Banned Book Club
Banned Book Club Series
What’s inside...
When Kim Hyun Sook started college in 1983, she was eager to explore the world of Western Literature. However, her education takes a dramatic turn when she joins an underground banned book club during South Korea's Fifth Republic, a military regime marked by censorship and violence. Hyun Sook's story unfolds in a charged political climate where the discovery of great works of literature is overshadowed by fear and the threat to democratic institutions. In 'Banned Book Club,' she shares her true experiences of political division, anti-intellectualism, and the power of reading amidst oppression.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-17
Length
198 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Kim Hyun Sook
Hoon
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when their favorite books were banned, and why?
What would you do if you were in a situation where you couldn't read your favorite book?
How does the book club in the story help the characters understand different viewpoints?
Why do you think sharing stories and different ideas is important?
Can you think of a time when you learned something important from a book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences with a favorite book and ask your child about theirs.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about different scenarios in the book and relate them to their own life.
Discuss the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and how books can provide insights into different ways of thinking.
Reinforce the value of freedom of expression and why access to various books is crucial for learning and growth.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of freedom of expression
Explanation: The story illustrates how the characters fight for their right to read and discuss banned books, emphasizing the value of free speech and diverse ideas.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and advocate for their right to express themselves and to respect others' opinions in school discussions or social interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate perseverance when faced with censorship and social opposition, showing that standing firm for one's beliefs is crucial.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to remain steadfast and committed to their values, even when facing challenges from peer pressure or authority figures.
Example Lesson: The power of community and teamwork
Explanation: The club members work together to access and share forbidden literature, highlighting how collaboration can overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to work cooperatively with others to achieve common goals, whether in group projects at school or in community activities.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and forming one's own opinions
Explanation: By exploring controversial books, characters learn to analyze differing viewpoints and develop their personal perspectives.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to think critically about the information they receive and to form their own educated opinions instead of merely accepting what is presented to them.
Example Lesson: Understanding and valuing diverse historical contexts
Explanation: The narrative introduces various historical events and societal issues through the banned books discussed by the club, providing a deeper understanding of the world.
Real-World Application: Helps children to recognize and respect different historical and cultural backgrounds, which is important for developing empathy and global awareness.