I don't think it's possible to underestimate the importance of literature and storytelling to critical thinking and understanding. That's why I feel so dismayed that so many people in the United States today are doing so much to stop students from reading books.

I never thought I'd see that in the United States, but when you look at banned books lists today, they're not just made up of newcomers to the literary scene. They're full of titles that have been taught in high school for decades.