Permission to Read: A Century of Banned Book Covers Reimagined

Reimagined book covers bring a century of challenged literature into focus during a month-long exhibition at Books & Books in Coral Gables. Opening Friday, October 2 in recognition of Banned Books Week, the show features 20 works by Miami artists Melissa Gutierrez and Brandon Martinez, each offering a new visual interpretation of a frequently banned or challenged title.

Featured books include Slaughterhouse-Five, The House on Mango Street, Native Son and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Gutierrez, the illustrator behind Westofchester, draws on Miami culture and community in her work, while Martinez explores architecture, typography and the meanings attached to familiar objects and phrases.

Exhibition artwork will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Books & Books Literary Foundation. The opening event is free and open to the public, with RSVP requested.