Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover

Book banning refers to the act of removing or restricting books from libraries or schools due to concerns over their content. This often happens when individuals or groups challenge a book, which leads to reviews by schools, libraries, or local authorities. While some people believe banning books helps protect certain values, others argue that it limits free speech and intellectual freedom.

Walker’s Crossing’s Cover

One book that was banned from my school library is called Walker’s Crossing. I found it in the library a month ago, but after bringing it up in a conversation about banned books, it was removed just a day later. The cover of Walker’s Crossing raised concerns for some people because it includes images that some find offensive. On the cover, there are symbols like a Ku Klux Klan (KKK) member, the Confederate battle flag, the Nazi flag, and the Star of David.

• KKK Member: A person belonging to the Ku Klux Klan, a group that promotes hate and uses violence and intimidation, especially against African Americans.
• Confederate Battle Flag: A flag used by the Confederate States during the Civil War. It is often associated with racism and white supremacy.
• Nazi Flag: The flag used by Nazi Germany, which has a swastika. It symbolizes fascism, anti-Semitism, and the terrible events of the Holocaust.
• Star of David: A symbol of Judaism, representing faith and heritage. It appears on the flag of Israel.

These images on the cover made some people uncomfortable, but they are part of the book’s exploration of serious historical topics.

The Story of Walker’s Crossing

Walker’s Crossing tells the story of Ryan Walker, a seventh-grader living on a ranch in rural Wyoming. Ryan dreams of becoming a cowboy at Saddlebow Ranch, where his father works as the foreman. However, his life changes when his older brother, Gil, gets involved with a group called the Mountain Patriots Association. This group wants to drive out all “minorities” from the area. Ryan’s best friend, Matt, also becomes a junior member of the Patriots and starts spreading racist ideas around their school.

Conclusion

You might think that Walker’s Crossing is a book that should be banned because of its cover, but it actually has an important purpose. The book is a powerful example of historical fiction, showing the harmful effects of prejudice and racism. It helps readers understand the history of hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan and how these ideas can harm communities. So, remember: don’t judge a book by its cover. Books can teach us important lessons, even if the cover might make us uncomfortable at first.