Banned Books, Crop Tops, and Other Bad Influences

by Brigit Young

Perfect for fans of Star Fish and From the Desk of Zoe Washington, a nuanced middle grade from the author of The Prettiest about two girls—one "bad" and one "good"—who join forces against book banning and censorship.

Rose is a good Jewish girl. She listens to her parents and follows every rule. After all, they’re there for a reason—right? And adults always know best.

Talia, the new girl from New York City, doesn’t think so. After only a week at school, her bad reputation is already making enemies. First on the Charlotte, Rose’s lifelong best friend.

So why can’t Rose stop wondering what it would be like to be Talia’s friend? And why does Rose read a banned book that she recommends? Rose doesn’t know. But the forbidden book makes her ask questions she’s never thought of in her life. So when Talia suggests they start a banned book club, how can Rose say no?

Pushing against her parents, her school, and even Charlotte opens a new world for Rose. But when some of Talia's escapades become more scary than exciting, Rose must decide when it's right to keep quiet and when it's time to speak out.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Books About Books, Contemporary, Jewish, Friendship, Banned Books

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2024

About the author

Brigit Young is the author of four middle grade novels: WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS, THE PRETTIEST, BRIGHT, and BANNED BOOKS, CROP TOPS, AND OTHER BAD INFLUENCES. Additionally, Brigit has published poetry and short fiction in dozens of literary journals and taught creative writing to kids of all ages.

Brigit lives in New Jersey with her husband, daughters, gecko, and dog. She loves British mystery TV shows, hanging out with her fabulous kids, and tending to her garden.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do adults go too far in the name of "protecting" the children? If recent events have given you any answers, you're likely thinking "banning books they disagree with." Brigit Young's novel takes on that (misguided, in my opinion) action by pointing out the absurdity of what some parents want schools to do. Protagonist Rose is Jewish, and one of the only Jewish kids in her school, a position I remember all too well. Her eighth grade history class is about to cover the Holocaust, and a new transfer student from NYC, Talia, immediately points out that their curriculum is biased, leaving out the fact that the USA knew far before they entered the war what was happening to Jews in Europe. Rose has been raised to keep her head down and not rock the boat, but she knows from her family history that Talia is right - and when Talia lends her a book about the ship full of Jewish refugees that the US turned away, she's shocked to learn that the book has been challenged at her school by parents upset that it shows America doing something objectively wrong. Talia (who is also Jewish) and Rose team up with two other marginalized kids to form a banned books club, hoping to show the adults that they're hurting kids by removing these books from libraries, not helping them.

The first half of this novel is incredibly strong. Rose's feelings as a granddaughter of the Holocaust is beautifully realized in a way that will be recognizable to Jewish kids everywhere, because many, if not most, of us are still raised with half an eye looking for signs that we need to flee. The way that gentile children don't understand is used as a stepping stone to show how many people, regardless of cultural affiliation, have a hard time understand what any marginalized person goes through on a daily basis, helping Rose to grow as well. The second half of the book isn't quite as good, as Young spends more time on Talia's difficult family life and how it causes her to make poor choices at times, allowing Rose to be the one to teach her. It's fine, just not as unique or engaging as the banned books storyline. The end doesn't resolve any, or even most, of the conflicts, which makes sense, since these are difficult topics, but it may cause some middle grade readers to feel shortchanged.

Still, this is a very good book. The lessons are clear but not preachy and it's a subject kids ought to be aware of. Banning books risks criminalizing world views in kids' minds, and that makes society all the weaker in the long run.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This book had a lot of different things going on in it.
It’s a coming-of-age book, with pre-teen kids beginning to think and speak for themselves. This does not set well with some of the overprotective parents. When a list of banned books is posted and the books are pulled from the school library by some well-meaning adults, the students decide to take action, even if it means trouble.
Friendships are also explored. There are those that seem to be changing and drifting apart, like the one Charlotte and Rose are experiencing. There is also the enticement of new friendships, such as the one that develops between Rose and Talia. Talia is bold, outspoken, and stands up for what she believes in, the polar opposite to the introverted Rose, but someone she longs to emulate.
The issue of the book banning had a surprising twist. It begins when a novel about WW2 belonging to Talia is confiscated by a teacher, after this same teacher shut her down during a class discussion. This was a treasured book passed down to Talia from her dad; the idea made my blood boil! I could picture my reaction if a teacher had yanked one of my books away that I had brought to school (like “Little House On the Prairie”). The thought of administrators not allowing personal copies from students to be allowed on campus…wow…
Good middle-grade fiction! Thanks to Netgalley for a digital copy in return for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt middle grade novel featuring two Jewish tweens who stand up against book banning and their parents. This was great on audio and perfect for fans of books like Not another banned book by Dana Alison Levy. It's truly encouraging to read about and know there are young people out there standing up against censorship and book banning. Highly Recommended!!!

