At her high school graduation, Annabelle Jenkins made an unforgettable statement. Known for her love of books and relentless library advocacy, Annabelle stood against recent book bans in her school district. Her spontaneous action, captured on video and posted on TikTok, quickly went viral, sparking a national conversation about book censorship.
The graduation ceremony at the Idaho Fine Arts Academy on May 23, 2024, seemed like any typical event with 44 seniors receiving their diplomas. But for Annabelle Jenkins, a long-time library volunteer, this day had a different purpose.
Idaho High School Graduate Refuses to Shake Superintendent’s Hand & Drops a Book at His Feet — She Explains Her Act
Annabelle discreetly brought a controversial book into the ceremony, cleverly hiding it in the voluminous sleeve of her graduation gown. As she approached the superintendent, she pulled out the book and bravely attempted to hand it to him. His refusal to accept it only strengthened her resolve to take a different course of action.
Her protest was the culmination of months of frustration over the removal of several beloved books from her school’s library, including the graphic novel adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
Idaho High School Graduate Refuses to Shake Superintendent’s Hand & Drops a Book at His Feet — She Explains Her Act
This contentious removal came as part of compliance with the “Children’s School and Library Protection Act,” signed by Governor Brad Little in April 2024. This law mandates the removal of materials considered “obscene” from libraries accessible to minors, with severe penalties for non-compliance.
Annabelle’s fearless act was her way of voicing the collective frustration felt by her and her peers over being excluded from the decision-making process.
Idaho High School Graduate Refuses to Shake Superintendent’s Hand & Drops a Book at His Feet — She Explains Her Act
Annabelle, who nurtured a deep bond with libraries from a young age, was particularly disheartened by this development. “In middle school, the library’s teen space became my sanctuary. The rule was I could only bring home as many books as my age,” she recollected.
Her love for books remained steadfast throughout her high school years, where she volunteered extensively. Her dedication took a serious turn in fall 2023 when she overheard a heated argument between a teacher and the school librarian over the graphic novel “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
“I was just so shocked,” she said, “because I’d never seen school staff act that way before. The book held so much importance for my friends and me.”
“It’s a book filled with heavy themes and very challenging scenes. Yes, it involves sexual themes, but the claim that it’s pornographic is something I strongly dispute,” she argued. “The teacher contesting it hadn’t even read it.”
Annabelle read the book during her sophomore year and believed the graphic adaptation did it justice. “Sure, there are tough scenes, but that’s no reason to ban it,” she expressed.
The West Ada School District removed ten books last December, including the graphic novel, in a private meeting of administrators. They stated their decisions aligned with the recent library law enacted by the Idaho legislature.
Annabelle’s act was driven by a response to the exclusion they felt during the book removal process. “How we were ignored and dismissed made me realize I couldn’t simply walk across that stage and shake the superintendent’s hand,” she voiced.
Idaho High School Graduate Refuses to Shake Superintendent’s Hand & Drops a Book at His Feet — She Explains Her Act
Instead, she decided to stand firm. “When I approached him and got the book out, he refused to take it,” she recounted. Annabelle let the book drop at Superintendent Derek Bub’s feet. “It was an act meant to make a broader point, and I chose to make it loud and clear,” she remarked.
Annabelle’s TikTok video captioned “[He] wouldn’t even touch it,” quickly accumulated over 26.5 million views by June 27, 2024. The text in-lay read:
“[Pov]: your superintendent bans the handmaid’s tale, so you give it to him at graduation.”
Idaho High School Graduate Refuses to Shake Superintendent’s Hand & Drops a Book at His Feet — She Explains Her Act
Overwhelmed by the viral response, Annabelle said, “I woke up to my dad shaking me, excitedly telling me my TikTok had a million views!” she exclaimed. “It blew up beyond anything I could’ve imagined.”
The immense popularity of the video shone a glaring spotlight on the issue of book bans and censorship in Idaho. Annabelle’s calm demeanor and eloquence touched the hearts of many who shared her concern for the suppression of knowledge and the importance of libraries as community pillars.
