not?
June 15, 2022
Read with 4th? During banned books month? Research/write letters, Make our own black out poetry?
October 7, 2023
i’m so mad. so angry. i hate that teacher. so mad!!!!!
obvi this book did exactly what it was supposed to. the writing was smooth, the plot was interesting, and the characters were dynamic. I really really enjoyed this book and the journey.
there were a few things i didn’t like as much. 1. the teacher being so vocal in their community about such unethical things I feel is very unlikely or uncommon. 2. the “conservative” friend / family agreeing with the anti censorship. BS. idk a single conservative that would’ve actually shown up at a protest to defend literacy access.
otherwise - GREAT book loved it would deff recommend anyone 5th grade and above!!
obvi this book did exactly what it was supposed to. the writing was smooth, the plot was interesting, and the characters were dynamic. I really really enjoyed this book and the journey.
there were a few things i didn’t like as much. 1. the teacher being so vocal in their community about such unethical things I feel is very unlikely or uncommon. 2. the “conservative” friend / family agreeing with the anti censorship. BS. idk a single conservative that would’ve actually shown up at a protest to defend literacy access.
otherwise - GREAT book loved it would deff recommend anyone 5th grade and above!!
September 22, 2023
Thanks to Ms. Laura Samuel Sett, Mac's hometown is perfect. No crime, no junk food, no Halloween, no bad thoughts or bad words like cancer or death or donut. Mac thinks adults should mind their own business and butt out, especially out of kids' lives. When he and his friends discover someone, probably their teacher, Ms. Sett, has blacked out words in the book they're reading, the 6th graders set out to figure out who did this, why and how they can change it. When the adults continue to ignore the larger issue of censorship, the kids don't give up the fight. They're joined by Mac's beloved Grandad and some other surprising people to fight the wrong. Meanwhile, Mac's dad is showing up more often and causing problems with Mac's mom. Then when Mac's dad disappears for good, only Mac has insight into what his dad was thinking. He's torn between loyalty to his mom and feelings for his dad. Then there's the issue of Marci, the smartest girl in his class, and what to do about his feelings for her? Will Mac survive 6th grade?
I applaud the author for writing about censorship and being inspired by real events but I didn't enjoy the execution of the idea. The writing is stilted at first, as if the author, an adult, is trying but failing to write in the voice of a tween. My nieces didn't talk like that at 12, my nephews don't talk like that at 10 and 11. Then Mac's voice switches to super duper overly precocious as he gets on his high horse. My oldest niece was thinking about similar issues and trying to fight them - in middle school - as she learned the truth about adults and the way they think they know what's best. The plot kept me reading after the halfway point, once the kids starting fighting censorship. I could have done without the extra complication of the dad subplot which I did not understand at all. I also could have done without the crush component as well.
The issue of censorship revolves primarily around the novel The Devil's Arithmetic and the word breast. It's used in context to refer to anatomy and not in a titillating way. I fail to see how boys could read these passages about a Holocaust victim at a Nazi concentration camp, and giggle. That's just not possible because the kids got to choose which book they wanted to read. Obviously 4 of the 5 students felt they were mature enough to handle the time travel novel and the difficult descriptions of the extermination of the Jews and others. I'm not sure why Aaron chose this book! There are other books censored as well and the words censored are ridiculous. Who lets this woman teach? The same people who let her be the morality police. One person's opinion should not dictate what an entire town does. Halloween is one night of the year and parents can choose to keep their kids home, away from junk food, inside by 9 PM, etc. on their own without some random lady policing their every behavior. What is this, the 1920s? Let parents parent and if Aaron starts giggling over the word breast (it's a body part 100% of mammals are born with so deal with it), then do your job as a teacher and shut it down. Remove him from the reading group until he can behave like an advanced placement middle schooler. I would have more issues with the detailed descriptions of the Holocaust. I have not read this novel for that very reason. I have read about the Holocaust and read The Diary of Anne Frank, been to Holocaust museums, etc. etc. I choose not to read this particular book right now. I probably WOULD have chosen it in 6th grade though and not had a problem with the way the word breast was used in context.
Censorship gets much worse than a few black rectangles. The Central York school district is near the school in this novel and just ask them about censorship. Students should and must use their voice to stand up for the freedom to read and I appreciate this novel shows kids what to do and how to do it respectfully.
