Of Mice and Men. The Color Purple. A Wrinkle in Time. Harry Potter. Brave New World. The Handmaid’s Tale. Twilight. Speak.
These titles are among the most challenged and banned books in libraries and schools across the country.
According to the American Library Association (ALA) there’s a difference between a challenged and banned book:
A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others.
Most challenges stem from adults’ attempts to protect children from inappropriate sexual content or offensive language. While they no doubt believe their intentions are noble, it doesn’t work so well in the real world.
Censorship by librarians of constitutionally protected speech, whether for protection or for any other reason, violates the First Amendment.
Most librarians believe, instead, that parents are the only ones who have the right to restrict what their children read–and only their children, not others’.
Most authors suggest using books as a way to open a dialog with their children about controversial topics. Read the books with your children and discuss the issues.
There are a number of events coinciding with Banned Books Week. Below you’ll find useful links with more information:
I love several banned books but my favorite is Bridge to Terabithia.