Banned Books Week Celebrates Its 30th Year
Banned Books Week, the 30th annual celebration of the freedom to read and write what one chooses, is in full swing, running Sept. 24 through Oct. 1. The event was started in 1982 by librarian and director of the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom Judith Krug.
Krug established Banned Books Week to celebrate the gift of free speech and the authors and literature targeted by the censors; the event has been a popular one ever since. During this week, libraries encourage readers to delve into the many lists of banned and/or challenged works of literature and explore the reasons behind such protests.
While banning is a complete removal of the literature in question, a challenge is merely an attempt to remove said work by a person or group. A challenge is put forth when a person or group objects to a book, usually in an effort to protect children from what is deemed inappropriate behavior or language.
To celebrate Banned Books Week, delve into the many lists of banned and/or challenged books listed on the American Library Association website.
"The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck
The novel has a long history with the banned books list, having been burned and banned as early as 1939. It has continually been challenged since due to complaints about language and sexual references.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
Also no stranger to the banned books list, "To Kill a Mockingbird" has been banned and challenged numerous times, even as late as 2009. Complaints usually concern the book's racist tones, language and adult themes, such as rape and incest.
"The Lord of the Flies" by William Golding
Golding's novel has been cited as inappropriate for high school students due to violence, language and racist comments.
"Animal Farm" by George Orwell
Challenged in 1963 and 1968 for the words "masses will revolt," the book has seen consistent objections due to its political overtones.
"The Awakening" by Kate Chopin
Challenged as late as 2011, the 1899 novel about a woman fighting against the 1890s family structure was so disturbing to the public that it was banished for decades after its release.
Some books that were banned and/or challenged just in the past year include:
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky
Challenged for passages explicitly dealing with teen sex, homosexuality and bestiality.
"Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
Challenged due to complaints about sexual and homosexual themes.
"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
Removed from a Bedford, N.H., School District elective course for the book's sexual content.
"Push" by Sapphire (Ramona Lofton)
Challenged for the numerous adult situations described in the novel, including rape, incest and child abuse.
"What's Happening to My Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-up Guide for Parents & Sons" by Lynda Madaras and Dane Saavedra
Banned from 21 Buda, Texas, school libraries due to definitions of rape, incest, sexual assault and intercourse.
Banned Books Week, American Library Association
Dorothy Samuels, Judith Krug, The New York Times
Krug established Banned Books Week to celebrate the gift of free speech and the authors and literature targeted by the censors; the event has been a popular one ever since. During this week, libraries encourage readers to delve into the many lists of banned and/or challenged works of literature and explore the reasons behind such protests.
While banning is a complete removal of the literature in question, a challenge is merely an attempt to remove said work by a person or group. A challenge is put forth when a person or group objects to a book, usually in an effort to protect children from what is deemed inappropriate behavior or language.
To celebrate Banned Books Week, delve into the many lists of banned and/or challenged books listed on the American Library Association website.
"The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck
The novel has a long history with the banned books list, having been burned and banned as early as 1939. It has continually been challenged since due to complaints about language and sexual references.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
Also no stranger to the banned books list, "To Kill a Mockingbird" has been banned and challenged numerous times, even as late as 2009. Complaints usually concern the book's racist tones, language and adult themes, such as rape and incest.
"The Lord of the Flies" by William Golding
Golding's novel has been cited as inappropriate for high school students due to violence, language and racist comments.
"Animal Farm" by George Orwell
Challenged in 1963 and 1968 for the words "masses will revolt," the book has seen consistent objections due to its political overtones.
"The Awakening" by Kate Chopin
Challenged as late as 2011, the 1899 novel about a woman fighting against the 1890s family structure was so disturbing to the public that it was banished for decades after its release.
Some books that were banned and/or challenged just in the past year include:
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky
Challenged for passages explicitly dealing with teen sex, homosexuality and bestiality.
"Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
Challenged due to complaints about sexual and homosexual themes.
"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
Removed from a Bedford, N.H., School District elective course for the book's sexual content.
"Push" by Sapphire (Ramona Lofton)
Challenged for the numerous adult situations described in the novel, including rape, incest and child abuse.
"What's Happening to My Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-up Guide for Parents & Sons" by Lynda Madaras and Dane Saavedra
Banned from 21 Buda, Texas, school libraries due to definitions of rape, incest, sexual assault and intercourse.
Banned Books Week, American Library Association
Dorothy Samuels, Judith Krug, The New York Times
Published by Sarah F. Sullivan
Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English, emphasis in Writing. Freelance writer and editor for three years. View profile
Banned Books Week is September 29 to October 6Yahoo.com recently reported that one in four Americans admitted to not having read a single book during 2006. Not one. I find that number appalling, which is why I'm planning to...
Banned Books Week (September 29-October 6) Celebrates the Freedom to ReadCertain examples of banned and challenged books come without surprise; Mein Kampf is a banned book, as is The Anarchist Cookbook. Other choices can surprise readers - The Wizard...
Celebrate Banned Books Week by ReadingPsst! Feeling a little naughty? Why not read a previously taboo book during Banned Books Week? Check out this list of once-banned books. Many of these are now literary classics....- Celebrating Banned Books Week September 28 to October 4, 2008Read a banned book for Banned Books Week
- During Banned Books Week, A Look at Huckleberry FinnA look at the shifting tide of intolerance affecting the availability of a great American novel.
- American Library Association Names 100 Most Banned Books
- Top 5 Children's Books to Read for Banned Book Week
- Banned Books Week: 10 Banned Authors
- Top 4 Banned Books for Teenagers During Banned Books Week
- Banned Books Week: September 25-October 2, 2010
- Banned Books Week: The Fight for Literary Freedom in the Free World
- Celebrate Intellectual Freedom During Banned Books Week Sept. 29 - Oct. 6
1 Comments
Post a CommentThe first thing I want to do when I hear about a banned book is to read it to find out why. I enjoy Banned Books week, because the local library branches display books that were formerly banned, leading me to read some books I did not know existed or had no interest in reading at all.