Mac is an annoying main character. He's a know-it-all who refuses to learn about anything he doesn't find interesting. So he's not going to learn what? math? geography? anything? He likes history but he knows a lot about the darker side of history they don't commonly teach in schools. I will give him the video and worksheet on Columbus. That was super lame but loudly standing up in school and challenging the teacher's lesson is not the right thing to do. (He does NOT seem to be a know it all about Thanksgiving and I invite him to Plymouth to learn more.) He discovers the truth about the book himself because he's curious and intelligent. Plus he has a grandad who treats him like an equal and is willing to help. Mac has complicated feelings about his dad, which I get, but I didn't get the feeling of shame and the crying jag. Why didn't he tell his friends? It's not his fault his dad is the way he is. Mac's dad is a narcissist and possibly has mental health issues he chooses not to get help for. He does something unforgivable to the mom and if I were her, I would have kicked him to the curb. He continually takes advantage of her kindness (Mac calls it "grace") and then repays her by being a selfish donkey's behind. His story about his background makes no sense whatsoever and neither does someone as intelligent as Mac buying said story. At the end of the book, Mac sounds 25 and not 12, when he relates what happens now. I don't buy his voice at all.
Mac is a good friend to Denis though. Denis has bad anxiety about everything and when we first meet him, he's overly concerned with botflies. This kid needs some professional help not a distraction from another kid. Denis is sweet and shy. I was surprised he jumped on the censorship bandwagon. He also seems emotionally intelligent, more than a kid his age should be. Denis is 12 and just because he doesn't have a crush on someone NOW or envision himself having a crush on someone EVER, doesn't mean he's "aro" or "ace" or "whatever." He could be but he might not be and it doesn't matter if he is or isn't. It's irrelevant to the plot! I would take a red pen to the entire crush subplot if I were the editor.
Marci is the know-it-all girl. She's very intelligent and well-informed. She's the one who leads the charge and gets the boys involved in the fight against censorship. Marci reminded me a lot of niece #1 at that age. That generation is fierce and wants to change the world. I found Marci slightly less annoying than Mac. She probably knows everything he does but chooses her battles and knows how to fight those battles the right away.
Aaron is the bad boy in class. He's huge and kind of a bully. He's the conspiracy theory kid who dotes on "my dad says..." and thinks the earth is flat. For some reason, this kid is grouped with three advanced students to read The Devil's Arithmetic. Mac wonders if Aaron is a Holocaust denier, which apparently he is not. He may be a little bit slow to figure out what's going on but he seems to be enjoying the book. I kind of would have liked to see the perspective of a Holocaust denier reading this book and maybe changing their mind even though "my dad says...". I actually really liked Aaron and found him more well-rounded than the other three. Hannah is a shy Asian kid who suddenly finds her voice while reading this novel. Out of nowhere she suddenly speaks up and joins in even though she's been quiet the whole time.
Grandad, a Vietnam veteran (drafted in the early days), who loves and supports his daughter and grandson. He may be old but he's not irrelevant. He's tuned into a network of men who fought and died for freedom. Granddad isn't going to let anyone take those freedoms away from his family! Granddad is loving and supportive when Mac needs a friend or a shoulder to cry on or a champion in his corner. Granddad is awesome! Mac's mom is lovely but too nice. She works as a hospice nurse and has seen the worst and the best of people. Mac describes her as full of grace. I think she needs to let go and let loose on her lousy ex-husband! She needs to set boundaries with him. Mom supports Mac and loves her son very much but she's not as involved in his daily emotional care as Granddad.
I'd like to recommend this book to my nieces and see how they would have told the story.
I applaud the author for writing about censorship and being inspired by real events but I didn't enjoy the execution of the idea. The writing is stilted at first, as if the author, an adult, is trying but failing to write in the voice of a tween. My nieces didn't talk like that at 12, my nephews don't talk like that at 10 and 11. Then Mac's voice switches to super duper overly precocious as he gets on his high horse. My oldest niece was thinking about similar issues and trying to fight them - in middle school - as she learned the truth about adults and the way they think they know what's best. The plot kept me reading after the halfway point, once the kids starting fighting censorship. I could have done without the extra complication of the dad subplot which I did not understand at all. I also could have done without the crush component as well.
The issue of censorship revolves primarily around the novel The Devil's Arithmetic and the word breast. It's used in context to refer to anatomy and not in a titillating way. I fail to see how boys could read these passages about a Holocaust victim at a Nazi concentration camp, and giggle. That's just not possible because the kids got to choose which book they wanted to read. Obviously 4 of the 5 students felt they were mature enough to handle the time travel novel and the difficult descriptions of the extermination of the Jews and others. I'm not sure why Aaron chose this book! There are other books censored as well and the words censored are ridiculous. Who lets this woman teach? The same people who let her be the morality police. One person's opinion should not dictate what an entire town does. Halloween is one night of the year and parents can choose to keep their kids home, away from junk food, inside by 9 PM, etc. on their own without some random lady policing their every behavior. What is this, the 1920s? Let parents parent and if Aaron starts giggling over the word breast (it's a body part 100% of mammals are born with so deal with it), then do your job as a teacher and shut it down. Remove him from the reading group until he can behave like an advanced placement middle schooler. I would have more issues with the detailed descriptions of the Holocaust. I have not read this novel for that very reason. I have read about the Holocaust and read The Diary of Anne Frank, been to Holocaust museums, etc. etc. I choose not to read this particular book right now. I probably WOULD have chosen it in 6th grade though and not had a problem with the way the word breast was used in context.
