Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great graphic novel about teen girl's political awakening.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
BANNED BOOK CLUB tells the story of Hyun Sook as she's just starting her first year at the local college. She's studying English language and literature, so joining a book club sounds like the perfect extra-curricular. But the cute guy who invited her to join never mentioned that the club actually reads books that are banned by the totalitarian government. The college is also a bit of a hotbed, with frequent student protests, making it difficult for someone like Hyun Sook, who just wants to keep her head down and finish her studies. As she learns more about the banned reading, and about what happens to people who are caught, she realizes that she can't just keep her head down anymore. Not if she wants the right learn the truth about herself and the world around her.
Is It Any Good?
This compelling graphic novel offers a lot of food for thought on much more than just banning books, packed into a slim volume. Banned Book Club is based on real events, and relatable protagonist Hyun Sook gets readers thinking about government, family, literature, resilience, protest, democracy, access to information, and lots more. The black-and-white illustrations are dynamic and dramatic.
Some transitions from one thing to another, especially when lightening things with a bit of humor, are abrupt and jarring. Also, sometimes they're paired with character drawings that don't have distinguishing features, or are from a far-off point of view, so it can take a minute to figure out who's talking. But readers will find a lot to think and talk about issues important to teens, especially if they're interested in politics and activism.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Banned Book Club. Why is knowing the truth about the past important? Does this book go too far, or does it help you understand what was happening?
Does your school or community ban books? Do you think some books should be banned, or do you think people should be able to whatever they want? Why?
Check out our list of frequently challenged books. Do some of the books on the list surprise you? Have you read any? If you have, what did you think of it, and does seeing it on this list change your reaction to it?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Ko Hyung-Ju
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Iron Circus Comics
- Publication date : May 19, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 192
- Available on : Paperback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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