Media/Publications & Speakings
SPEAKER: Partnered with Brooklyn Public Library’s Books Unbanned to deliver a presentation on the dangers of book banning for Encore Learning, Washington D.C.
SPEAKER: Partnered with The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) to advise school librarians on best ways to support student advocates.
BE MORE FINALIST: The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) Promoted awareness of book banning and emphasized the importance of diverse narratives and supporting diverse voices.
SPEAKER: PEN America CYAB (Children’s and Young Adult Book) committee, moderated by award-winning author/illustrator Paul Zelinsky. Our shared goals include promoting intellectual freedom, protecting the right to read. By highlighting these issues, we aim to foster a more inclusive and informed society where young people have the freedom to explore a wide range of ideas and perspectives through books.
PANEL SPEAKER: Brooklyn Public Library IFTM (Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetup) Collaborated with student activists to share ideas on the best ways to organize and conduct protests. Connected with peers across the country and learned how to support youth in protecting the right to read.
FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR: Coming in 2025 from Holiday House: BANNED TOGETHER: OUR FIGHT FOR READERS’ RIGHTS. Fifteen legendary YA authors and illustrators confront the high-stakes question of what is lost when books are kept from teens. Edited by Ashley Hope Pérez, Illustrated by Debbie Fong, Featured Contributor, Christopher Lau
Contributors include Elana K. Arnold, Nikki Grimes, Ellen Hopkins, Kelly Jensen, Brendan Kiely, Maia Kobabe, Bill Konigsberg, Kyle Lukoff, MariNaomi, Trung Le Nguyen, Ashley Hope Pérez, Isabel Quintero, Traci Sorell, Robin Stevenson, and Padma Venkatraman; the collection is a star-studded must-read that packs strength and power into every last word.
Biography and Headshot
Christopher Lau (he/him), a high school student hailing from Queens, New York, is a passionate advocate for diverse literature in the face of book bans, particularly those targeting marginalized communities. Witnessing the alarming surge of book bans sweeping across the nation, Christopher utilizes his editing/social media skills to raise awareness and spark conversations. Through his YouTube channel, UNBAN COOLIES, he conducts interviews with a panel of diverse authors and librarians shedding light on the consequences of book bans and amplifying the voices of those affected. Through these insightful discussions, Christopher aims to broaden perspectives and inspire action.
During his quest to advocate for diversity in literature, Christopher discovered a critical issue closer to home: the absence of a certified librarian at his own high school. Recognizing the profound impact this absence had on students’ access to resources and knowledge, he was inspired to fill this void by repurposing the author interviews and creating an Author Series. This free series offers valuable resources for all libraries and schools, enhancing library circulation, supporting educational curriculums, and especially aiding schools with limited funding for in-person author visits.
Christopher is available to speak on topics including:
– Book banning
– Intellectual freedom and censorship
– The importance of supporting student advocates
Please email Christopher for requests.
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