Censorship gets much worse than a few black rectangles. The Central York school district is near the school in this novel and just ask them about censorship. Students should and must use their voice to stand up for the freedom to read and I appreciate this novel shows kids what to do and how to do it respectfully.
Mac is an annoying main character. He's a know-it-all who refuses to learn about anything he doesn't find interesting. So he's not going to learn what? math? geography? anything? He likes history but he knows a lot about the darker side of history they don't commonly teach in schools. I will give him the video and worksheet on Columbus. That was super lame but loudly standing up in school and challenging the teacher's lesson is not the right thing to do. (He does NOT seem to be a know it all about Thanksgiving and I invite him to Plymouth to learn more.) He discovers the truth about the book himself because he's curious and intelligent. Plus he has a grandad who treats him like an equal and is willing to help. Mac has complicated feelings about his dad, which I get, but I didn't get the feeling of shame and the crying jag. Why didn't he tell his friends? It's not his fault his dad is the way he is. Mac's dad is a narcissist and possibly has mental health issues he chooses not to get help for. He does something unforgivable to the mom and if I were her, I would have kicked him to the curb. He continually takes advantage of her kindness (Mac calls it "grace") and then repays her by being a selfish donkey's behind. His story about his background makes no sense whatsoever and neither does someone as intelligent as Mac buying said story. At the end of the book, Mac sounds 25 and not 12, when he relates what happens now. I don't buy his voice at all.
Mac is a good friend to Denis though. Denis has bad anxiety about everything and when we first meet him, he's overly concerned with botflies. This kid needs some professional help not a distraction from another kid. Denis is sweet and shy. I was surprised he jumped on the censorship bandwagon. He also seems emotionally intelligent, more than a kid his age should be. Denis is 12 and just because he doesn't have a crush on someone NOW or envision himself having a crush on someone EVER, doesn't mean he's "aro" or "ace" or "whatever." He could be but he might not be and it doesn't matter if he is or isn't. It's irrelevant to the plot! I would take a red pen to the entire crush subplot if I were the editor.
Marci is the know-it-all girl. She's very intelligent and well-informed. She's the one who leads the charge and gets the boys involved in the fight against censorship. Marci reminded me a lot of niece #1 at that age. That generation is fierce and wants to change the world. I found Marci slightly less annoying than Mac. She probably knows everything he does but chooses her battles and knows how to fight those battles the right away.
Aaron is the bad boy in class. He's huge and kind of a bully. He's the conspiracy theory kid who dotes on "my dad says..." and thinks the earth is flat. For some reason, this kid is grouped with three advanced students to read The Devil's Arithmetic. Mac wonders if Aaron is a Holocaust denier, which apparently he is not. He may be a little bit slow to figure out what's going on but he seems to be enjoying the book. I kind of would have liked to see the perspective of a Holocaust denier reading this book and maybe changing their mind even though "my dad says...". I actually really liked Aaron and found him more well-rounded than the other three. Hannah is a shy Asian kid who suddenly finds her voice while reading this novel. Out of nowhere she suddenly speaks up and joins in even though she's been quiet the whole time.
Grandad, a Vietnam veteran (drafted in the early days), who loves and supports his daughter and grandson. He may be old but he's not irrelevant. He's tuned into a network of men who fought and died for freedom. Granddad isn't going to let anyone take those freedoms away from his family! Granddad is loving and supportive when Mac needs a friend or a shoulder to cry on or a champion in his corner. Granddad is awesome! Mac's mom is lovely but too nice. She works as a hospice nurse and has seen the worst and the best of people. Mac describes her as full of grace. I think she needs to let go and let loose on her lousy ex-husband! She needs to set boundaries with him. Mom supports Mac and loves her son very much but she's not as involved in his daily emotional care as Granddad.
I'd like to recommend this book to my nieces and see how they would have told the story.
January 1, 2025
I automatically knew I was going to enjoy this book when I read the introduction to the reader - which states that,
“Censorship is the ultimate underestimation and rejection of children. It steals from them their agency, their intelligence, their maturity, and, in this case, their own understanding and acceptance of their bodies, and their respect for the bodies of others.”
