This Book Won't Burn by Samira Ahmed is a novel that revolves around Noor Khan, a high school senior who finds herself in a small town where books are actively being banned. Many of the books are by authors of colour or authors who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.  Feeling a sense of injustice, Noor and her new friends challenge the school board's decision. Their rebellion, which involves reading the banned books aloud, draws both love and hate from the community. The novel explores themes of racism, homophobia, and the power of literature to inspire and unite people.

Noor Khan was one of the most reliable narrators, and she showed all the different angles to the problem. As you read this book, you’ll find yourself giggling at all the romantic moments, then absolutely shaking with anger at the evil words thrown around in the book. The obvious racism and homophobia will make you want to pull your hair out. This is a book I recommend everyone read because it really did open my eyes to the problems other marginalized people face. I hope when you read this book, your eyes are opened, and if you are part of any of the marginalized groups, I hope you find hope in this book. Samira Ahmed really wrote this book with a passion that I feel can be hard to find sometimes.

If you feel you need perspective after reading this book, you should read The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas.