Banned Books Week has arrived again! This is a week where the freedom to read whatever you please and the First Amendment are celebrated. Many books and authors have been challenged over the years for many varying issues such as homosexuality, sexually explicit content, drugs, violence, or just plain old offensive language.
Censorship is a dangerous thing because once it gets started, there is no foreseeable end in sight. Therefore, during this week people are encouraged to explore books that have been challenged or banned and to attempt open and frank discussions surrounding their content.
Some popular and familiar titles that have been challenged or banned include, but are most certainly not limited to:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally
A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
TTYL; TTFN; L8R, G8R (series), by Lauren Myracle
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler
A present day example of attempted censorship is available by studying what happened to Ellen Hopkins in Normal, Oklahoma. She was UNINVITED to come speak to eighth graders because A parent requested that her book be reconsidered. Story here.
So celebrate your right to read freely! Enjoy the attached links providing information on events across the country, banned/challenged book lists, and what you can do!
Events
Statistics
Lists: Classics 100 Most Frequently Challenged
You can help!
1 comment:
Wow - I think un-inviting the author was a bit much. Geez! And some of the books that have been banned are surprising - things that I remember reading in school [in KY!].
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