Teacher Stories: Dr. Mike Sherry & 16 Challenged Books

When 16 books were pulled from school libraries, Dr. Mike Sherry—a professor of English Education at the University of South Florida—joined a local review committee to help decide their fate. In this teacher chat with Everyday Advocacy's Cathy Fleischer, Mike tells the story of his 16 weeks on the committee where he witnessed students share how books saved their lives, heard teachers defend stories that reflected real experiences, and found common ground with community members despite differing perspectives. Watch to hear how every book returned to library shelves – and discover practical strategies to not "teach in fear" by finding advocacy allies.

"Each time there was a different student and every time that student said, this book saved my life or the life of someone I know because they read this story and they knew that they were not alone." - Dr. Mike Sherry

For more stories of the difference diverse texts can make in the lives of young readers, visit our Author Stories playlist.