Thanks to a Banned Book — Freedom to Read, Empathy, and Storytelling with Dynahlee Star Padilla-Vasquez

A book some adults tried to keep off shelves helped a seventh grader make sense of grief, addiction, and forgiveness and shaped the storyteller she became. This episode is a powerful reminder that books can be lifelines and freedom to read matters.In Episode 169 of Adventures in Learning, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes Dynahlee Star Padilla-Vasquez for a timely conversation about banned books, empathy, and the transformative power of reading.Dynahlee shares an excerpt from her essay, “Thanks to a Banned Book, I Forgave My Drug Addicted Grandpa and Escaped His Path,” and reflects on how Ellen Hopkins’ Crank, a frequently challenged book, helped her understand addiction, humanize a family story, and ultimately choose a path in journalism and storytelling.Together, Dr Diane and Dynahlee unpack why adults fear difficult topics in books, how communication (not censorship) supports kids, and how book challenges often come from organized efforts that pull lines out of context. They close with a hopeful look toward the new year, grounded in the belief that one book can change a life.⏱️ Chapters02:06 Reading from “Thanks to a Banned Book…”07:41 Crank as a transformative tale12:10 What makes a powerful story14:10 Fear, censorship & book challenges19:44 Research, PEN America, EveryLibrary, data, and banning trends26:35 Books vs. the online “wild west”28:23 What brings hope into the new year🔗 Links Dynahlee’s essay in Everyday AdvocacyFreedom to Read / anti-censorship resources: PEN America, EveryLibrary, Committee for the First AmendmentCheck out Dr. Diane's 2026 Daily Picture Book Read Aloud CalendarSupport the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.