[Kate Waggoner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Roaring Book Press for allowing me to read a digital ARC of Banned Books, Crop Tops, and Other Bad Influences by Brigit Young in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This middle grade novel was published in September 2024.

When I first saw the title and synopsis, I thought “I have to read this.” The idea of banning books to protect kids is just so absurd to me and I liked that this book was bringing that to light and also giving a kids perspective on it. I also just thought the title in general was hilarious and made me want to pick up the book.

The story itself fell short for me. I found the voiced stilted and the narrative difficult to get into. There was just a lot going on. In addition to the book banning, there was a friendship angle, a new kid, and a culture/religion piece. I know that they were all supposed to be related and tied together, but it just felt like too much and it never came together in a cohesive way. I often found myself skimming to get to the end of a chapter, so I could move on to something else. Due to this, I likely wouldn’t recommend it to my students.

[Hilda Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young's portrayal of censorship and its ability to divide friends, families and communities is beautiful done! Rose and Talia form an unlikely friendship when Talia introduces Rose to Banned Books. Talia is from New York and her dyed hair and progressive views get her a bad reputation among teachers, parents and Charlotte Rose's best friend. Rose still wants to be friends with her no matter how much her mom and Charlotte don't approve. Together Rose and Charlotte discover things about themselves and each other. A must read for anyone who has struggled with self discovery and choosing between what is right and what is easy.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle grade writing at its finest-- Banned Books, Crop Tops, and Other Bad Influences explores friendship, family, and social issues. I love the idea of getting younger readers interested in the politics of banning books, and this book does just that, but it a way that felt accessible to its readers. It's a coming-of-age story that explores so many of the issues that make being a teen and preteen so challenging, and it does it with heart.
Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy!

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

An upper MG book about bucking the system and following your morals to do what’s right.
📚
Rose is a good Jewish girl. She is always doing the right thing and knows everyone in her small town. When a new girl named Talia shows up from New York City, Rose starts to question everything she thought. Charlotte, Rose’s lifelong best friend, instantly dislikes Talia, but when a banned book club starts, Rose feels compelled to join it. Rose starts pushing against her parents, her school, and even Charlotte as she gets closer to Talia.
👚
This novel had a lot going on. It deals with book banning, censorship, Judaism, friendships and questioning authority. It is different from some of the banned books books that have been released as of late because it doesn’t focus too hard on that topic only, but shows a bigger picture for Rose and what challenging authority looks like for her. Don’t let the cover fool you—this has an older middle grade early YA feel to it. It also has an extremely long title that I don’t think was the right choice. Regardless, it’s a good story to add to this conversation.

CW: chronic illness, racism, antisemitism, child abuse, domestic abuse, emotional abuse

3.75 ⭐️

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew as soon as I read the synopsis for this book that I absolutely had to read it. Many of the topics covered in this book are close to my heart, and they’re a big part of my life as well. And while I liked this book, I didn’t 100% fall in love with it like I wanted to.

For the first half of the book or so, I felt like the characters felt very one dimensional, but I ended up changing my mind as the novel progressed. The characters definitely became more nuanced, and I appreciated the author’s intentionality in making sure no one was portrayed as 100% “good” or “bad” - even a parent who promotes book banning, which is quite the feat.

This book felt very real, to the point where it was actually ratcheting up my anxiety. During the climactic scene I was so incredibly stressed for these kids - it definitely activated some strong emotions for this mom/librarian. There’s a lot of angst, and some of the references (for instance, suicide), make me feel like this book is suited to a more mature audience - I’d say middle or high school.

[Mark Meiss · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book deeply annoyed me

in part, the issue was that it's two books (one on censorship and one on "troubled youth") that would have been better written separately, because here the themes work at cross-purposes and undermine each other.

