The list may surprise you, which means you may have read a banned book more recently than you think.
Here’s a list, compiled by the American Library Association. “Banned” books include “challenged’ books, or books that someone somewhere asks to be removed from a public library or a curriculum. The top three most-cited reasons for challenges are (according to the ALA):
the material is considered "sexually explicit"
the material contains "offensive language"
the materials is "unsuited to any age group"
And did everyone back-order their copy of “Maus?” I did, because I cannot find my original copy.
This is about my first banned book. Gordon Park’s “The Learning Tree”. My grade school was reading intensive and fairly liberal in its approach to book choice. Starting in third grade we were expected to to read and report on a book every two weeks. By sixth grade we were free to pick any book with no pre-approval, even those not in the school library. We were required to hand in a written report and give an oral one. Somehow my written report got the attention of the principal who at first suggested I read another book. My teacher was supportive of my choice and negotiated a compromise, I was excused from giving an oral report. As a result my classmates were very interested in what was in the book. Some were disappointed when the book didn’t live up to their salacious expectations but by the end of the year about half the class had read the book but sadly didn’t report on it. The up side is that it led to an ongoing discussion amongst the students that wasn’t moderated by an adult, including sharing book suggestions above and beyond our reading requirements. I guess one way to encourage eleven year olds to read is to convince them it’s a subversive act.
Top 10 banned book author, Laurie Halse Anderson, has this to say: "Censorship has nothing to do with protecting children. It has to do with protecting adults who don't want to have difficult conversations with those children."
Proud to say that me and my kiddos have read all the banned books. This actually looks like their middle school reading list! Those pre/teen years are so foundational to adulthood. These books help kids see themselves in the world around them. Unbelievable (not) that people think students aren't capable of understanding them.
Proud to say that I have taught 10 of the Most Banned or Challenged Classics in my high school English class. Also proud to say that none of those books has ever been banned in my district. Here’s hoping it stays that way.
I did order both the paperback and hardcovers of Maus. I've never read it. The paperback is expected mid-February. The hardcover is "We'll let you know." I'll keep one and donate the other to the library, or maybe to the secondhand bookstore.
Of the books pictured, the last one I read is one I reread often -- A Wrinkle In Time. I am at a loss to imagine what a parent would find objectionable about it. I mean, do they KNOW who wrote it? Maybe they were offended that Mr and Mrs Murry are scientists?
I bought it when it came out but don't know where my copy is, so I, too, ordered it as a big ol' bite-me to the banners. And just think about the Harry Potter series being banned (for its witchcraft). A generation of readers was birthed with those books.
This is about my first banned book. Gordon Park’s “The Learning Tree”. My grade school was reading intensive and fairly liberal in its approach to book choice. Starting in third grade we were expected to to read and report on a book every two weeks. By sixth grade we were free to pick any book with no pre-approval, even those not in the school library. We were required to hand in a written report and give an oral one. Somehow my written report got the attention of the principal who at first suggested I read another book. My teacher was supportive of my choice and negotiated a compromise, I was excused from giving an oral report. As a result my classmates were very interested in what was in the book. Some were disappointed when the book didn’t live up to their salacious expectations but by the end of the year about half the class had read the book but sadly didn’t report on it. The up side is that it led to an ongoing discussion amongst the students that wasn’t moderated by an adult, including sharing book suggestions above and beyond our reading requirements. I guess one way to encourage eleven year olds to read is to convince them it’s a subversive act.
I love this story so very much. Kids want to learn. They're mostly naturally curious. And what a great way to get a discussion started.
Top 10 banned book author, Laurie Halse Anderson, has this to say: "Censorship has nothing to do with protecting children. It has to do with protecting adults who don't want to have difficult conversations with those children."
"Censorship is the child of fear and the father of ignorance."
https://youtu.be/tyjMaSyQLE8?list=UURTeOkeHQL2e13mUJuteMSg
Proud to say that me and my kiddos have read all the banned books. This actually looks like their middle school reading list! Those pre/teen years are so foundational to adulthood. These books help kids see themselves in the world around them. Unbelievable (not) that people think students aren't capable of understanding them.
It's disrespectful of students, to the extreme, I think. And well done, you.
Proud to say that I have taught 10 of the Most Banned or Challenged Classics in my high school English class. Also proud to say that none of those books has ever been banned in my district. Here’s hoping it stays that way.
You are a god to me.
Thanks, but not even close. Just doin' my job!
Yeah? No. A god, I tell you.
I did order both the paperback and hardcovers of Maus. I've never read it. The paperback is expected mid-February. The hardcover is "We'll let you know." I'll keep one and donate the other to the library, or maybe to the secondhand bookstore.
Of the books pictured, the last one I read is one I reread often -- A Wrinkle In Time. I am at a loss to imagine what a parent would find objectionable about it. I mean, do they KNOW who wrote it? Maybe they were offended that Mr and Mrs Murry are scientists?
I bought it when it came out but don't know where my copy is, so I, too, ordered it as a big ol' bite-me to the banners. And just think about the Harry Potter series being banned (for its witchcraft). A generation of readers was birthed with those books.