Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Celebrating Banned Books Week


It's that time again! Time to celebrate Banned Book Week (Sept. 30-Oct. 6, 2012). You can check out my previous BBW posts here. I do not believe in censoring or banning books in any way, shape, or form. This year, I am celebrating by posting books that were challenged in 2011 that I have read or are on my TBR list. You can show your support by getting your BBW badges and checking out the annual challenged book lists here. For more information, check out ALA.org.

Read:




Challenged in the Republic, Mo. schools (2010) because it is “soft-pornography” and “glorifies drinking, cursing, and premarital sex.”



Challenged, but retained, at the Clarkstown, N.Y. North High School (2011) despite a parent’s
complaint about the teen coming-of-age novel, which deals graphically with teenage sex,
homosexuality, and bestiality.



Removed from a spring break elective course at the Bedford, N.H. School District (2010) after a parent complained about the novel’s sexual content.


Challenged, but retained, in the Martin County, Fla. School District (2010) despite a parent’s concern about inappropriate language.


Challenged and presented to the Goffstown, N.H. school board (2010) by a parent claiming that it gave her eleven-year-old nightmares and could numb other students to the effects of violence.



Challenged in the Republic, Mo. schools (2010) because it is “soft-pornography” and “glorifies drinking, cursing, and premarital sex.”

 

 TBR:




Challenged in the Republic, Mo. schools (2010)
because it is “soft-pornography” and “glorifies
drinking, cursing, and premarital sex.”


Challenged at North County High School in
Glen Burnie, Md. (2010) by a small group of
parents who circulated a petition to have the book removed from use by county schools over concerns about explicit sexual content.



Challenged in the Richland, Wash. School District (2010). Used in a tenth-grade honors language arts class at Hanford High, the book tells the story of Oskar Schell, a young boy whose father died in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. The book contains profanity, sex, and descriptions of violence.
 


What books have you read or are you planning on reading to support Banned Books Week?


4 comments:

  1. I don't really have any planned, however, I think that the whole book banning is ridiculous. I mean seriously, if you are that offended about a child reading something just ask the teacher to give said child busy work. Why ruin everyone elses life. Sigh. I will not continue my rant, but really life goes on people we can't all get rid of things just because one person says they are offended.

    I have to say that I was surprised by The Hunger Games. I mean it really isn't anymore violent than Lord of the Flies and that was a required read when I was little.

    Great Post.

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    1. I agree. There is always going to be some violence in some form whether it be in books, movies, etc... Being up front and honest with our kids is the best option.

      Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  2. Great post and I have read some of those books from Water to Hunger Games. Hangs head in shame , that I haven't read Perks yet.
    I do understand why they ban books, but it also goes against my choice to allow my kids the choice to read anything.

    I was able to choose any book from the library growing up. I made some good choices and some bad ones. But that's what you do when you are young.

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    Replies
    1. Agreed. When I was about 15-16ish I started reading books that had been banned just to see what all the fuss was over. That's when I first read Catcher in the Rye.

      Perks of a Wallflower is ok. It's not the greatest book I ever read, but I'm glad to have read it.

      My parents didn't sensor anything growing up. I knew the expectations of how I should act. They explained to me that if I picked up any poor language or behavior, then they would sensor what I watched/read/etc...It worked out well for me, and I will probably do the same for my kids.

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