And We Stay
Jenny Hubbard
About this book
When high school senior Paul Wagoner walks into his school library with a stolen gun, he threatens his girlfriend Emily Beam, then takes his own life. In the wake of the tragedy, an angry and guilt-ridden Emily is shipped off to boarding school in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she encounters a ghostly presence who shares her name. The spirit of Emily Dickinson and two quirky girls offer helping hands, but it is up to Emily to heal her own damaged self. This inventive story, told in verse and in prose, paints the aftermath of tragedy as a landscape where there is good behind the bad, hope inside the despair, and springtime under the snow.
Censorship history
In 2025, "And We Stay" by Jenny Hubbard faced bans at the school level across various districts in the United States, primarily due to its LGBTQ+ content, sexual themes, and perceived immorality. Specific complaints were lodged by parents and community members, leading to school board votes in several states, including Texas and Florida, where the book was ultimately removed from library shelves. The bans were part of a broader trend of challenges against literature that addresses complex social issues, particularly in educational settings. As of now, the book remains contested in several districts, with ongoing debates about its appropriateness for high school curricula.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | LGBTQ+SexualMoral |