The bigger issue was the utterly superficial way in which the censorship theme was presented. I got no sense that the author cares about book banning one way or the other, beyond having rolled a 7 on The Table of Teen Themes and running with it.

It's an intensely political and moral issue presented here as being utterly nonpartisan and representing nothing more than sincere concern for teh kiddles. Nowhere in America are the censors as reasonable as the straw people in this book.

Freedom of speech is *important*, damn it, and it deserves more honest engagement in books for this age group than getting used as a shallow trope for the runaway story the author really wanted to write.

[Niyyah Ruscher-Haqq · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of Banned Books, Crop Tops, and Other Bad Influences in exchange for my honest review, which is below.

I wanted to love this book, as the topic is so timely and important and told from the POV of a religious minority, so I was interested to read what she had to say.

Unfortunately, the book gave me whiplash. We would start to get a hint of something deeper in the plot and characterization- family history, friend dynamics, and boom, something else would happen, and then we’d never go back to resolve that issue, and we would return to some of these later without resolution.

The author chose an interesting viewpoint of a child of complacent parents, and her best friend’s mom is pro-book banning so Rose had to struggle a bit to figure out where she stood. The resolution with the friend’s mom left me a bit irritated as it seemed to justify her position— it’s nice to see that the parent is represented as a human with concerns, not just a lunatic waving a sign that certain books are terrible, but Rose has no internal argument or response, not even a question, like “You want to keep me safe, but how is hiding from the world safe? How is sheltering me from other people’s viewpoints going to make me a better adult in any way?”

The lack of interiority took away from the story. I didn’t know how she really felt about certain things: stealing books, for example. (Did you know that many banned books are actually stolen from libraries to keep them out of circulation?) And not knowing Rose’s thoughts or motivations made the peak action at the end feel like it came out of nowhere.

What went well: I felt the dialogue was true to content of what middle schoolers talk and care about. I appreciated that we got to spend time in the synagogue with Rose and her friend Talia, getting to see the love and culture. I also liked that the kids talked about the books they’d read. If the novel had focused more on this and narrowed down some of the subplots I would have liked it more.

[Josephine Sorrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose is the perfect kid, quiet, attentive and follows all the rules set by her family, synagogue, and school. One day a new girl from New York City arrives at school. Her name is Talia and she’s different. She is bold, and a girl who knows her mind isn’t afraid to speak up or challenge the status quo. Rose and Talia are both Jewish and this connection brings the girls together. Talia, a reader, shares a book with Rose. It’s about a Jewish refugee’s experience during World War II that, unknown to Rose, has been banned from their school library. Through Talia’s influences she convinces Rose and sone other marginalized students to form the Banned Books Brigade. Rose unlikely friendship with Taluas causes friction with Rose's lifelong best friend, Charlotte.
Things really escalate when the book brigade gets in trouble and Talia wants to run away with Rose to New York City. What ends up happening? Read read read!

There’s a lot to think about in this unique book. You have the kids reading forbidden books from the library, pro-ban parents, the don't rock the boat parents, the only black family in town, the boy who wears skirts, school staff, and the local librarian. All these prospectives give a full picture of the circumstances surrounding book banning while heavily supporting fighting bans.

The first half of the book really kept me engaged, but began to drag until the end. I’m not sure this title will interest a large population of middle grade readers, but I lined the unique prospective on this controversial subject,

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did all children have a friend or know somebody like Talia? With her dyed hair, tattoos (in middle school, no less), crop tops and outspoken backtalk to adults, she’s the sort who astounds other kids. They’ve learned to ignore the adult world as being irrelevant, grown-ups as bores, outdated or simply out of touch. They’re creepy old men, scary crones, embarrassing parents or restrictive adult barriers to fun. Who needs them or cares what they’re doing?

Talia cares. She cares a lot and her behavior comes off as either that of a rebel, a troublemaker and a rabble rouser or bold adventurer, truth seeker or outspoken critic. Rose, as a good girl, is shocked and then intrigued by this girl who seems to have forbidden knowledge, to know things adults don’t know or don’t want to mention to their children.

