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    Bookish Goods with a Social Justice Flair

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    Bookish Goods with a Social Justice Flair


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    Ashlie (she/her) is an educator, librarian, and writer. She is committed to diversifying the reading lives of her students and supporting fat acceptance as it intersects with other women’s issues. She’s also perpetually striving to learn more about how she can use her many privileges to support marginalized groups. Interests include learning how to roller skate with her local roller derby team, buying more books than she’ll ever read, hiking with her husband and sons, and making lists to avoid real work. You can find her on Instagram (@ashlieelizabeth), Twitter (@mygirlsimple) or at her website, www.ashlieswicker.com.

    View All posts by Ashlie Swicker

    I am the queen of the Fun Little Treat. I love to bribe myself to complete basic tasks or stay on top of habits, and I keep a list of items that can be my carrot for the week. Lately, I’ve noticed that if I’m spending money on something, I need it to work on many levels. I want cute, meaningful, and eye-catching things with a good message. If a sticker says something, I want it to say something about me. As we’re early in 2025, I feel a consistent need to point out how I feel about book bannings, anti-immigrant policies, transgender rights, reproductive health care, and fascist leaders. Owning items with a social justice theme feels good; I find myself wanting to signal that I’m not okay with the current state of affairs.

    Of course, the best way to signal that you stand for something is not through costuming, but through action. True activism lies in what you do, whether it’s donating to mutual aid networks, contacting lawmakers, distributing information to help people know their rights when dealing with ICE—anything that puts your time and money where your mouth is. The problems of the world seem overwhelming, and no one can fix everything, but everyone can do something. Still, if you want to wear a cute shirt while you’re driving people to the polls or need a great sticker for the water bottle you’ll sip from while supporting the public library at the next city council meeting, I’ve got you covered. Look below for a sampling of the many super cute bookish goods with a social justice flair.

    purple tshirt with a flaming book with an evil eye on the cover and the words 'read banned books.'purple tshirt with a flaming book with an evil eye on the cover and the words 'read banned books.'
    Image by The Bees Gifts via Etsy

    This message is available in endless fonts and styles, but I loved the addition of the mystical book and the color choices with this one. Read Banned Books Shirt, $41+ (Sizes S-4XL)

    a pink shirt with red script that says "read, resist, rise"a pink shirt with red script that says "read, resist, rise"
    Image by Luca Boo Co via Etsy

    The pretty colors and fonts almost overshadow the power of the words, but not quite. Resisting can be lovely! Read Resist Rise Shirt, $42+ (Sizes S-4XL)

    circular holographic sticker that says libraries are for everyone pride flag circular holographic sticker that says libraries are for everyone pride flag
    Image by Book Ninja Designs via Etsy

    This statement seems simple, but this rainbow-hued sticker makes it clear that there will be no bigotry accepted. Libraries Are For Everyone Sticker, $3

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    a picture of a book with flowers growing out of it with words underneath that read ":prolibrary antifascist"a picture of a book with flowers growing out of it with words underneath that read ":prolibrary antifascist"
    Image by Cancel Empire via Etsy

    If these two terms describe you, you’ll love this sticker with stark words and blooming flowers. Prolibrary Antifascist Sticker, $4

    Hopefully, you’ve found something you can look forward to buying, and maybe a new action that will back up those awesome bookish goods with a social justice flair. Looking for more bookish goods? Check out this list of Radical Goodies for Politically Engaged Readers. And sign up for Literary Activism to stay informed about book bans. Happy shopping, and happy reading!



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