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Banned Books WeekSeptember 27th - October 3rd, 2020 |
Online Resources
Other Challenged Books You May Recognize
The Adventures of Captain Underpants Series
2006
Challenged for anti-family content, being unsuited to age group and violence.
2005
Challenged for offensive language and modeling bad behavior.
2003
Banned for insensitivity and being unsuited to age group, as well as encouraging children to disobey authority.
2001
Banned in Naugatuck (CN) due to concerns that it caused unruly behavior among children
http://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/books/captainunderpants.asp
2006
Challenged for anti-family content, being unsuited to age group and violence.
2005
Challenged for offensive language and modeling bad behavior.
2003
Banned for insensitivity and being unsuited to age group, as well as encouraging children to disobey authority.
2001
Banned in Naugatuck (CN) due to concerns that it caused unruly behavior among children
http://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/books/captainunderpants.asp
Published in 1884, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain has been banned on social grounds. Concord Public Library called the book "trash suitable only for the slums," when it first banned the novel in 1885. The references and treatment of African Americans in the novel reflect the time about which it was written, but some critics have thought such language inappropriate for study and reading in schools and libraries.
http://classiclit.about.com/od/bannedliteratur1/tp/aa_bannedbooks.htm
http://classiclit.about.com/od/bannedliteratur1/tp/aa_bannedbooks.htm
Pretty much anything by Judy Blume
Why it's challenged: Blume has five books on the list (Forever, Blubber, Deenie, Tiger Eyes and Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret), whether for bad language or for discussing religion or sexuality too frankly. (Side note: Lolita's depictions of sexuality apparently aren't offensive enough to cause as much of a stir, as the Russian novel is absent from the list.)
Why it's worthwhile: You'd be hard-pressed to find a girl who grew up in the '70s, '80s or '90s who doesn't think of Blume like an unofficial big sister, and we'd be willing to guess that the author has single-handedly saved parents of teenage girls several thousands of dollars in therapy over the years. She addresses the trials of growing up with the candor that most awkward, parental birds-and-the-bees conversations lack. Not only do Blume books explore various "first times" in the life of a teenager, they also tackle heavier issues such as religion, battling sickness, bullying and the death of a parent that so many readers can relate to.
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2009/07/post.html
Why it's challenged: Blume has five books on the list (Forever, Blubber, Deenie, Tiger Eyes and Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret), whether for bad language or for discussing religion or sexuality too frankly. (Side note: Lolita's depictions of sexuality apparently aren't offensive enough to cause as much of a stir, as the Russian novel is absent from the list.)
Why it's worthwhile: You'd be hard-pressed to find a girl who grew up in the '70s, '80s or '90s who doesn't think of Blume like an unofficial big sister, and we'd be willing to guess that the author has single-handedly saved parents of teenage girls several thousands of dollars in therapy over the years. She addresses the trials of growing up with the candor that most awkward, parental birds-and-the-bees conversations lack. Not only do Blume books explore various "first times" in the life of a teenager, they also tackle heavier issues such as religion, battling sickness, bullying and the death of a parent that so many readers can relate to.
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2009/07/post.html
Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Paterson
Why it's challenged: The unexpected death of a child is a major plot point, which many don't think is suitable for young readers. Furthermore, the main character, Jess, uses the Lord's name outside of prayer, and some argue that the novel promotes secular humanism or even Satanism. The close relationship between Jess and his elementary school music teacher also raises some red flags.
Why it's worthwhile:On a completely personal note, I will forever remember this as the first book to make me cry. I was an emotional mess, which is probably why so many parents don't want their kids to read it. But that's precisely why it should be read, especially by the younger crowd: it's the perfect example of how much of an effect literature can have on us. Besides that, it's the kid-lit friendship-depiction equivalent of Of Mice and Men (see No. 2), and reminds everyone how important imagination is.
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2009/07/post.html
Why it's challenged: The unexpected death of a child is a major plot point, which many don't think is suitable for young readers. Furthermore, the main character, Jess, uses the Lord's name outside of prayer, and some argue that the novel promotes secular humanism or even Satanism. The close relationship between Jess and his elementary school music teacher also raises some red flags.
Why it's worthwhile:On a completely personal note, I will forever remember this as the first book to make me cry. I was an emotional mess, which is probably why so many parents don't want their kids to read it. But that's precisely why it should be read, especially by the younger crowd: it's the perfect example of how much of an effect literature can have on us. Besides that, it's the kid-lit friendship-depiction equivalent of Of Mice and Men (see No. 2), and reminds everyone how important imagination is.
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2009/07/post.html
The Call of the Wild is a famous American book, by Jack London. Here, a dog reverts to his primordial impulses in the frigid wilds of the Yukon territory. The book is a popular piece for study in American literature classrooms (sometimes read in conjunction with Walden and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn). The novel was banned in Yugoslavia and Italy. In Yugoslavia, the complaint was that the book was "too radical."
http://classiclit.about.com/od/bannedliteratur1/tp/aa_bannedbooks.htm
http://classiclit.about.com/od/bannedliteratur1/tp/aa_bannedbooks.htm
The Giver, Lois Lowry
Why it's challenged: Apparently, this critique on utopian societies can promote communism, and does so in a way more dangerous than George Orwell's 1984, another book not on the list.