This book made so many important points for young readers to be introduced to. I loved the inclusion of the character Aaron, and how he and the protagonist begin to come to an understanding even though they generally are not similar people - for example.
I’ve seen a few people on here discuss the father character, and that they wished more had been said in the novel about his state at the time. I think the novel touched on this in a very interesting way, in that it was implying that some things are for adults to deal with. Mac understood something was off with his dad, and by the end of the novel he understood that his dad was getting help. At that point, that’s probably all a 12 year old needs to know about the situation - even though I personally want to know more about it. I think there is a clear message here about censorship vs actual things that children don’t need to be involved in. Maybe I’m reading too much into that - but there’s my take.
I think this is a book that I will add to my list for tutor students to choose from, simply based around the theme of childhood agency. I love the points made in this book about children being smart enough to understand the things that they are wanting to discuss, and I want to promote that idea to the future generation!
“Censorship is the ultimate underestimation and rejection of children. It steals from them their agency, their intelligence, their maturity, and, in this case, their own understanding and acceptance of their bodies, and their respect for the bodies of others.”
This book made so many important points for young readers to be introduced to. I loved the inclusion of the character Aaron, and how he and the protagonist begin to come to an understanding even though they generally are not similar people - for example.
I’ve seen a few people on here discuss the father character, and that they wished more had been said in the novel about his state at the time. I think the novel touched on this in a very interesting way, in that it was implying that some things are for adults to deal with. Mac understood something was off with his dad, and by the end of the novel he understood that his dad was getting help. At that point, that’s probably all a 12 year old needs to know about the situation - even though I personally want to know more about it. I think there is a clear message here about censorship vs actual things that children don’t need to be involved in. Maybe I’m reading too much into that - but there’s my take.
I think this is a book that I will add to my list for tutor students to choose from, simply based around the theme of childhood agency. I love the points made in this book about children being smart enough to understand the things that they are wanting to discuss, and I want to promote that idea to the future generation!
September 17, 2023
This is a story of what happens when Mac and his classmates are assigned a book, The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen as part of a classroom lit circle. When they begin reading it, they notice some of the words are blacked out. The rationale is that some of the words in the story might students uncomfortable or act silly. Mac and the members of his group disagree. If they're old enough to read the book, they are mature enough to handle the content. Mac and his group decide to protest and have their voices heard. They speak up at multiple school board meeting. Will their efforts make a difference? Will new uncensored copies of the book be purchased?
This latest book by Amy Sarig King (aka A. S. King may leave you with more questions than answers and will give both students & educators plenty of food for thought.
*How can tweens and teens make a difference?
*How can they change the mind of possibly well-intentioned adults?
*Who should decide what you can and cannot read?
*At what age, should youth be able to read about tough topics (i.e. Holocaust)?
This latest book by Amy Sarig King (aka A. S. King may leave you with more questions than answers and will give both students & educators plenty of food for thought.
*How can tweens and teens make a difference?
*How can they change the mind of possibly well-intentioned adults?
*Who should decide what you can and cannot read?
*At what age, should youth be able to read about tough topics (i.e. Holocaust)?
March 4, 2024
I loved the concept of this book. I liked the book. Ms. Sett is a weirdly over-the-top character, not so much in her interactions with the kids but behind the scenes and in print (letters to the editor). I don't think I agree with making her such a cartoonish person who wants to ban everything. I get that the point was to make it seem ridiculous, I just...don't know. It takes away focus from her censoring the books, which is a really important issue. The kids often seemed old beyond their years and had conversations that, at times, didn't seem realistic. But I loved their friendships and I loved that the conversations were being had, even when they didn't feel real. I had some big issues with the way Mac's family talked about (or didn't talk about, really) and handled his father's mental illness. In a book that strove so hard to have important conversations, it's weird that one of the most important factors in Mac's life isn't discussed openly or honestly.
Side note: I absolutely loved Hoa & Aaron at the school board meeting. It gets across the stupidity of blacking out the words in the books in a way that none of the other speeches, no matter how sincere or on-the-money they were, were able to do.
Side note: I absolutely loved Hoa & Aaron at the school board meeting. It gets across the stupidity of blacking out the words in the books in a way that none of the other speeches, no matter how sincere or on-the-money they were, were able to do.
January 1, 2023
This one is about banning books.... very well written.
