The Quiet Rebellion of Annabelle Jenkins

PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIAN JENKINS

BY CHEREEN LANGRILL

If Annabelle Jenkins was a character in a novel, she would be the reluctant protagonist. She’s more comfortable in the background rather than leading the revolution. But like many great literary characters, Annabelle stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight to defend something very close to her heart.

In May, Annabelle walked across the stage to receive her diploma from Meridian’s Idaho Arts Academy, reaching into the sleeve of her gown to remove a book she had been hiding there for two hours. After turning quickly to show the audience her copy of the graphic novel version of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Annabelle tried to give the book to West Ada School District Superintendent Derek Bub. When Bub didn’t take the book, Annabelle dropped it at his feet and walked off the stage.

A video capturing that moment at graduation generated more than 26 million views on TikTok.

“It was a very cathartic moment,” Annabelle said. “I think that's something that a lot of people don't realize when they're watching the video. It wasn't so much for people to look at, but more about regaining power and showing that we weren't giving up.”

Annabelle’s senior year at Idaho Arts Academy took a pivotal turn in late 2023 when the West Ada School District removed ten books from libraries in the district. The graphic novel of “The Handmaid’s Tale” was the first book to be removed.

Annabelle joined a group of students that tried to fight the ban and met frequently with school district leaders. But at one point in the spring the meetings stopped, and she felt like she hit a brick wall.

“This whole thing just struck a chord with her and brought out a fire in her that just wasn’t typically Annabelle,” said her mother, Kristin.

Libraries were a sacred space throughout Annabelle’s childhood. She was an active volunteer at the library, outpacing almost everyone—even adults—in her hours of volunteer service.

When she told her parents about her plan for graduation, they supported her decision.

“I think they just attacked something on such a personal level to her,” said her father, Julian. “She just had to do something.”

Growing up, Annabelle’s parents encouraged her to choose books on her own with the idea that if a subject was confusing or mature, they would discuss it as a family. She wonders if her critical thinking skills would be as strong today with limited access to books.

“That freedom to learn is such an innate part of the person that I've become,” she said. “I wouldn’t have had as much of a love for writing and literature and art. When you start to restrict what people are able to access, you restrict the ways that they're able to explore.”

Annabelle is going to Portland State University this fall, with plans to major in English and eventually become a librarian to help future generations fall in love with books.

In the meantime, she hopes her action at graduation inspires others to stand up for what matters to them.

“You can be an activist. You don’t have to feel like an extraordinary person to make an impact,” Annabelle said. “I hope everyone realizes they have that dormant power in them and they can use it.”

Annabelle’s Fearless Female Reading List

“The Handmaid’s Tale” (Graphic Novel) by Margaret Atwood

“Circe” by Madeline Miller

“The Giver” Series by Lois Lowry

“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by Victoria Schwab

“Graceling” by Kristin Cashore

“Galatea” by Madeline Miller