OK, it’s not really illegal to read New Hampshire author Jodi Picoult’s books. But she’s one of the country’s most banned authors, and since this week is Banned Books Week, it’s a great time to shine a light on the books some people don’t want others to read. More on that below.

Before you get on with your day, here’s the news:

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

📸 Reader photo: The dog days of summer on the lake. Send us your photo! 

📰 What we’re reading, including: A Londonderry High School student was airlifted to a hospital after falling at least 15 feet down a stairwell inside the school

📚Banned Books Week: The nation’s most banned authors

📢 Question of the week: Are political ads actually influencing how you think about candidates? Share your take! 

🗓 Top events: See what’s happening around New Hampshire.

(Courtesy of Kathy Moran)

📸 Shoutout to Kathy Moran of Brentwood, who shared this pic of Kingston Lake.

📷 Share your photo: Got a New Hampshire photo you love? Send it our way for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

🔗 Related: This New Hampshire town was named America’s best lake town

🍾 New Hampshire is moving ahead with a major redevelopment of its I-95 liquor stores in Hampton, despite an ongoing legal fight …

A legislative committee unanimously approved a proposed lease for the two properties, clearing another hurdle. The state hasn’t revealed the winning bid, but officials say the redevelopment remains on schedule, with new locations set to open in 2028. One finalist, Common Man Roadside, is suing the Liquor Commission over its disqualification from the bidding process. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

🏫 In Londonderry, a student was airlifted to a Boston-area hospital after a serious fall inside the high school …

Fire officials say the student fell about 15 to 20 feet down a set of stairs Monday afternoon and suffered orthopedic injuries. The student was conscious and alert before being transported. (WMUR)

🪑 And more than a year after the deadly shooting at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, a family shares how someone helped stop the gunman …

Jeffrey Greco said another person had already tackled the shooter when he grabbed a barstool and struck the gunman over the head, helping disarm him. The shooting killed 59-year-old Robert DeCeasare and injured two others. The family says the experience changed how they behave in public, including where they sit in restaurants. The accused shooter plans to use an insanity defense when his case goes to trial in 2027. (WMUR)

If it feels like you can’t turn on the TV, check your mailbox, or scroll online without seeing a political ad, you’re not imagining it.

Outside groups have already poured about $50 million into New Hampshire’s US Senate race between Democrat Chris Pappas and Republican John Sununu.

That’s a whole lot of money being spent trying to get your attention—and potentially your vote.

So this week’s question is …

Are political ads actually influencing how you think about candidates?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“Yes! But not the way they want them to. Ads with false statements (if one takes the time to verify the so-called facts) totally turn me off to that candidate. Negative ads bashing an opponent do not impress me. I want to hear what the candidate is doing or has done for me and my family. Best political ad so far is the newly released one about Maggie Goodlander! I’d give her an Oscar for that one.” — Cindi

(Courtesy Tom Hermans/Unsplash)

By Katy Savage

Jodi Picoult of Hanover is one of the nation’s most banned authors. Her books have been banned 116 times throughout the country, according to PEN America.

Her novel “Nineteen Minutes,” about a school shooting, was banned or restricted 16 times during the 2024-25 school year. It was also the most frequently banned book of the 2023-24 school year. Other Picoult titles that have faced bans include “My Sister’s Keeper” and “Picture Perfect.”

So, what does “banned” actually mean? It doesn’t mean the book is illegal—you can still buy it at a store or order it online. It typically means a school or district has removed or restricted access to the book in a library or classroom.

New Hampshire has had its own debate over book restrictions. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed a bill that would have created new avenues for parents to challenge and remove books from public schools, but it was vetoed.

This week is about pushing back against censorship and celebrating the freedom to read. So maybe pick up a “banned” book and see for yourself what all the controversy is about.

🎬 14th Annual Monadnock International Film Festival
Virtual, Oct. 6-15
Independent films from New England and around the world are available to watch during the virtual portion of the Monadnock International Film Festival. Tickets $0-$10; passes $65-$95.
More info

🎃 Milford Pumpkin Festival
Milford, Oct. 9-11
Downtown Milford transforms for its annual Columbus Day weekend pumpkin festival. Free.
More info

🍁 79th Annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival
Warner, Oct. 9-11
Celebrate peak fall in downtown Warner during the 79th annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival.
More info

🎡 Fryeburg Fair
Fryeburg, Maine, through Oct. 11
Explore 200 acres of livestock, food, rides, crafts, and museums at one of Maine’s biggest fall traditions, with livestock competitions, mechanical pulls, lawn mower racing, a grand parade, Woodsmen’s Field Day, and more. $15.
More info

🎨 Annual Columbus Weekend Arts and Craft Show
Westbrook, Maine, Oct. 10-11
Shop handmade goods from artisans across Maine and beyond, including woodwork, quilts, photography, knit and crochet creations, jams and jellies, jewelry, clothing, and artwork. Held rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
More info

🍺 Attitash Mountain Resort Annual Oktoberfest
Bartlett, Oct. 10
Head to the White Mountains for Attitash Mountain Resort’s annual Oktoberfest celebration with plenty of kids’ activities. 
More info

🎃 Somersworth Pumpkin Festival
Somersworth, Oct. 10
Hayrides, scarecrow making, pumpkin crafts and decorating, and more.
More info

⛷️ 4th Annual Schwendi Fest
Waterville Valley, Oct. 11
Scenic chairlift rides, a live DJ, BBQ, drinks, games and family-friendly competitions including keg toss, steinholding, and skier relay races. Free; kids 5 and under ride free with a tyke ticket.
More info

🪶 Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum
Warner, Oct. 12
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with free admission to the museum, Medicine Woods and the Arboretum, plus hands-on family activities and an Abenaki basket display by Sherry and Bill Gould. Free.
More info

🎃 Keene Pumpkin Festival
Keene, Oct. 17
Pumpkin festivities return to downtown Keene for the city’s annual fall celebration.
More info

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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