As students cross the threshold into the Schoolhouse, they are greeted by two empowering words: Be Heard—the first foundational lesson baked into every aspect of a Nightingale education. Also positioned just above the blue doors in the vestibule, the same words are visible both when a student enters and when they leave, serving as a powerful reminder to carry their voices beyond 92nd Street. 

Being heard is encouraged starting in Lower School, through a myriad of lessons. This fall, through one unit, Class III students had the chance to dive into the idea even further, exploring real-world examples of how voices and stories can be silenced. Each year, Class III reads Ban This Book by Alan Gratz—a novel that follows the story of a middle school student whose favorite book gets banned from her school library. This reading is then used as a jumping-off point to a larger discussion about how they can appropriately question the status quo, and make change when they feel it is right. 

“Initially, our students are always inclined to accept that the book [in the story] should have been banned and that the adults probably had a good reason, until they find out which book it is! The book uses real examples of commonly challenged children’s books, such as From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, and the Junie B. Jones series—titles the children are very familiar with and love,” explained Class III teacher Christina Milbourne. “The outrage from the class every year is palpable! From there, we discuss how people can have different opinions on what is appropriate or valuable, and how to respectfully disagree while allowing each other the freedom to make choices that are right for them.”

Serendipitously, this fall, the New York Public Library was hosting a program titled, “Banned: Censorship and the Freedom to Read”—an engaging, age-appropriate tour connecting directly to the novel students had just finished reading. In early October, Class III had the chance to visit the exhibit on a field trip.

“Developmentally, eight- and nine-year-olds are beginning to think outside of themselves and become more world-aware,” Ms. Milbourne shared. “They can take new perspectives and think critically about their beliefs. In Class III, we spend a lot of time encouraging students to develop their reasoning, by writing persuasive essays in English and by proving their strategies in math class. The exhibit at the NYPL is a perfect example of how people [around] the world can have vastly different opinions on the same topic and how one person or group’s opinion can influence policy for many.”

During the first portion of the trip, students and chaperones gathered in the historic main lobby and learned about the differences between neighborhood/circulating libraries and research libraries. From there, students moved into the permanent exhibition “Treasures,” where they were shocked to see the original stuffed animals that inspired Winnie the Pooh, and learned that A.A. Milne’s books were banned for containing talking animals. Class III also got to see examples of ways people resisted book bans, such as a fake cover for the book Ulysses.

Class III then took turns voting on whether a book should be banned based on its theme, later learning that these themes had been real reasons those books had been banned in the past. Students ultimately agreed that just because a topic is difficult or contentious, does not necessarily mean the book should be banned. 

“Going to this exhibit and seeing the physical aspect of censorship really hammered home the idea that books have power…Seeing the real effects of censorship and how people had to work around it in their lives, really helped the students recognize the importance of intellectual freedom and the value of having access to a wide range of voices,” Lower School Librarian Christina Tuccillo shared.

Throughout their visit, Nighthawks recorded observations in booklets they received upon arrival, in addition to sketching items they were curious about during the exhibit. 

“Many students found it impactful to learn that throughout time books and shows have been banned for centering on intermarriages or featuring biracial characters,” Director of Museum and Cultural Partnerships Gabriella Kula said. “We agreed we’re lucky to live in a time when all types of people and marriages are not just accepted but celebrated. In all, it became clear that NYPL has a major mission of protecting everyone’s freedom to read and we are thankful to live in NYC, where we have access to such important institutions.”

Ms. Tuccillo shared that, “[Students] learned that their voices matter, even in situations that may feel small, like choosing which book to read.” 

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