9. Out of Darkness: Interview with Ashley Hope Pérez

In this special episode, we interview Ashley Hope Pérez, the author of Out of Darkness. First published in 2015, Out of Darkness received a 2016 Printz Honor for excellence in young adult literature and won the 2016 Tomás Rivera Book Award and the 2016 Américas Book Award. Out of Darkness was not challenged until 2021, the same year it became the fourth-most-challenged book in the country.

In the interview, we discuss why Out of Darkness has been banned. We also learn more about Ashley's background, reasons for writing the book, writing process, narrative choices, and experiences before and after the book was banned. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to talk with her.

Please listen to our tenth episode for a close reading of the book's characters, themes, and significance.

To learn more about Ashley Hope Pérez, please visit:

• Her website: ashleyperez.com
• Her linktree: @ashleyhopeperez
• Instagram: @ashleyhopeperez
• Her response to the viral school board meeting video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=z4dNu4UA-As…

Thanks to Chris for our music and to Lizzie for our audio editing! Please visit our website for a transcript of this episode.

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