Why it's worthwhile: Imagining a highly-organized society without color and where emotion is suppressed is disturbing, yes, but it makes you realize just how important freedom is. The Giver might show all the horrible things that happen in the world, but it also shows all the great ones, and reminds us of how lucky we are not to be shielded from either.
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2009/07/post.html
Why it's challenged: Apparently, this critique on utopian societies can promote communism, and does so in a way more dangerous than George Orwell's 1984, another book not on the list.
Why it's worthwhile: Imagining a highly-organized society without color and where emotion is suppressed is disturbing, yes, but it makes you realize just how important freedom is. The Giver might show all the horrible things that happen in the world, but it also shows all the great ones, and reminds us of how lucky we are not to be shielded from either.
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2009/07/post.html
Gulliver's Travels is a famous satirical novel by Jonathan Swift, but the work has also been banned for the displays of madness, the public urination, and other controversial topics. Here, we are transported to through the dystopian experiences of Lemuel Gulliver, as he sees giants, talking horses, cities in the sky, and much more. The book was originally censored because of the politically sensitive references Swift makes in his novel. Gulliver's Travels was also banned in Ireland for being "wicked and obscene." William Mackpiece Thackeray said of the book that it was "horrible, shameful, blasphemous, filthy in word, filthy in thought."
http://classiclit.about.com/od/bannedliteratur1/tp/aa_bannedbooks.01.htm
http://classiclit.about.com/od/bannedliteratur1/tp/aa_bannedbooks.01.htm
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
In a number of states, there have been attempts, some successful, some unsuccessful, to have the Harry Potter books banned in classrooms, and banned or under severe restrictions, in school libraries. For example, in Gwinnett County, Georgia, a parent challenged the Harry Potter books on the grounds that they promoted witchcraft. When school officials ruled against her, she went to the State Board of Education. When the BOE confirmed the right of local school officials to make such decision, she took her battle against the books to court. Although the judge ruled against her in the spring of 2007, she indicated she might continue her fight against the series.
http://childrensbooks.about.com/cs/censorship/a/banharry.htm
In a number of states, there have been attempts, some successful, some unsuccessful, to have the Harry Potter books banned in classrooms, and banned or under severe restrictions, in school libraries. For example, in Gwinnett County, Georgia, a parent challenged the Harry Potter books on the grounds that they promoted witchcraft. When school officials ruled against her, she went to the State Board of Education. When the BOE confirmed the right of local school officials to make such decision, she took her battle against the books to court. Although the judge ruled against her in the spring of 2007, she indicated she might continue her fight against the series.
http://childrensbooks.about.com/cs/censorship/a/banharry.htm
James and the Giant Peach is a famous work by Roald Dahl.
This book has been frequently challenged and banned for its content, including the abuse that James experiences. Others have claimed that the book promotes alcohol and drug use, that it contains inappropriate language, and that it encourages disobedience to parents.
http://classiclit.about.com/od/bannedliteratur1/tp/aa_bannedbooks.01.htm
This book has been frequently challenged and banned for its content, including the abuse that James experiences. Others have claimed that the book promotes alcohol and drug use, that it contains inappropriate language, and that it encourages disobedience to parents.
http://classiclit.about.com/od/bannedliteratur1/tp/aa_bannedbooks.01.htm
A Light in the Attic is a book that's been beloved by young and old. The book is by Shel Silverstein.
It has been banned because of "suggestive illustrations." One library also claimed that the book "glorified Satan, suicide and cannibalism, and also encouraged children to be disobedient."
http://classiclit.about.com/od/bannedliteratur1/tp/aa_bannedbooks.01.htm
It has been banned because of "suggestive illustrations." One library also claimed that the book "glorified Satan, suicide and cannibalism, and also encouraged children to be disobedient."
http://classiclit.about.com/od/bannedliteratur1/tp/aa_bannedbooks.01.htm
The critically acclaimed three book Scary Stories series from Alvin Schwartz gave everyone the chills. It also roiled people who thought it was unsuitable for children. All of the books in the series have been challenged for violence, insensitivity and content that supposedly promotes the occult or Satanism.
http://education-rtal.com/articles/Most_Controversial_Books_Ever_Banned_by_Libraries.html
http://education-rtal.com/articles/Most_Controversial_Books_Ever_Banned_by_Libraries.html
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle, is a mix of science fiction and fantasy. It's the first of a series of books, which include: A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, and Many Waters. This award-winning book is a bestselling classic, which has also stirred up more than its fair share of controversy. The book is on the Most Challenged Books of 1990-2000 book list--based on claims of offensive language and religiously objectionable content (for references to crystal balls, demons and witches).
http://classiclit.about.com/od/bannedliteratur1/tp/aa_bannedbooks.02.htm
http://classiclit.about.com/od/bannedliteratur1/tp/aa_bannedbooks.02.htm
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