Banned Books: Harry Potter

The Harry Potter series has been repeatedly banned in libraries, especially school libraries, because religious parents think it glorifies witchcraft. I just started reading the series this year; I didn’t resist it because of the witchcraft aspect, I just never liked fantasy books and was skeptical of the hype.

Well luckily I’m not afraid to admit when I’m wrong, because I love this series! I wanted to finish them all before the play came out at the end of July, but due to my classes, internship, and new job, that didn’t happen. In fact, I still haven’t finished the series! I read book six in August, and book seven and the play are sitting on my desk, staring at me. After getting a bit burned out on them, I’m ready to finish the series, but I have to find the time.

That being said, I don’t really understand why the series was banned. Witchcraft, sure, because the whole book is about wizards and witches and their magic, but it’s fiction. Fans might wish Hogwarts was real so they could enroll there, but it isn’t, and I don’t think reading about things that contradict your beliefs (or, again, are fiction) is a big, bad deal.

Banned Book: Who's In My Family?

This is a cute picture book about families and how different they can be. The main family is mixed race, and they go to the zoo one day and talk about all the different families they see around them. Harmless, right?

Well, this book was banned because it portrayed *gasp* same sex couples! That does NOT portray family values, according to people who are overly sensitive. I'm going to try and stay off my soapbox, but if you don't like something, just ignore it. If it's not being forced in your face, there's no reason you need to address it.

Except MY LIBRARY's copy... I repeat, MY LIBRARY!!!!!!!'s copy, had two pages taped together. Someone had neatly, deliberately, folded one page over another spread at the corners AND TAPED IT DOWN.

FOLDED pages in a library book. TAPED CORNERS in a library book.

My heart sank when I saw this, and not just because of the folding and taping. I mean, that too, because, c'mon, they're library books! Let's be gentle with them so everyone can read them.

But mostly my heart sank because I knew why those pages were taped together.

I very carefully peeled off the tape and unfolded the corners...

Yup.

The page with the same sex couples.

You know what? If it's your book, you do what you want. Except, joke's on you because you BOUGHT the book, and the author is just laughing as you tape the pages together because he got your money - you can do whatever you want with the book now.

But a library book is for everyone. And maybe some parents don't care if their kid sees same sex parents in a book. Maybe some parents are happy about it, because they know their kid will see this in the world, and seeing in a book just hits that point home - this is real. Some people will be happy to see themselves portrayed in a book, and some kids will be happy to see their two mommies or daddies portrayed in a book. 

If you don't want your kid to see it, then turn two pages at once. Don't tape them. Better yet - if you don't want your kid to see it, don't check out the book. Don't restrict what other people see when they check out the book.

After all this research into banned books and thinking it was preposterous and dated, I was SO saddened, literally, legitimately saddened, to see this in one of my library's own books. 

Have you seen any censorship in books or libraries?

Banned Book: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is a dystopian series that features an annual event pitting young children from each of the twelve districts against each other in a fight to the death. The event is televised and is treated with the enthusiasm of our Olympics.

I read the Hunger Games series once all the books were released, because I’m really bad with series. I like to binge-read them, like binge-watching an entire TV series in a few marathon sessions. I really liked the series, with the exception of the second book, which just seemed like a placeholder. I saw the first movie but waited to see the rest until - you got it - they were all released and I could have a marathon. I keep planning to re-read the series and then re-watch the movies with everything fresh in my mind, but that hasn’t happened yet.

These books were banned for being too violent and unsuitable for the target age group. I have no problem with the reasoning, because these are violent books. I do disagree with the banning, of course. There is no reason to ever ban a book, just don’t read it! Don’t allow your kids to read it until they’re mature enough! Let everyone think independently, governing his or her own self (and children until they’re ready).

Banned Book: Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are is a classic, and one book that I really love, despite the hype. I haven't seen the movie even though it was pretty hyped up, and sometimes when people rave about how amazing the book is, I roll my eyes (sorry!), but then I read it again and have to admit it's really good. It's unique and innovative for the time when it was originally published, and has great imagination behind it. And the illustrations, of course, are gorgeous. It's a timeless story, and I can't picture a time when people would NOT read it to their kids.

Except those people who tried to ban it, of course. This book was banned because of its dark and disturbing nature, but also because Max being sent to bed without dinner was seen as abuse.

ABUSE.

Don't get me started on overprotective parents these days, but... really?

Banned Books: The Witches

I loved Roald Dahl as a kid, and I love him as an adult. I keep saying I am going to re-read all of his books, read his short stories for adults, and try to get my hands on his screenplays, but that project has been in the works for a couple years now, so we’ll see. I have recently re-read Matilda, accompanied with watching the movie (which my son became addicted to!) and seeing the musical, so that was a good start. 

The Witches was a nice follow-up, because I only read this book once as a child. I love Roald Dahl’s writing because of how the silliness is presented with a straight face, so it’s fun to try and decide what was off-the-wall, and what’s true. (As a child, it can be hard to find that line sometimes…)

Though I’d only read the book once, as soon as I cracked the cover, I could remember it so vividly. I think Quentin Blake’s illustrations really helped that matter, because he has such a distinct style that fits perfectly with Dahl’s stories. I couldn’t remember the climax or the resolution, though, so it was really fun to re-read this book and not know the outcome!

This book was banned by some libraries because of perceived misogyny - witches can only be women, and witches are horrible, so women are horrible, right? I think this is a pretty crazy reason to ban a book, do you agree?

Banned Book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

I have my old picture book copy of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, but a friend gave my son this cute board book version so I wanted to showcase it! This book is a classic regardless of what format you read it.

This is probably one of the silliest reasons for banning a book... A Texas state Board of Education member mixed up this Bill Martin with another Bill Martin - one who wrote the adult book Ethical Marxism: the Categorical Imperative of Liberation.

Kids, this just proves that you gotta do your research!

Banned Book: Charlotte's Web

Fern is a young girl who speaks out against her father trying to kill the runt of a litter of pigs. Since she makes such a passionate point, Fern’s father lets her keep the pig as a pet. At least for a little while… When it’s time for Fern to sell her pig, whom she named Wilbur, she sends him to her uncle’s farm down the road, so she can still see him. Fern visits the barn often, and becomes friends with the animals, who can talk. Charlotte, a wise spider, comes out of the woodwork (no pun intended) to save Wilbur’s life when the farmer is thinking of making bacon.

I read this book as a kid and loved it, as well as the cartoon movie adaptation. I re-read it over the summer in my book club for adults with disabilities. I remembered the general story, but forgot a lot of the details, as well as the writing style, which I think adds a lot to the story. The book club seemed to enjoy the book as well.

This book was banned because “talking animals were seen as an insult to God.” Yes. Really.

Banned Book: The Giving Tree

Can you tell this is my childhood copy of The Giving Tree?

This is another one of those picture books I was shocked to see banned. What could possibly be "wrong" with such a sweet classic like The Giving Tree?

Some people think the book is sexist, because the boy is always taking from the female tree without giving anything back.

Oh...kay...

It also "criminalized the foresting agency". Really? It's a picture book! I know a lot of picture books have deeper themes and can really resonate with you, but I never would have thought that about this book!

Banned Book: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Another book I read and loved as a kid. I was convinced I was going to be as cool as I thought Margaret was by sixth grade. (I had a different cover version with what I thought was a gorgeous Margaret.) I don’t think it happened, but I always love a Judy Blume children’s book. I loved reading about stuff that was going to be happening to me in a way that was relatable and easy to understand, instead of a heavy nonfiction book of facts.

Re-reading it as an adult was still really enjoyable, maybe mostly due to nostalgia, but I think kids these days (wow am I old!) would still relate to the book. The storyline of Margaret’s first period is pretty dated, with her having to learn to attach pads to a belt with a series of hooks… I’m sure there are new novels dealing with this that would be more helpful for preteens. The storyline is entertaining and quaint.

This book was banned because some people thought it was sexually offensive, immoral, profane, and offensive. I don’t think it should be restricted from readers because they need to know this information (well, updated information in the case of periods, but still), and it’s easy to read since it’s in a fiction story.

Banned Book: The Sissy Duckling

Judging this book on title alone, I wasn't that surprised it was banned. Except I kind of thought it had been banned because it encouraged name-calling, or something along those lines. I can't really think of an instance where "sissy" isn't a derogatory term.

In reality, this book seems ahead of its time. The "boy" duckling doesn't like doing stereotypical boy things, and he's sick of being teased, so he runs away. He wants to live alone so he can be true to himself. His father disowns him, which makes it a tough book to read, but it tells it how it is with no holds barred. I think that goes really far - with adults and kids. I really liked reading it (I've been on an LGBT YA kick lately), and it made me tear up at the end.

The Sissy Duckling was banned because of "gay positive themes". It shows a boy who isn't a "typical" boy being true to himself, yes, but shouldn't we encourage that no matter what the platform is? I don't think this book should be banned, of course; instead I think it should be brought into the spotlight more! It is a positive book, and we need to start that message for kids as young as possible.

Banned Books: Harriet the Spy

Harriet the Spy was one of my favorite books as a kid because my cousin and I loved to pretend we were spies. I mean, we were spies, with walkie talkies and secret notebooks and code names. But it was all in our head, because I’m sure everyone we spied on could see and hear us, and acted accordingly.

This book was banned because adults worried that it encouraged kids to spy, lie, and swear. Well...yeah! That’s what makes it a great book, right? Kids don’t want to read about straight-laced, unrealistic characters. They want to explore the city with Harriet, peek in windows over her shoulder, and feel independent of their parents. The reasons this book was banned were the reasons I liked it so much!

While researching this book, I found out that the author wrote a sequel, The Long Secret, and a spin-off/sequel, Scout. I haven’t read either yet, but I’m excited to read them. There are also some Harriet the Spy “sequels” written by other authors, but I prefer to stick with the original. The movie adaptation of this book is pretty true to the storyline.

Banned Book: Sixth Grade Can Really Kill You

I read this book when I was a kid, even before I was in sixth grade. I loved reading books about school way more than I loved attending school. I liked thinking about what school could be like, instead of what it was actually like for me. I remember reading Sixth Grade Can Really Kill You when I was in lower elementary school thinking my sixth grade year would be as fun as this.

I re-read the book last month and still really enjoyed it. There was probably a fair amount of nostalgia: remembering myself reading the book and the hopes it gave me for my sixth grade year. The book is a bit dated; it was originally published in 1985, and there are references to guys wearing half-shirts… yeah. But it’s a fun, quick read for kids, and it’s an entertaining story.

 The book was banned in some school libraries because it uses the word “retarded”. I don’t agree with that word being used in any way, whether to describe someone with disabilities, or as slang to refer to something “crazy”, but I don’t think it means a book should be banned. The way the word is used in Sixth Grade Can Really Kill You is to describe Helen, who has a learning disability, but it’s not portrayed as being the correct way to refer to someone as a disability, so I think kids could read it and know it’s not a word they should use, but it’s a word that is used. It could be a talking point with kids to let them know why some terms are hurtful, even if they’re not being used for that purpose.

Banned Book: The Stupids

The Stupids are a family who do everything wrong...but it somehow works out in the end.

They sleep with their feet on the pillows, or sometimes under the bed while the cat and dog sleep under the covers. The same cat and dog who fix the lights after a blackout and drive the car.

These books were banned because they described families in a derogatory manner, encouraged children to be disobedient, and promoted low self esteem and negative behavior.

I thought these books were great! If I heard or read them as a kid, I didn't remember it at all. They made me chuckle a lot, reading them as an adult. I can see why kids love the craziness of this family.

Banned Books Week Reviews

Tomorrow kicks off Banned Books Week!

We started celebrating at work at the beginning of September. Library Card Sign-Up Month goes hand in hand with Banned Books, right? Get a card and check out some books that have stirred the pot!

I made a (last minute) display for Library Card Sign-Up Month.

I wrapped banned books and put a sign on them briefly explaining what they were. I started with fourteen wrapped books, and had six left after a week or two. I wrapped ten more after that, and am keeping track of the numbers. More importantly than that, people of all ages are asking what's inside the wrapper, why the books were banned, if books are still banned, etc. I've loved these conversations!

As far as celebrating Banned Books on the blog, I've decided to share a review of a banned or challenged picture book and a banned or challenge children's book every day of the week - that's seven picture books and seven children's books! 

I'm really excited to share these books, why they were banned, and my thoughts on them, and I hope you'll chime in to join the fun!

Read Banned Books!

Happy Banned Books Week!
Thanks for following along this week as we checked out the books and authors who have been challenged for various reasons. Keep reading, and read widely, with an open mind!


Image from American Library Association.

Top 10 Banned Books of 2014

Happy Banned Books Week!
The top ten most frequently challenged books of 2014 are:

1) The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie. Read and reviewed on the blog!

2) Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi. Read and reviewed on Goodreads.

3) And Tango Makes Three, Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell.

4) The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison.

5) It’s Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris

6) Saga, by Brian Vaughan and Fiona Staples

7) The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

8) The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky

9) A Stolen Life, Jaycee Dugard. Read and reviewed on Goodreads.

10) Drama, by Raina Telgemeier. Read and reviewed on Goodreads.

Aaaaalmost halfway there... Have you read any of these banned books? Which would you recommend I read?

List from American Library Association.

100 most frequently challenged books: 2000-2009

Happy Banned Books Week!
Titles I've read are in bold, and favorites are denoted with an *. How many banned books have you read? Which would you recommend?

Harry Potter (series), by J.K. Rowling
Alice series, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*
The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell
Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck*
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
Scary Stories (series), by Alvin Schwartz
His Dark Materials (series), by Philip Pullman
ttyl; ttfn; l8r g8r (series), by Lauren Myracle
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
Fallen Angels, by Walter Dean Myers
It’s Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris
Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison
Forever, by Judy Blume
The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
Go Ask Alice, by Anonymous*
Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
King and King, by Linda de Haan
To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee*
Gossip Girl (series), by Cecily von Ziegesar
The Giver, by Lois Lowry*
In the Night Kitchen, by Maurice Sendak
Killing Mr. Griffen, by Lois Duncan
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
My Brother Sam Is Dead, by James Lincoln Collier
Bridge To Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson
The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline B. Cooney*
We All Fall Down, by Robert Cormier
What My Mother Doesn’t Know, by Sonya Sones
Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya
Snow Falling on Cedars, by David Guterson
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things, by Carolyn Mackler
Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging, by Louise Rennison
Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
It’s So Amazing, by Robie Harris
Arming America, by Michael Bellasiles
Kaffir Boy, by Mark Mathabane
Life is Funny, by E.R. Frank
Whale Talk, by Chris Crutcher
The Fighting Ground, by Avi
Blubber, by Judy Blume
Athletic Shorts, by Chris Crutcher
Crazy Lady, by Jane Leslie Conly
Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut
The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby: The First Graphic Novel by George Beard and Harold Hutchins, the creators of Captain Underpants, by Dav Pilkey
Rainbow Boys, by Alex Sanchez
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey
The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
Daughters of Eve, by Lois Duncan
The Great Gilly Hopkins, by Katherine Paterson
You Hear Me?, by Betsy Franco
The Facts Speak for Themselves, by Brock Cole
Summer of My German Soldier, by Bette Green*
When Dad Killed Mom, by Julius Lester
Blood and Chocolate, by Annette Curtis Klause
Fat Kid Rules the World, by K.L. Going
Olive’s Ocean, by Kevin Henkes
Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson
Draw Me A Star, by Eric Carle
The Stupids (series), by Harry Allard
The Terrorist, by Caroline B. Cooney*
Mick Harte Was Here, by Barbara Park*
The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred Taylor
A Time to Kill, by John Grisham
Always Running, by Luis Rodriguez
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
Harris and Me, by Gary Paulsen
Junie B. Jones (series), by Barbara Park
Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison
What’s Happening to My Body Book, by Lynda Madaras
The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold*
Anastasia (series), by Lois Lowry*
A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving
Crazy: A Novel, by Benjamin Lebert
The Joy of Gay Sex, by Dr. Charles Silverstein
The Upstairs Room, by Johanna Reiss
A Day No Pigs Would Die, by Robert Newton Peck
Black Boy, by Richard Wright
Deal With It!, by Esther Drill
Detour for Emmy, by Marilyn Reynolds
So Far From the Bamboo Grove, by Yoko Watkins
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, by Chris Crutcher
Cut, by Patricia McCormick
Tiger Eyes, by Judy Blume
The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood
Friday Night Lights, by H.G. Bissenger
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L’Engle
Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George
The Boy Who Lost His Face, by Louis Sachar
Bumps in the Night, by Harry Allard
Goosebumps (series), by R.L. Stine
Shade’s Children, by Garth Nix
Grendel, by John Gardner
The House of the Spirits, by Isabel Allende
I Saw Esau, by Iona Opte
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume*
America: A Novel, by E.R. Frank

List from American Library Association.

100 most frequently challenged books: 1990–1999

Happy Banned Books Week!
Titles I've read are in bold, and favorites are denoted with an *. How many banned books have you read? Which would you recommend?

Scary Stories (series), by Alvin Schwartz
Daddy’s Roommate, by Michael Willhoite
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck*
Forever, by Judy Blume
Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson
Heather Has Two Mommies, by Leslea Newman
The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
The Giver, by Lois Lowry*
My Brother Sam is Dead, by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
It’s Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris
Alice (series), by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*
Goosebumps (series), by R.L. Stine*
A Day No Pigs Would Die, by Robert Newton Peck
The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
Sex, by Madonna
Earth’s Children (series), by Jean M. Auel
The Great Gilly Hopkins, by Katherine Paterson
In the Night Kitchen, by Maurice Sendak
The Witches, by Roald Dahl
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle
The New Joy of Gay Sex, by Charles Silverstein
Go Ask Alice, by Anonymous*
The Goats, by Brock Cole
The Stupids (series), by Harry Allard
Anastasia Krupnik (series), by Lois Lowry*
Final Exit, by Derek Humphry
Blubber, by Judy Blume
Halloween ABC, by Eve Merriam
Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George
Kaffir Boy, by Mark Mathabane
The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison
What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters, by Lynda Madaras
Fallen Angels, by Walter Dean Myers
The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood
The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton
The Pigman, by Paul Zindel
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee*
We All Fall Down, by Robert Cormier
Deenie, by Judy Blume
Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel Keyes*
Annie on My Mind, by Nancy Garden
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
The Boy Who Lost His Face, by Louis Sachar
Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat, by Alvin Schwartz
Harry Potter (series), by J.K. Rowling
Cujo, by Stephen King
James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl
A Light in the Attic, by Shel Silverstein
Ordinary People, by Judith Guest
American Psycho, by Bret Easton Ellis
Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
Sleeping Beauty Trilogy, by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice)
Bumps in the Night, by Harry Allard
Asking About Sex and Growing Up, by Joanna Cole
What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons, by Lynda Madaras
The Anarchist Cookbook, by William Powell
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume*
Boys and Sex, by Wardell Pomeroy
Crazy Lady, by Jane Conly
Athletic Shorts, by Chris Crutcher
Killing Mr. Griffin, by Lois Duncan
Fade, by Robert Cormier
Guess What?, by Mem Fox
Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut
Lord of the Flies, by William Golding
Native Son, by Richard Wright
Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women’s Fantasies, by Nancy Friday
Curses, Hexes and Spells, by Daniel Cohen
On My Honor, by Marion Dane Bauer
The House of Spirits, by Isabel Allende
Jack, by A.M. Homes
Arizona Kid, by Ron Koertge
Family Secrets, by Norma Klein
Mommy Laid an Egg, by Babette Cole
Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo A. Anaya
Where Did I Come From?, by Peter Mayle
The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline Cooney*
Carrie, by Stephen King
The Dead Zone, by Stephen King
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain
Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison
Always Running, by Luis Rodriguez
Private Parts, by Howard Stern
Where’s Waldo?, by Martin Hanford*
Summer of My German Soldier, by Bette Greene*
Tiger Eyes, by Judy Blume
Little Black Sambo, by Helen Bannerman
Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett
Running Loose, by Chris Crutcher
Sex Education, by Jenny Davis
Jumper, by Steven Gould
Christine, by Stephen King
The Drowning of Stephen Jones, by Bette Greene
That Was Then, This is Now, by S.E. Hinton
Girls and Sex, by Wardell Pomeroy
The Wish Giver, by Bill Brittain
Jump Ship to Freedom, by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

List from American Library Association.

Frequently Challenged Authors

Happy Banned Books Week!
I've read books by the authors whose names are in bold, and an * denotes some of my favorite writers.

How many of these frequently challenged authors have your read? Who are your favorites?