The book explores their budding relationship, the ways that Talia opens Rose’s eyes. While her mother frets about Talia (she seems to know something about her that Rose doesn’t), Rose’s own entry into adolescence leads her to grow further apart from her parents. She starts lying, which she never used to do. She goes out of her way to hide her association with Talia. We can see that she’s headed for a bad fall but not how that fall will occur or what the potential damage will be.

Talia is one of those forces of nature, the kind of dominant personality that sweeps others into her wake. Whether she’s right or wrong, she has a kind of presence that simply demands that you pay attention and listen to her. You’ve read about friendships like this in other books: one person is the dominant personality, suggesting outings, dares, raids or risky activities while the other person, more submissive, goes along with whatever they say. (Think of Enn and Vic from How to Talk to Girls at Parties).

The book banning that Talia and other adolescents protest seems almost tangential to their relationship. You suspect that if it weren’t books being banned, then something else would have caused Talia to get up in arms and take Rose along for the ride. However, Rose is a girl becoming a woman and that means she learns to stand up for herself and judge what is right, wrong and really, really wrong.

The story is an adventure, as well as an indictment against book banning and a confirmation of the joys of reading (always a plus). The book surprises with its depictions of children, adults, books and the world. Rose learns that the world is more than what adults have told her, to become more critical in her thinking and that change isn’t always a bad thing.

I’d recommend this book for children, teens, tweens and adults. It’s topical. It’s urgent. It has something to say to each and every one of us.

[Glenna Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rose leads a fairly uneventful life that revolves around her friend Charlotte and Girl Scouts. She volunteers to walk dogs at the rescue twice a week. She keeps her head down and stays out of trouble, like her father asks her to do. Then, Talia moves to town with her parents from New York City. She has blue streaks in her hair and her crop tops barely skim what is acceptable to the school dress code. She has opinions, lots of them, and doesn't trouble to keep quiet about what she sees as injustices. Rose and Talia really meet not at school, but at Temple, because there are not a lot of Jewish kids in Cove Lake. Talia introduces Rose to her new favorite book, assuming Rose knows it is on the list of banned books at the school library. Rose doesn't see the reason for the ban and neither does Talia. All of this leads to a banned book brigade, a new dress style, and some teenaged rebellion for Rose, and maybe a little better understanding of her parents. If you are looking for action in a book, this is not the book for you--it is very cerebral. Still, the themes of change and friendship make it worth reading.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose faces typical middle school angst with overprotective parents, deciding what to wear, figuring out the ever-evolving social hierarchy, and making new decisions after a new girl comes to town and ignites Rose with new ideas. She tries to balance being a "good girl" like always, or breaking the rules to obtain and read banned books. Rose considers whether some rules are meant to be broken.

I cringe to think this book may end up being banned in some schools (the irony!) not only because of the banned book topic but also for the inclusion of a boy character who dresses like a girl and for the mention of racism against another character. Rose is Jewish, and the Holocaust is mentioned in a manner that some sweep atrocities and responsibility for the death camps under the rug.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose is living an extremely sheltered life in her small conservative town in rural Michigan. We see it in the way her parents treat her and the way her teachers shy away from hard subjects, especially her history teacher glossing over large parts of WWII. Rose is intrigued by Talia, a new girl at her middle school, who seems to toss these conventions to the wind. As one of our 5 Jews in her school, Rose is even more surprised to see Talia at synagogue on Yom Kippur. Talia starts to push Rose out of her comfort zone, asking her to think about the world differently, which leads to their starting a banned book club. (Rose had no idea that books were being banned at her school or that her best friend's mother was involved.) While Rose and her friends are 8th graders, they read much younger, more like 6th graders. This is a timely story. Recommended for grades 5 & up.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss

[WKPL Children's/YA Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Lori thinks this book touches on many issues tweens/teens face as they grow up. The main character, a very good follow-the-rules girl, meets a new classmate who seems to be her polar opposite in every conceivable way. The Main Character (Rose) is instantly drawn to the new girl's out-spoken manner, confidence, and fashion sense even though she knows she would be in big trouble if she did and/or said anything similar to the new girl. A chance meeting at Rose's synagogue and conversations with the new girl empower Rose to read banned books, stand up for herself, and try new things, but causes ripples in her relationships with her best friend, and ultimately Rose's parents as well.
Themes of antisemitism, banned books, parent relationships, mental health, on-line "friendships", and running away make this a book I would suggest for older middle grade to junior high students.

