About the Author
Born in 1902, John Steinbeck, author of The Grapes of Wrath, became a Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist. This source contains information about his life, including his childhood, education, and writing career.
https://www.biography.com/writer/john-steinbeck
Historical Context
Set during the Great Depression era of the 1930s, The Grapes of Wrath encounters the struggles of the American people who were affected by the Dust Bowl. This source provides information about this impactful historical event and what it meant for the many families who were forced to leave their homes.
https://www.britannica.com/place/Dust-Bowl
Controversy in Kern County
At the end of the book, the Joad family ends up in Kern County, California. After the book was released, there was a lot of controversy that surrounded it, especially in Kern County. The book was banned for a year and a half. This article talks about why the book was banned and why the residents of Kern County objected against the novel.
The Grapes of Wrath becomes a Film
The Grapes of Wrath directed by John Ford, appeared on the big screen in 1940. This movie is considered to be one of the greatest American films of all time. Because of it cultural and historical significance, the film was chosen by the Library of Congress to be preserved by the U.S. National Film Registry.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Grapes-of-Wrath-film-1940
Great American Novels 2020 
I think it is very interesting how the town banned the book because they thought it was downplaying the aid they were giving them. In the article you attached, I think Knief makes an interesting point that “Ideas don’t die because a book is forbidden reading”. I agree with her point and I think by banning the book the town created more awareness for the issue.
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