Read in Resistance with Mike Curato

Join us for Read in Resistance, a powerful day of reflection, protest, and storytelling at FDR Four Freedoms State Park. As part of the UNBANNED initiative presented by Four Freedoms Park Conservancy and the National Coalition Against Censorship, we invite you to reclaim the right to read.

🌟 Special Guest: Mike Curato
Acclaimed author and illustrator Mike Curato will read excerpts from his banned graphic novel Flamer—a deeply personal story of identity, self-discovery, and resilience. Catch readings at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM in the Banned Books tent.

We will have limited free copies of Mike's book, FLAMER and signed book plates.

Throughout the Park, you'll find small, thoughtfully arranged reading areas featuring a curated collection of banned and challenged books. Bring a friend, pick a book, and take a stand—by simply sitting and reading.

This is more than a quiet afternoon at the park. It’s a peaceful, collective protest. A space to reflect, resist, and reconnect with the power of free expression.

🎟️ Free & Open to All | Books provided on-site | All ages welcome

This event is part of:

Click here for more information on UNBANNED: Exploring Censorship in Books, Art, & Media.

Mike Curato is the author and illustrator the children’s book series Little Elliot. He has also illustrated What If… by Samantha Berger, All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle, Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian, The Power of One written by Trudy Ludwig, If I Were a Fish by Corook and Olivia Barton, and contributed to What’s Your Favorite Color? by Eric Carle and Friends, Sunny Day: A Celebration of the Sesame Street Theme Song, and Dear Heartbreak: YA Authors and Teens on the Dark Side of Love. Publishers Weekly named Mike a “Fall 2014 Flying Start.” In the same year he won the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show Founder’s Award. Mike’s debut young adult graphic novel, Flamer, was awarded the 2020 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Young Adult and the 2021 Massachusetts Book Award for Middle Grade/Young Adult. Gaysians is his adult debut.

About the National Coalition Against Censorship:

Since its inception in 1974, the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) has functioned as a first responder in protecting freedom of expression, a fundamental human right and a keystone of democracy. Representing more than 60 national education, publishing, and arts organizations, NCAC encourages and facilitates dialogue between diverse voices, perspectives, and audiences.