Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week snuck up on me this year, in the light of *gestures around*. While I don't have anything fun or interesting planned, it's always a good time to share resources:

American Library Association's Banned Books Hub

Want to be (more) depressed? Look at the numbers:

Years ago, I read some of the most commonly banned books and reviewed them, which you can check out below:

100 most frequently challenged books: 1990–1999

100 most frequently challenged books: 2000-2009

Frequently Challenged Classics

Frequently Challenged Authors

Banned Book: The Stupids

Banned Book: Sixth Grade Can Really Kill You

Banned Books: Harriet the Spy

Banned Book: The Sissy Duckling

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

Banned Book: The Giving Tree

Banned Book: If I Ran the Zoo

Banned Book: Charlotte's Web

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

Banned Books: The Witches

Banned Book: Where the Wild Things Are

Banned Book: The Hunger Games

Banned Book: Who's In My Family?

Banned Books: Harry Potter

Celebrate Freedom - Read Banned Books!

It's the 4th of July in America which means... nothing to celebrate. Instead, how about reading some banned books and pretending we still have some intellectual freedoms?

I have some super old banned books posts for you to peruse - guess I need to write some more for this year's Banned Books week in October!

What banned books are your favorite?

Places I Never Meant to Be: Original Stories by Censored Writers edited by Judy Blume

Places I Never Meant to Be: Original Stories by Censored Writers edited by Judy Blume

After reading Rachel Vail for the first time since middle school, I wanted to see what else the library had of hers, and this anthology came up. I've read books from many of these authors and, as a short story lover, was excited to see what they did with the form.

Each writer also included a brief essay about censorship. A quote from Rachel Vail stood out to me: "But I had made a vow to myself when I was a teenager that I would never forget, and never disrespect, the intensity of the adolescent experience, the power and terror of being a person actively creating herself."

I love that idea, and think it goes well beyond adolescence. Aren't we always actively creating ourselves? If not, I think that quote is certainly inspiration to do so.

But overall, I’m sad this book is still relevant. Let people read what they want to read. Don't parent other people's kids. Don't ban books. Let people make their own choices. Etc etc etc. I could turn this into a full-blown rant, but I won't. That said, I liked reading a bunch of different YA stories in one collection, and the essays authors shared about censorship and why they write were powerful.

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: If I Ran the Zoo

Edit 3/10/2021: Wow, this post has blown up with recent news/debates about Dr. Seuss. Some of the comments are disgusting, and it repulsed me to know that these people thought I shared their closed-minded, harmful, ignorant views. 

I had completely forgotten about it, but I feel a need to update my somewhat pithy response about this book. People are allowed to grow and change, and now I don't think it's "cancel culture" to discover that an old author's books are completely out of line in modern times. 

There is so much QUALITY, open-minded, accepting children's lit out there that Dr. Seuss does not need to be read, much less celebrated. You might argue that he's classic, but there is no need to hold on to stale old stories when fresh children's lit is being published at an amazing rate. Children will not "miss out" on anything if they don't read Dr. Seuss in their childhoods. Read them books that show people of all different skin tones being accepted, read them books that show non-traditional families, read them books that show kindness and compassion. And show them that in your own words and actions as well. Dr. Seuss is not worth fighting for.

If I Ran the Zoo is a typical silly Dr. Seuss book, if you ask me, but it's been banned for the line "all wear their eyes at a slant", which refers to the helpers, accompanied by an illustration of Asian stereotypes.

I never knew why this book was banned, and had never read it before. It was, as I mentioned, a typical Dr. Seuss book to me, but seemed a bit long. I was expecting something along the line of Green Eggs and Ham or Hop on Pop, but this one was a real time investment.

That being said, I don't think it should be banned for the stereotypes portrayed on the pages - instead, turn them into a teaching point. Talk about why it's a stereotype and why it's offensive, and depending on the age of the children, talk about other stereotypes they might know, and debunk them. We should learn from history instead of try to ban it and wish we could erase it.

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.