It’s Banned Book Week, and I’m celebrating in my own way. Two titles I read over the summer made the list, and I can tell you why.

Better Nate Than Ever

by Tim Federle

Simon & Schuster

ages 10+

The Premise: In a carefully-crafted, half-crazy scheme, thirteen-year-old Nate Foster runs away from his rural Pennsylvania hometown with fake ID, his mother’s ATM card, a couple dozen doughnuts, and a dream. He’s headed for New York City, where he plans to audition for a part in a Broadway musical.

Personal...