2012: Dav Pilkey, Sherman Alexie, Jay Asher, E.L. James, Ellen Hopkins, Jimmy Santiago Baca, Patricia Polacco, John Green, Luis Alberto Urrea, Alvin Schwartz, Dagberto Glib

2011: Lauren Myracle, Kim Dong Hwa, Chris Crutcher, Carolyn Mackler, Robert Greene, Sonya Sones, Dori Hillestead Butler, Sherman Alexie, Suzanne Collins, Aldous Huxley, Harper Lee*, Eric Jerome Dickey, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*, Dav Pilkey, Cecily von Ziegesar

2010: Ellen Hopkins, Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, Sonya Sones, Judy Blume*, Ann Brasheres, Suzanne Collins, Aldous Huxley, Sherman Alexie, Laurie Halse Anderson, Natasha Friend

2009: Lauren Myracle, Alex Sanchez, P.C. Cast, Robert Cormier*, Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, Stephen Chbosky, Chris Crutcher, Ellen Hopkins, Richelle Mead, John Steinbeck*

2008: Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, Philip Pullman, Lauren Myracle, Jim Pipe, Alvin Schwartz, Chris Crutcher, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*, Rudolfo Anaya, Stephen Chbosky, Cecily Von Ziegesar

2007: Robert Cormier*, Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, Mark Twain, Toni Morrison, Philip Pullman, Kevin Henkes, Lois Lowry*, Chris Crutcher, Lauren Myracle, Joann Sfar

2006: Chris Crutcher, Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Toni Morrison, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*, Cecily von Ziegesar, Carolyn Mackler, Alvin Schwartz, Stephen Chbosky, Alex Sanchez, Judy Blume*

2005: Judy Blume*, Robert Cormier*, Chris Crutcher, Robie Harris, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*, Toni Morrison, J. D. Salinger, Lois Lowry*, Marilyn Reynolds, Sonya Sones

2004: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*, Robert Cormier*, Judy Blume*, Toni Morrison, Chris Lynch, Barbara Park, Gary Paulsen, Dav Pilkey, Maurice Sendak, Sonya Sones

2003: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*, J. K. Rowling, Robert Cormier*, Judy Blume*, Katherine Paterson, John Steinbeck*, Walter Dean Myers, Robie Harris, Stephen King, Louise Rennison

2002: J.K. Rowling, Judy Blume*, Robert Cormier*, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*, Stephen King, Lois Duncan, S.E. Hinton, Alvin Schwartz, Maya Angelou, Roald Dahl*, Toni Morrison

2001: J. K. Rowling, Robert Cormier*, John Steinbeck*, Judy Blume*, Maya Angelou, Robie Harris, Gary Paulsen, Walter Dean Myers, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*, Bette Greene

List from American Library Association.

Frequently Challenged Classics

The Radcliffe Publishing Course listed the Top 100 Novels of the 20th Century, and at least 46 of those titles are banned or challenged books! I bolded ones I've read, and used a * to denote my favorites. How many of these have you read?

1. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald*
2. The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
3. The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
4. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee*
5. The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
6. Ulysses, by James Joyce
7. Beloved, by Toni Morrison
8. The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding
9. 1984, by George Orwell*

11. Lolita, by Vladmir Nabokov
12. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck*

15. Catch-22, by Joseph Heller
16. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
17. Animal Farm, by George Orwell
18. The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway
19. As I Lay Dying, by William Faulkner
20. A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway

23. Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston
24. Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison
25. Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison
26. Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell
27. Native Son, by Richard Wright
28. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, by Ken Kesey
29. Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut
30. For Whom the Bell Tolls, by Ernest Hemingway

33. The Call of the Wild, by Jack London

36. Go Tell it on the Mountain, by James Baldwin

38. All the King's Men, by Robert Penn Warren

40. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien

45. The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair

48. Lady Chatterley's Lover, by D.H. Lawrence
49. A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess
50. The Awakening, by Kate Chopin

53. In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote

55. The Satanic Verses, by Salman Rushdie

57. Sophie's Choice, by William Styron

64. Sons and Lovers, by D.H. Lawrence

66. Cat's Cradle, by Kurt Vonnegut
67. A Separate Peace, by John Knowles

73. Naked Lunch, by William S. Burroughs
74. Brideshead Revisited, by Evelyn Waugh
75. Women in Love, by D.H. Lawrence

80. The Naked and the Dead, by Norman Mailer

84. Tropic of Cancer, by Henry Miller

88. An American Tragedy, by Theodore Dreiser

97. Rabbit, Run, by John Updike

If only I could count books I started and never finished! Looks like I have some required reading to brush up on...

List from American Library Association.