Yeah, a day late... or two... whatever.
I'm having a terrible time finding a full list. I guess that's only to be expected.
Anyway.
I did find this fabulous list of Challenged Children's Books.
I don't understand banned books. I don't. I will be THE FIRST to admit that there are books (both on and off that list) that I think are inappropriate for my kids, for me, or just plain inappropriate. But that's my opinion. My value system. What right do I have to enforce that for the general public?
I DO, however, have the right and the duty to be aware of what my children are reading-- and to step in if it's something inappropriate. Or to read it with them if it's a book that deals with sensitive or difficult subjects.
And, frankly, some things are simply, universally wrong. Explicit and/or pornographic material should not be where kids can get their hands on it. Period. (Frankly, I think it shouldn't be anywhere for anyone, but whatever. Adults can make their own decisions.) And some of the books on the banned lists are bordering the pornographic.
What boggles the mind, though, is how many seemingly random books are on the list. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing? Seriously?? You've got to be kidding me. Ditto to James and the Giant Peach... and soooooo many others.
I also LOVE how many of them are books I was REQUIRED to read at some point or another! LOL.
Also, couldn't help noticing that on the map of censorship, Utah is in the clear. Somewhat surprising given that this is probably the most conservative state in the country. I am amused.
So, what Banned Books do YOU love?? Me? I love a lot of them.
I think the map can be a bit misleading, since many challenges don't lead to banning and many challenges go unreported. But, I also like that Utah doesn't have any on the map. But, I don't think challenges don't happen here.
ReplyDeleteALA has a lot of lists, but I wouldn't call them "complete" lists.
It's true. I'm sure there are lots of challenges here. I'm just amused it doesn't show up on the map!
ReplyDeleteIt seemed like most of the lists on the ALA site were top 10 lists by year. They're very interesting.
Wow, so many of these were my favorites as a kid. Sad to think these have been restricted.
ReplyDeleteI kind-of wish that "The Outsiders had been banned in Utah...so boring for a sixth grader.
I know!
ReplyDeleteI actually liked The Outsiders! It was 7th grade for me. Maybe the extra year helped. ;)
Probably more appropriate to ask what I've read that *hasn't* been banned or challenged at one time or another. Anne of Green Gables, maybe? I think any book that has ever made me think has been on a banned list somewhere.
ReplyDeleteNo kidding! Sooooo many books on the list...
ReplyDelete