[Ribbon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose focuses a lot on what she and the other kids are wearing at the start of the book. I wasn't sold. But once Talia hits the scene and the focus moves primarily to banned books, I was hooked. I read the second half in a single sitting, crying on and off, because I couldn't put it down.

Lots of perspectives are examined, not just the kids reading forbidden books from the library. The pro-ban parents, the don't-rock-the-boat parents, the only black family in town, the boy who wears skirts, school staff, the local librarian. It gives a full picture of the circumstances surrounding book banning while heavily supporting fighting those bans.

[Erin Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Talia moves to Rose's small town from NYC, Rose instantly befriends her. She's new and mysterious and has more life experience than she could possibly imagine! Talia opens Rose's world to seeing discrimination and injustices, including mistreatment of Jewish people and book banning. Rose begins questioning a lot of people and policies around her as a result of this new friend in her life. I absolutely loved that no single person was competely painted as "bad" in this story and that the author offered multiple viewpoint of some pretty polarizing issues.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose is comfortable in her small town with her friends and knowing what will come next. When Talia shows up, Rose is challenged to see things a different way and to be open to new information. Talia starts a banned books club and gets Rose to join. Rose has to figure out what she believes and what is important to her. The author expresses really well this difficult time of growing up and learning new information and how to deal with that.

[Emily Carlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much going on in this story… Friendship, family, growing up and growing out, book bans, school….
I could feel the second-hand cringe at being embarrassed/nervous for the main character.
So many instances of the main character not doing what she told her parents and not getting caught at it - maybe she should have been caught once or twice more…
Anywho, that ending was ALOT. Definitely scary.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rose is a rule follower. She makes friends with new girl Talia, even though Rise’s mom does not trust her. Rose starts to keep her relationship with Talia from her best friend, and dresses in a different way with more crop tops. Talia is not afraid to speak up.
This one seemed to try to do too much.

[Rachel Benzine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of a plethora of middle grade books published recently about censorship, and I think it's one of the most well done versions. There's a tendency for these types of books to be really preachy/messagey/adult cringey, and this one is the first that I've read that actually feels like it would appeal to kids.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sterling and I read this together. Banned books is one of her favorite topics, and overall the idea of what it means to be “good”. She remains very committed to equality and justice, which I love and is developing a keen sense that sometimes rules need to be broken to take care of people. Also, really interesting to hear her sixth grade perspectives on various parents and ideas around that.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very topical book. I liked all the local references and how true to small town MI some of the things could be. Loved the inclusion of Girl Scouts in an accurate way. The conflict was a little predictable and wrapped up just a little too nicely in the end, but I think a lot of kids would like this book. There's plenty to related to.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because my ten year old wanted to and I realized I should potentially read it first as it was more geared towards older readers. Not only did I love it, but I think it sends the perfect message for her age group. I also am so against banning books that I would like her to make her own choices about what she reads and be able to stand up for what is right.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

What is being goid or being bad? Can you think differently than your teachers and parents? Can you be friends with the new girl? What us happening to besties if we feel different?

All of these questions must be answered Rose during this school year. Banned books and crop tops are only the catalyst in learning who she is.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid YA novel about kids fighting for their agency, with subthemes about friendship and trust. Solidly crafted and well reasoned, if occasionally bit repetitive in hammering home its themes, and maybe that "running away from home" twist toward the end steers a bit too into melodrama rather than simply focusing on the girls' respective home lives.

[Kathy Iwanicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of banned books is near and dear to my heart. I am a firm believer in no one has the right to tell someone else what they can and cannot read unless they are the parent. While the banned book club is at the forefront of this novel, there are several other important topics woven throughout. It felt as though none of these topics were explored in depth, which would make for a good introduction for younger students. My guess is that this book would be appropriate for grade 5 and up.

[Martha Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose is intrigued by Talia, the new girl in school who reads banned books and wears daring clothes. Their friendship is tested when Talia decides to run away to New York City and asks Rose to go with her. Middle school and family drama that will appeal to many readers.

[Premala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend Banned Books, Crop Tops, and Other Bad Influences by Brigit Young to fellow librarians—it's a timely, thought-provoking middle grade novel that champions intellectual freedom and the power of student voices.