The gift of reading: Idaho high school grad gives banned book at graduation

2024 grad Annabelle Jenkins tried to give the superintendent a banned book called "The Hand Maid's Tale." After he didn't take it, she left it at his feet and left.

[Alun]

We need more like her. Banning books in order to prevent young people from having access to challenging and controversial ideas is authoritarian and leads ultimately to totalitarianism.

[mfetto]

I'm from egypt.. The middle east
The worst of the worst when it comes to things like freedom and access of information
How we reached there? It all started with someone forbidding a “bad book”
Then another book.. And another
Few years later.. We only read what a single man wants us to read
The rest is history
..
Don't let anyone tells you what information you should have access to

[abalka]

Annabelle! You are a patriot and a soldier for the good! Thank you for your service!

[kimallman]

I am a professional librarian and activist. I am sharing this video with my fellow librarians and all those who understand how much we need to fight against these elements of our society who are seeking to turn us into an authoritarian nation through rampant censorship and trying to prevent the dissemination of information and knowledge. This young lady showed incredible courage. Pity the superintendent chose cowardice. Perhaps he is afraid that if he read "The Handmaid's Tale" he would realize he is no better than the main antagonist "The Commander."

[CASPER]

I'm a proud conservative...
I think its clear that this girl is passionate about her convictions and beliefs and wanted to peacefully shine a light on something very important to her. I have no issues with this.

[nlabanok]

A grown a$$ man afraid of a little book. The book isn't little though, Derek Bub is. Last name of "Bub" ? God must have a sense of humor and of the truth.

[audreyledgerwood]

What an inspiring young lady standing up for what is everyone's right to read and learn

[prividinc]

Brilliant. It’s time for students to stand up to censorship like this.

[jodiewilcox]

Information = empowerment. Just like other "sensitive" topics, if you don't like the book, don't check it out. There is no need to have a blanket ban on books, especially classic novels such as this one mentioned.

[Its_the_Whole_Everything]

Like the saying goes, it’s the quiet ones you have to be watching out for. Good for you.

[MyWingsAreMyDream]

Annabelle overshadowed? The superintendent overshadowed the students with his ridiculous attitude.

[shawnm]

Their first excuse when they started banning books was to protect young children.

Now they're banning books in high schools because of naughty words.

[rgethin]

Her parents should be very proud of their daughter ❤.

[jmh]

May todays teenagers continue to boldly state what they feel about banning of books. I hope that she keeps that inner fire to speak for what she believes!

[JenniferLeeTacy]

Love her and her energy! Good for her! READ BANNED BOOKS!

[palebright]

This young person is so articulate and she has a great point. America is going backwards socially.

[dpmanleyarrieta]

That girl has more guts than most people finding themselves face to face with hypocrites and ignoramuses. Proud of her!

[starfix]

Annabelle Jenkins is a hero. I hope that she has inspired many people, of all ages and genders, to read. I admire her.

[murasakieclipse]

THATS MY BEST FRIEND LETS GOO IM SO PROUD OF HER!!

[lindab]

When we read, we learn and this includes illustrations that are in thank you, for taking a stand for all of us, who want to be daily learners of the past, the present, and what may be our future. We should never be afraid to open a book. It allows us to be engaged, see other people's points of view, creates dialog, brings us on adventures, allows us to learn that we want to learn more, it allows us to walk along people like us and not like us at all, we learn about the complexities of life and of our world, helps to see circumstances that we may never have before, and allows us to be better decision makers. We are allowed to feel and learn, about others, and ourselves. Reading even keeps your brain healthy. Be eager to hold a book in your hand and open it. Your world will open up. Congratulations on your graduation from high school Annabelle. Interesting that your Superintendent and others tried to stifle your by keeping books from you, but it was your opening many, many books, with and without illustrations, and learning from them, that allows you that High School Diploma. Congratulations Annabelle. Have no fear of learning, open a book and read.