September 6, 2023
Hello everybodyyy!! Okay, so I read this amazing, heartwarming novel Attack of the Black Rectangles , and now I'm definitely going to have to check out The Devil's Arithmetic at my local library <3
Rating: ✨ INFINITY STARS ✨
"We're all a mess," he assures me. "I don't like being a mess," I answer. "We're all a mess," he repeats. "The biggest lie ever told to children is that adults aren't a mess." "All of them?" I ask. "Most of them, anyway. I don't know anyone who wasn't a mess at some point in their lives. Anyone who says they weren't is lying." I don't know why this makes me cry harder. I think it's because the truth is beautiful and like rain-it washes everything away.
Summary: Award-winning author Amy Sarig King takes on censorship and intolerance in a novel she was born to write. When Mac first opens his classroom copy of Jane Yolen's The Devil’s Arithmetic and finds some words blacked out, he thinks it must be a mistake. But then when he and his friends discover what the missing words are, he's outraged. Someone in his school is trying to prevent kids from reading the full story. But who? Even though his unreliable dad tells him to not get so emotional about a book (or anything else), Mac has been raised by his mom and grandad to call out things that are wrong. He and his friends head to the principal's office to protest the censorship... but her response doesn't take them seriously. So many adults want Mac to keep his words to himself. Mac's about to see the power of letting them out. In Attack of the Black Rectangles , acclaimed author Amy Sarig King shows all the ways truth can be hard... but still worth fighting for.
Dad took my words with him, too-while leaving little shards of Mom's mug all over my life. I feel like I'm living inside a giant black rectangle. - Mac Delaney
What I Loved Abou This Book
1). The Characters: I loved each and every character, their personalities, their inspiring quotes and their determination to know the truth! During this current generation, kids want to know the truth (like they always have) and censorship can take that away; which is made very clear in this novel. I loved how the kids defied the adults, because they were wrong (even though they had good intentions), and how they tried to be respectful and polite in the process. It was also amazing seeing how the kids stood up, even when everyone and everything was pushing them back down, forcing their voices under black rectangles!
2). The Bravery: I liked seeing the bravery and fearless, yet gentle, attitudes of the children! They wanted to know the truth, and they didn't want to be treated like little kids anymore... These children were being shielded from learning about regular body parts; that some kids in the grade had, already! It was so important seeing how the children were confident and brave in the face of adversity... And the real reason behind the black rectangles: was because one adult was too uncomfortable reading a certain scene, and just associated that discomfort with the protection of children which is just assuming their comfort level! Some children (probably most, if I'm being honest) have a higher comfort level, and, also, the black rectangle was blocking the truth of the scene... The reality ! And it was so true how the author explained that things that were being covered up were so important to address, because the things we don't know can most likely happen again!
3). Mac's Father: I'm pretty sure that Mike had a mental illness or a disorder of some sort. And, I loved seeing how the family was so graceful and patient with Mike; despite his inability to fully feel the same emotions that his family members could! It's so important addressing mental health, because more children than not probably have a parent at home with a mental health challenge; that can cause problems or open opportunities! I liked seeing how Mike genuinely loved Mac (and probably the rest of the Delaney fam, too), but he just had a difficult time expressing it... Still, he showed his love through his actions in his own way! I really, really enjoyed seeing Mac's grace and the realization of his father's current mental state... Even though it was so so painful and difficult at some times, he pushed through because he loved his dad! :)
4). Sexism: I love seeing books that address the sensitive topic of sexism! For centuries this is an important topic that has needed to be discussed; and, now more than ever, more and more books are addressing problems and topics that have been hidden for too long! They are thrusting the things that were swept under the rug, or "thrown into the long grass," with full force; pushing it under the spotlight because it needs to be paid attention to! It's important!!
5). The Emotional Scene Between Grandad and Mac: I almost started crying during the emotional scene between Grandad and Mac, in the park, when they were sharing what had been weighing down their hearts; what they were so deeply ashamed of that was killing them from the inside. It was so heartwarming and tear-jerking, because I felt every single second of it like I was right there being wrapped in Grandad's arms, right with Mac. I could relate, so deeply , with Mac; it was incredible and just what my heart needed <3
"Shame is private," I say. "Only if you let it wreck your whole life, it's private," he says. "Which is what most people do. I aim to bring you into the light, Mac Delaney. Shame is no way to live. And you have nothing to be ashamed about." - Mac Delaney and Grandad
What I Didn't Like About The Book
1). I also experienced this with Key Player (by Kelly Yang), but the opposite actually lol... The beginning was really long and I wasn't used to the big print, unfortunately, which caused me to be a little bit disoriented during the exposition of the story. But, it got better eventually! :D
2). I was confused between thinking this was a regular town like any other; or a town in a completely different world walled off from society (like a fantasy book or smth). But, I quickly realized that this was a realistic fiction book, and the town just had a lot of rules lol!