District spokeswoman Niki Scheppers explained that the graphic novel’s removal adhered to the law’s definition of obscene material. However, the original text of “The Handmaid’s Tale” was still available for high school students.
“The unabridged text remains a valuable educational resource, allowing high schoolers to engage with its content properly,” Scheppers remarked.
Idaho High School Graduate Refuses to Shake Superintendent’s Hand & Drops a Book at His Feet — She Explains Her Act
Scheppers also critiqued that Annabelle’s gesture overshadowed the celebratory occasion for the Class of 2024.
But Annabelle disagreed, stating, “I never intended to disrupt or ruin the ceremony. That moment was my time, and it was essential for me to do it,” she clarified.
Idaho High School Graduate Refuses to Shake Superintendent’s Hand & Drops a Book at His Feet — She Explains Her Act
Annabelle’s passion for books and libraries was ignited in her childhood and has only grown stronger. In a 2019 StoryCorps segment, she spoke fondly of her close ties with her local librarian and the many cherished moments spent at the library.
Through volunteering and participating in reading programs, she recognized libraries’ true value—not only as repositories of knowledge but also as safe spaces for personal growth and community refuge.
Her dedication to libraries will continue long after high school. Annabelle plans to pursue English literature at Portland State University, followed by a master’s in library science.
Her ultimate aspiration is to become a librarian, a dream she has nurtured since her early days exploring library shelves. “Libraries are magical and crucial spaces,” she enthused. “I want to dedicate my life to improving and protecting them.”
The removal of “The Handmaid’s Tale” graphic novel from school libraries is part of a broader national trend of heightened scrutiny and censorship of educational materials.
In recent years, numerous books have been pulled from library shelves in Idaho, driven by increasing political and social pressure. The new library law’s penalties have led many libraries to remove materials preemptively to avoid costly litigation.
Annabelle’s protest illuminates the ongoing debate over what defines suitable content for young readers and the role of libraries in offering access to diverse viewpoints.
Idaho High School Graduate Refuses to Shake Superintendent’s Hand & Drops a Book at His Feet — She Explains Her Act
It also underscores the significance of involving students in decisions that impact their educational journeys and access to information. Annabelle hopes her actions will inspire others to combat censorship and champion the irreplaceable value of libraries.
In the book she dropped at Superintendent Bub’s feet, Annabelle left a message intended for someone who might understand its importance. She wrote,
“Torch every book, burn every page, char every word to ash. Ideas are incombustible and therein lies your real fear,” from best-selling author Ellen Hopkins.
Annabelle firmly believes libraries are essential for community and personal growth. “This issue demands our attention,” she urged. “Ignoring it will only allow it to fester and worsen beyond imagination.”
Annabelle’s unwavering commitment to libraries and her future aspirations reflect a deeply held belief in these institutions as sanctuaries of knowledge, community, and intellectual freedom.
As she embarks on the next phase of her life, Annabelle’s story serves as a testament to the profound impact one person can have when they stand up for their beliefs.
Did this story stir something within you? Scroll down for another heartwarming read.
93-Year-Old Widow Donates Late Husband’s $1 Billion to Fund Medical School Tuition in NYC’s Poorest Borough
The United States, the world’s wealthiest nation, grapples with a concerning reality: a shortage of doctors, particularly primary care physicians.
This shortage stems partly from the crushing burden of medical school debt, deterring many aspiring doctors from pursuing their dream careers.
Idaho High School Graduate Refuses to Shake Superintendent’s Hand & Drops a Book at His Feet — She Explains Her Act
However, a recent act of extraordinary generosity by 93-year-old Ruth Gottesman has the potential to be a game-changer.
Dr. Gottesman donated a remarkable $1 billion to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. This historic gift will ensure that all future medical students at Einstein will graduate debt-free. Dr. Gottesman said:
“We have terrific medical students, but this will open it up for many other students whose economic status is such that they wouldn’t even think about going to medical school.”
Idaho High School Graduate Refuses to Shake Superintendent’s Hand & Drops a Book at His Feet — She Explains Her Act
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