Places I Never Meant to Be

Places I Never Meant to Be is a 1999 collection of short stories edited by renowned author Judy Blume. The anthology features twelve original works by authors who have experienced censorship or book banning in the United States. Each story in the collection stands independently, written by notable writers including Katherine Paterson, Walter Dean Myers, and Jacqueline Woodson. The proceeds from the book's sales support the National Coalition Against Censorship, an organization dedicated to protecting freedom of expression. The stories span multiple genres and tackle subjects ranging from baseball and family dynamics to more challenging social issues. Each author also contributes a personal essay about their experience with censorship, providing context for their work and creative process. The collection serves as both a statement about artistic freedom and a showcase of literature that pushes boundaries in young adult fiction. Through these stories, the book examines the tension between creative expression and social constraints, while highlighting the impact of censorship on American writers.

Readers appreciate Blume's curation of censorship-themed short stories from diverse YA authors, finding them authentic and relatable for teens. The collection resonates with those interested in banned books and creative freedom. Readers liked: - Personal introductions from each author about their experiences with censorship - Mix of serious and lighter stories - Representation of different cultural perspectives - Age-appropriate handling of mature themes Readers disliked: - Uneven quality between stories - Some stories feel dated - A few narratives lack clear resolution - Limited appeal for adult readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (572 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (21 ratings) Common reader comments note the book works well for classroom discussions about censorship. Several reviewers mention the story "What You Don't Know Can Kill You" by David Klass as a standout. Some readers found the censorship theme overshadowed the actual stories, making them feel more like teaching tools than entertainment.

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher Students face institutional challenges and censorship while publishing a high school newspaper that addresses controversial social topics.

The Sledding Hill by Chris Crutcher A story about a community's battle over book censorship in schools connects themes of grief, religion, and intellectual freedom.

The Day They Came to Arrest the Book by Nat Hentoff A high school confronts divisions when parents and teachers clash over removing Huckleberry Finn from the curriculum.

Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan Three teens navigate post-9/11 New York City in interconnected stories that examine freedom of expression and community response to crisis.

The Library Book by Susan Orlean Chronicles of library fires and book destruction reveal the historical impact of censorship on literature and community knowledge.

🔸 Judy Blume herself has been a frequent target of censorship, with six of her books appearing on the American Library Association's list of 100 most challenged books between 1990-2000. 🔸 The book's royalties were donated to the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), an organization that has been fighting book censorship since 1974. 🔸 Contributor Walter Dean Myers was the third National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and wrote over 100 books during his career. 🔸 Katherine Paterson, another featured author, is a two-time winner of the Newbery Medal for "Bridge to Terabithia" and "Jacob Have I Loved." 🔸 Contributor Jacqueline Woodson made history as the first African American woman to be named Young People's Poet Laureate in 2015.