3). I didn't like how my mind was frozen in processing what the characters looked like! The previous novel I had read, a Front Desk installment, was so easy to slip into; the characters were super easy to imagine and everything about the book just felt like I had jumped into the world of Mia Tang! This novel, however, was different... The characters were pretty stiff, at the beginning, and I couldn't really relate to Mac until the middle when I started to get my bearings on the setting, scenes and characters, and when I actually started to read at my usual enjoyment rate! That was a bit hard, trying to go back and alter my view of the beginning of the book, while also reading the middle and beyond; but it got better and it wasn't as worrying! :)
4). I didn't like how Mac never confronted Denis on how he , because that isn't really the best and I would've gotten really upset ! But, that's a minor detail so its fine :P
What happens next, if we let it happen, is the truth sets us free. - Mac Delaney
The Characters
1). Mac: I LOVED this protagonist! It was amazing seeing the modern world from his eyes, after shifting gears from peering into the perspective of a young journalist living in the 90's. I loved how confident he was (but also how small he felt confronting his dad); his passion for exposing the truth for what it really was and his drive/determination to make sure other people saw the right thing! A. S. King really highlighted the precious Bible verse: the truth will set you free , in this novel <3
2). Marci: I really enjoy reading about spunky, bossy and overly-confident-at-times characters! Packed with a punch, Marci is ready to take on anything the world throws at her; especially if it proves the point of supporting feminism! I also cherished her vulnerable moments, because you can really see tough girl characters like these when they are bawling their eyes out or sharing their heart :)
3). Denis: I didn't know how to place this character... I alternated between a shy insecure Black kid or a shy, insecure Indian child with glasses. It was hard for me to imagine him, and impersonate his voice, at times. But, I liked this character and his loyalty (most of the time); it was also interesting seeing how he described his aroace tendencies.
4). Hoa: At the beginning of the novel, when her name as Hannah Do, that name really didn't fit right with me and I couldn't imagine her properly (like with most of the characters at the beginning when I was off to a slow, rocky and confused start lol)... But, after she revealed her real name was Hoa and she didn't want to hide it like the protagonist in The Devil's Arithmetic , her ethnicity and personality clicked in my head :D
5). Ms. Sett: It was very interesting reading about Ms. Sett, I couldn't quite place her personality; since the main characters said she was very different from the letters that framed her as a very strict woman who loves making ridiculous rules... But, I loved how challenging she was on the kids because it really pushed them to their full potential; and I even once thought that the teacher and the principal were playing a trick on the students to see if they could really stand up for what's right. When it didn't turn out that way, I got a bit disoriented again lol!
6). Mom: I loved Mac's mom; her gentle, quiet and tough spirit that had a little touch of beauty (in her personality, and probably her appearance)! I loved the way that she had so much grace for everyone and how, at the end, she really came out of her shell to join the book=ban protests :D
7). Grandad: Probably my favorite character, I loved how Grandad was always there with his rough punk rock style, calm personality and adventurous spirit! It was ridiculously easy, imagining his character and I just wanted to jump into the book and talk to him like Mac did. It was amazing how he was the heroic father figure in Mac's life, that he really needed when Mike .
Content Overview
1). Profanity: One use of damn, a few uses of crap or crappy, the usual insults and some mentions of people cursing like "a string of curse words followed him out the garage door," for example.
2). Sexual Content: Mentions of crushes, feelings of being attracted to someone, a gay kid walking down the street being bullied by kids (in the newspaper... VERY BRIEF), one of the characters feels ashamed for not being attracted or crushing on anyone and explains that he's probably aroace. Lots of mentions of the word "breasts" because it was censored in the assigned book, in the kids are very upset with that!! Two or three uses of the words "testicles," but its not meant to be inappropriate at all.
3). Violent Scenes: It's pretty violent (verbally, not physically), when Dad gets in heated arguments with the family. It's also pretty violent when Grandad recounts his memories in the Vietnam War. It's pretty intense finding out who robbed Mac's house and it's also pretty sad; but they . Some of the scenes in the assigned book that the students are reading are violent, frightening and intense.
Special Shout-Out
Congratulations to the Swifites Forevsies group, for reaching 230 MEMBERS!! Kudos to all the lovely groups I'm in: I want to specifically mention the Dark Academia group (it's new and BE SURE TO JOIN!! THANK YOUUU <3) and the amazing Bookmarked group!! I love all my amazing friends and followers on Goodreads; so thank you too for making this community great :D
Okay goodnight everyone have an amazing day tomorrow :)
- Genie
Anything is possible now.
We just keep being ourselves.
