The Keeper of Hidden Books

by Madeline Martin

There was power in literature. Brilliant and undeniable. Books inspired free thought and empathy, an overall understanding and acceptance of everyone. In the pages of books that were burned and banned and ripped apart for pulping, Zofia had found herself. These were the parts of her that were human and strong and loving, parts that understood lives she had never led.

We cannot allow education to be stifled or cultures to be erased or books to be banned.

I have died a thousand deaths, but that did not define me.

Instead, I lived a thousand lives and it is for that reason that I now can write our story for future generations to always remember.