BBW!

Banned Books Week is celebrated September 29 through October 6. BBW was created as a way to encourage people to express their freedom to read and enjoy whatever books they like. For more than 25 years, libraries and teachers have stressed the importance of our first amendment freedom to read what we like, even if it's unpopular or unorthodox.

Two teen books that made the Banned Books List are:
* The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things
* Athletic Shorts



Express your freedom this month and read a banned book!

Submitted by LB Teen B.T.

They Just Don't Fit In

Many books are censored because they do not fit in with the ideas of the time or they deal with issues that people don't want to confront. Have you read any of these challenged books?

The Chocolate War
My Brother Sam is Dead
Go Ask Alice

Submitted by LB Teen D.A.

Desi's Presence Still Felt

We all know him as Ricky Ricardo, but Desi Arnaz is just one of the many Latinos that made history. Desi was not only an actor, he was a Cuban musician, comedian, and producer. He was one of the very first Latinos on a television series. The series, I Love Lucy, was based on his marriage to Lucille Ball and is still popular today. He's an important person for Hispanic Heritage month and I truly admire his character both on T.V. and in real life.

At Long Beach Public Library:
I Love Lucy on DVD
I Love Lucy: The Complete Picture History of the Most Popular TV Series

-Submitted by LB Teen A.M.

Long Beach Comedian, Gabriel Iglesias

Gabriel Iglesias was born in San Diego and raised in Long Beach. He graduated from Wilson High School and was a member of the speech club. Today he travels around the country performing and creating jokes out of things that happen in everyday life. I chose Gabriel for Hispanic Heritage Month because he showed me to never give up!

Read more about Gabriel at LatinoStandup.com
-Article submitted by LB Teen I.G.

MOLAA

The Museum of Latin American Art, also known as MoLAA, shows contemporary Latin American art and is a great place to spend the day. The exhibits are entertaining and educational. Check it out during Hispanic Heritage month!

Museum of Latin American Art
629 Alamitos Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90802

-Submitted by LB Teen J.M.

The Life of Hector Lavoe, Puerto Rican Singer

Hector Lavoe was a Puerto Rican salsa singer who became famous for his music. Although he brought happiness to others, his life off-stage was another story. Hector Lavoe was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico on September 30, 1946. Throughout his life he struggled with addiction. Tragedy struck his family several times. He passed away in 1993 in New York City. Despite hard times, Hector never gave up his dreams and continued to pursue his passion. He didn't lead a perfect life, but he will be remembered as a great singer. Request Hector Lavoe's Tu Bien lo Sabes CD or the Pistas Musicales: Salsa para Cantar compilation CD that includes Hector and more salsa singers!

-Article submitted by LB Teen K.O.