That's what happens next . - Mac Delaney
Rating: ✨ INFINITY STARS ✨
"We're all a mess," he assures me. "I don't like being a mess," I answer. "We're all a mess," he repeats. "The biggest lie ever told to children is that adults aren't a mess." "All of them?" I ask. "Most of them, anyway. I don't know anyone who wasn't a mess at some point in their lives. Anyone who says they weren't is lying." I don't know why this makes me cry harder. I think it's because the truth is beautiful and like rain-it washes everything away.
Summary: Award-winning author Amy Sarig King takes on censorship and intolerance in a novel she was born to write. When Mac first opens his classroom copy of Jane Yolen's The Devil’s Arithmetic and finds some words blacked out, he thinks it must be a mistake. But then when he and his friends discover what the missing words are, he's outraged. Someone in his school is trying to prevent kids from reading the full story. But who? Even though his unreliable dad tells him to not get so emotional about a book (or anything else), Mac has been raised by his mom and grandad to call out things that are wrong. He and his friends head to the principal's office to protest the censorship... but her response doesn't take them seriously. So many adults want Mac to keep his words to himself. Mac's about to see the power of letting them out. In Attack of the Black Rectangles , acclaimed author Amy Sarig King shows all the ways truth can be hard... but still worth fighting for.
Dad took my words with him, too-while leaving little shards of Mom's mug all over my life. I feel like I'm living inside a giant black rectangle. - Mac Delaney
What I Loved Abou This Book
1). The Characters: I loved each and every character, their personalities, their inspiring quotes and their determination to know the truth! During this current generation, kids want to know the truth (like they always have) and censorship can take that away; which is made very clear in this novel. I loved how the kids defied the adults, because they were wrong (even though they had good intentions), and how they tried to be respectful and polite in the process. It was also amazing seeing how the kids stood up, even when everyone and everything was pushing them back down, forcing their voices under black rectangles!
2). The Bravery: I liked seeing the bravery and fearless, yet gentle, attitudes of the children! They wanted to know the truth, and they didn't want to be treated like little kids anymore... These children were being shielded from learning about regular body parts; that some kids in the grade had, already! It was so important seeing how the children were confident and brave in the face of adversity... And the real reason behind the black rectangles: was because one adult was too uncomfortable reading a certain scene, and just associated that discomfort with the protection of children which is just assuming their comfort level! Some children (probably most, if I'm being honest) have a higher comfort level, and, also, the black rectangle was blocking the truth of the scene... The reality ! And it was so true how the author explained that things that were being covered up were so important to address, because the things we don't know can most likely happen again!
3). Mac's Father: I'm pretty sure that Mike had a mental illness or a disorder of some sort. And, I loved seeing how the family was so graceful and patient with Mike; despite his inability to fully feel the same emotions that his family members could! It's so important addressing mental health, because more children than not probably have a parent at home with a mental health challenge; that can cause problems or open opportunities! I liked seeing how Mike genuinely loved Mac (and probably the rest of the Delaney fam, too), but he just had a difficult time expressing it... Still, he showed his love through his actions in his own way! I really, really enjoyed seeing Mac's grace and the realization of his father's current mental state... Even though it was so so painful and difficult at some times, he pushed through because he loved his dad! :)
4). Sexism: I love seeing books that address the sensitive topic of sexism! For centuries this is an important topic that has needed to be discussed; and, now more than ever, more and more books are addressing problems and topics that have been hidden for too long! They are thrusting the things that were swept under the rug, or "thrown into the long grass," with full force; pushing it under the spotlight because it needs to be paid attention to! It's important!!
5). The Emotional Scene Between Grandad and Mac: I almost started crying during the emotional scene between Grandad and Mac, in the park, when they were sharing what had been weighing down their hearts; what they were so deeply ashamed of that was killing them from the inside. It was so heartwarming and tear-jerking, because I felt every single second of it like I was right there being wrapped in Grandad's arms, right with Mac. I could relate, so deeply , with Mac; it was incredible and just what my heart needed <3
"Shame is private," I say. "Only if you let it wreck your whole life, it's private," he says. "Which is what most people do. I aim to bring you into the light, Mac Delaney. Shame is no way to live. And you have nothing to be ashamed about." - Mac Delaney and Grandad
What I Didn't Like About The Book
1). I also experienced this with Key Player (by Kelly Yang), but the opposite actually lol... The beginning was really long and I wasn't used to the big print, unfortunately, which caused me to be a little bit disoriented during the exposition of the story. But, it got better eventually! :D
2). I was confused between thinking this was a regular town like any other; or a town in a completely different world walled off from society (like a fantasy book or smth). But, I quickly realized that this was a realistic fiction book, and the town just had a lot of rules lol!
3). I didn't like how my mind was frozen in processing what the characters looked like! The previous novel I had read, a Front Desk installment, was so easy to slip into; the characters were super easy to imagine and everything about the book just felt like I had jumped into the world of Mia Tang! This novel, however, was different... The characters were pretty stiff, at the beginning, and I couldn't really relate to Mac until the middle when I started to get my bearings on the setting, scenes and characters, and when I actually started to read at my usual enjoyment rate! That was a bit hard, trying to go back and alter my view of the beginning of the book, while also reading the middle and beyond; but it got better and it wasn't as worrying! :)
4). I didn't like how Mac never confronted Denis on how he , because that isn't really the best and I would've gotten really upset ! But, that's a minor detail so its fine :P
What happens next, if we let it happen, is the truth sets us free. - Mac Delaney
The Characters
1). Mac: I LOVED this protagonist! It was amazing seeing the modern world from his eyes, after shifting gears from peering into the perspective of a young journalist living in the 90's. I loved how confident he was (but also how small he felt confronting his dad); his passion for exposing the truth for what it really was and his drive/determination to make sure other people saw the right thing! A. S. King really highlighted the precious Bible verse: the truth will set you free , in this novel <3
2). Marci: I really enjoy reading about spunky, bossy and overly-confident-at-times characters! Packed with a punch, Marci is ready to take on anything the world throws at her; especially if it proves the point of supporting feminism! I also cherished her vulnerable moments, because you can really see tough girl characters like these when they are bawling their eyes out or sharing their heart :)
3). Denis: I didn't know how to place this character... I alternated between a shy insecure Black kid or a shy, insecure Indian child with glasses. It was hard for me to imagine him, and impersonate his voice, at times. But, I liked this character and his loyalty (most of the time); it was also interesting seeing how he described his aroace tendencies.
4). Hoa: At the beginning of the novel, when her name as Hannah Do, that name really didn't fit right with me and I couldn't imagine her properly (like with most of the characters at the beginning when I was off to a slow, rocky and confused start lol)... But, after she revealed her real name was Hoa and she didn't want to hide it like the protagonist in The Devil's Arithmetic , her ethnicity and personality clicked in my head :D
5). Ms. Sett: It was very interesting reading about Ms. Sett, I couldn't quite place her personality; since the main characters said she was very different from the letters that framed her as a very strict woman who loves making ridiculous rules... But, I loved how challenging she was on the kids because it really pushed them to their full potential; and I even once thought that the teacher and the principal were playing a trick on the students to see if they could really stand up for what's right. When it didn't turn out that way, I got a bit disoriented again lol!
6). Mom: I loved Mac's mom; her gentle, quiet and tough spirit that had a little touch of beauty (in her personality, and probably her appearance)! I loved the way that she had so much grace for everyone and how, at the end, she really came out of her shell to join the book=ban protests :D
7). Grandad: Probably my favorite character, I loved how Grandad was always there with his rough punk rock style, calm personality and adventurous spirit! It was ridiculously easy, imagining his character and I just wanted to jump into the book and talk to him like Mac did. It was amazing how he was the heroic father figure in Mac's life, that he really needed when Mike .
Content Overview
1). Profanity: One use of damn, a few uses of crap or crappy, the usual insults and some mentions of people cursing like "a string of curse words followed him out the garage door," for example.
2). Sexual Content: Mentions of crushes, feelings of being attracted to someone, a gay kid walking down the street being bullied by kids (in the newspaper... VERY BRIEF), one of the characters feels ashamed for not being attracted or crushing on anyone and explains that he's probably aroace. Lots of mentions of the word "breasts" because it was censored in the assigned book, in the kids are very upset with that!! Two or three uses of the words "testicles," but its not meant to be inappropriate at all.
3). Violent Scenes: It's pretty violent (verbally, not physically), when Dad gets in heated arguments with the family. It's also pretty violent when Grandad recounts his memories in the Vietnam War. It's pretty intense finding out who robbed Mac's house and it's also pretty sad; but they . Some of the scenes in the assigned book that the students are reading are violent, frightening and intense.
Special Shout-Out
Congratulations to the Swifites Forevsies group, for reaching 230 MEMBERS!! Kudos to all the lovely groups I'm in: I want to specifically mention the Dark Academia group (it's new and BE SURE TO JOIN!! THANK YOUUU <3) and the amazing Bookmarked group!! I love all my amazing friends and followers on Goodreads; so thank you too for making this community great :D
Okay goodnight everyone have an amazing day tomorrow :)
- Genie
Anything is possible now.
We just keep being ourselves.
That's what happens next . - Mac Delaney
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,227 reviews