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.