Schools need libraries, librarians, and banned books

The first day of middle school is a defining moment — and a frightening one. And when you are a kid who spent elementary school recess reading books rather than running around, it can feel more nerve-racking than exciting. When we, Aruja and Marium, started middle school at the Young Women’s STEAM Research and Preparatory Academy, or YWA, in our hometown of El Paso, Texas, we were terrified.