When They Erase Books, They Erase People Too | Beatrice Kelly | TEDxClinton Central School
What happens when we start erasing books from our shelves? We risk erasing the people behind them.
In this passionate and eye-opening talk, young advocate Beatrice Kelly takes us into the heart of one of today’s most pressing issues: book banning. With wisdom beyond her years, she asks a powerful question—What if someone decided your story didn’t matter?
Beatrice reveals the staggering truth: in just one year, over 10,000 books were banned in schools. But this isn’t just about books—it’s about silencing perspectives, marginalizing identities, and narrowing the lens through which we view the world.
Through heartfelt storytelling and sharp insight, Beatrice challenges us to imagine our favorite book being taken away—not because we lost it, but because someone else said it didn’t belong. Her message is clear: Books aren’t dangerous. Censorship is.
Beatrice Kelly is a 13-year-old student at Clinton Middle School who enjoys reading, writing, and listening to music. When she isn’t reading, she can be found writing and listening to music.
Beatrice was inspired to give a TED Talk because she thinks banning books is wrong. As it tells others that their stories aren’t important, she believes her story and ideas can help others. Her talk, titled “When They Erase Books, They Erase People Too”, explores how book banning is wrong because it tells others that their stories do not deserve to be heard. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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