Books to Read for Banned Books Week
September Literacy Month
Happy Banned Books Week!
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and raising awareness about the challenges to literary freedom that occur in libraries, schools, and bookstores. It highlights books that have been challenged or banned in the United States due to their content being deemed controversial or inappropriate by certain groups or individuals.
Key Points about Banned Books Week:
Origin: It started in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries.
Timing: Banned Books Week typically takes place during the last week of September.
Purpose: The week is designed to spotlight the importance of intellectual freedom and to remind people that censorship still exists. It also serves as a way to unite readers, writers, educators, and others in the fight against censorship.
Activities: Events during the week often include read-outs (where people publicly read from books that have been challenged or banned), displays in libraries and bookstores, and discussions on the topic of censorship.
Support: The event is supported by a variety of organizations, including the American Library Association (ALA), bookstores, schools, and publishers, among others.
Books that are frequently challenged include those that deal with topics like race, gender, sexuality, and religion, or that contain language or ideas some find offensive. Banned Books Week aims to protect the rights of readers and to promote open access to information and ideas.
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell | Challenged for offensive language
I was really surprised to see Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell on the list of top 10 challenged books for the year 2016. I LOVED this book, as you might remember from my review of it not too long ago. A lot of the typical young adult themes are present in this book: young love, teenage angst, school bullies, and homework. But there is so much more to this book than your typical high school drama. Eleanor and Park navigate more serious home troubles better than most adults could. They learn that people aren't always what they seem and that they aren't the only ones who are judged unfairly.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls | Challenged for offensive language, sexually explicit
I'm probably the last person in the world (okay, maybe just the last book blogger) to read and review The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I just published my review at the beginning of this month, along with a review of the movie starring Brie Larson, Naomi Watts and Woody Harrelson. The book is a memoir about growing up in the Walls family, which was highly dysfunctional at best. Jeannette was the second oldest of four. Her mother didn't take to domesticity and wasn't keen on raising a family. Her father, although charismatic and academically brilliant, was an alcoholic. Essentially the Walls children raised themselves but eventually prospered.
Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley | Challenged for insensitivity, nudity, racism, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit
How could I not include Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - I'm sure you know by now that my dog, Huxley, was named after this author. Although originally published in 1932, it continues to appear on the top ten challenged books. I'm sure, like me, you all read this book in high school English, but here is a refresher: This book takes place in London in the year 2540 and paints a picture of a dramatically changed society with advances in reproduction and sleep-learning (among other things...I'm reaching back over a decade to recall this book. I do remember being pretty excited about the idea of sleep-learning when I read this in high school.) In addition to being one of the most challenged books, it is also regarded as one of the best English-language books of the 20th century.
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee | Challenged for offensive language, racism
Another high school classic. I chose this one because I read Go Set a Watchman not too long ago (although apparently before I started this blog, because I couldn't find a review of it!) and I really enjoyed being reunited with Atticus and Scout (or Jean Louise, as she was called in Go Set a Watchman.) This book has also made the top ten most challenged books on several different occasions, most recently in 2011. And as is common for frequently challenged books, it is also well-loved by many.
Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich | Challenged for drugs, inaccurate, offensive language, political viewpoint, religious viewpoint
I read this book prior to starting my Freshman year at Stephens College. It was required reading for all Freshman (if I remember correctly) and was discussed on the first day of class. I remember being a little intimidated that I had homework even before my first day of class - but I still often think about this book and the issues it raised. Barbara Ehrenreich was an undercover journalist working as a waitress, a hotel maid, a cleaning woman, a nursing-home aide, and a Wal-Mart sales clerk (in succession) and trying to make ends meet.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher | Challenged for discussing suicide
You can’t stop the future.
You can’t rewind the past.
The only way to learn the secret . . . is to press play.
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why.
Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and as he follows Hannah’s recorded words throughout his town, what he discovers changes his life forever.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini | Challenged for sexual violence and "promoting Islam"
The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant, caught in the tragic sweep of history, The Kite Runner transports readers to Afghanistan at a tense and crucial moment of change and destruction. A powerful story of friendship, it is also about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons—their love, their sacrifices, their lies.
Since its publication in 2003 Kite Runner has become a beloved, one-of-a-kind classic of contemporary literature, touching millions of readers, and launching the career of one of America's most treasured writers.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas | Challenged for drug use, profanity and offensive language
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie | Challenged for profanity and sexual content
Bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.
Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by Ellen Forney that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.
With a foreword by Markus Zusak, interviews with Sherman Alexie and Ellen Forney, and four-color interior art throughout, this edition is perfect for fans and collectors alike.
I Am Jazz written by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings and illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas | Challenged for addressing gender identity
The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere
"This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not. I wish I had had a book like this when I was a kid struggling with gender identity questions. I found it deeply moving in its simplicity and honesty."—Laverne Cox (who plays Sophia in “Orange Is the New Black”)
From the time she was two years old, Jazz knew that she had a girl's brain in a boy's body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn't feel like herself in boys' clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born that way. Jazz's story is based on her real-life experience and she tells it in a simple, clear way that will be appreciated by picture book readers, their parents, and teachers.
George by Alex Gino | Challenged for encouraging children to clear browser history and change their bodies using hormones, and for mentioning “dirty magazines,” describing male anatomy, “creating confusion,” and including a transgender character
George joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!
When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.
George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part . . . because she's a boy.
With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss, illustrated by EG Keller | Challenged for including LGBTQIA+ content, and for political and religious viewpoints
100 percent of Last Week Tonight's proceeds will be donated to The Trevor Project and AIDS United.
HBO's Emmy winning Last Week Tonight with John Oliver presents a children's picture book about a Very Special boy bunny who falls in love with another boy bunny.
Meet Marlon Bundo, a lonely bunny who lives with his Grampa, Mike Pence the Vice President of the United States. But on this Very Special Day, Marlon's life is about to change forever...
With its message of tolerance and advocacy, this charming bunny book for kids explores issues of same sex marriage and democracy. Sweet, funny, and beautifully illustrated, this better Bundo book is dedicated to every bunny who has ever felt different.
Captain Underpants series written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey | Challenged for encouraging disruptive behavior, while Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot was challenged for including a same-sex couple
There's something rotten in the state of Ohio, and it's smellier than a pile of putrid gym socks! Steer clear -- it's Sir Stinks-A-Lot!
George and Harold, and their doubles, Yesterday George and Yesterday Harold, have a good thing going. Two of them go to school, while the other two hide in the tree house and play video games all day -- then they switch! But when their malicious gym teacher, Mr. Meaner, creates a method of mind-control that turns their fellow students into attentive, obedient, perfect children, the future of all humanity will be in their hands!
Drama written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier | Challenged for including LGBTQIA+ characters and themes
From Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile and Sisters!
Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon over Mississippi, she can't really sing. Instead she's the set designer for the drama department's stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen. And when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki | Challenged for profanity, sexual references, and certain illustrations
Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. One of the local teens - just a couple of years older than Rose and Windy - is caught up in something bad... Something life threatening.
It's a summer of secrets, and sorrow, and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.
This One Summer is a tremendously exciting new teen graphic novel from two creators with true literary clout. Cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, the team behind Skim, have collaborated on this gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about a girl on the cusp of childhood - a story of renewal and revelation.
Banning books is a practice that poses significant dangers to free and open access to information, particularly in school libraries. Across the United States and even globally, in countries like South Africa, the banning of books limits the diversity of perspectives and hinders the educational and personal growth of students. The act of banning books, often driven by school board members or community groups, restricts access to unique titles that offer valuable insights into different cultures, identities, and ideas.
The Danger of Banning Books: When books are banned, especially award-winning and critically acclaimed works, it curtails intellectual freedom. It prevents students and readers from encountering diverse viewpoints, essential for developing critical thinking skills. In school libraries, which serve as foundational resources for young minds, the removal of certain books can lead to a homogenized education where only certain perspectives are validated. This lack of diverse perspectives can perpetuate ignorance and intolerance, stifling the development of empathy and understanding in future generations.
Celebrating Banned Books Week: Banned Books Week, an annual event, is a powerful response to the threats posed by book banning. It serves as a celebration of the freedom to read and an affirmation of the importance of diverse perspectives in literature. Organized by entities like the American Library Association (ALA) and PEN America, Banned Books Week highlights the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom's efforts to protect the right to read and to advocate for open access to information.
During this week, communities, schools, and libraries across the country come together to raise awareness about the dangers of censorship. They focus on the significance of having free and open access to a wide range of literary works, including children's books that may be targeted for challenging themes. Events often include readings from banned books, discussions about the importance of intellectual freedom, and exhibitions of books that have faced challenges.
Diversity in Perspectives: By celebrating Banned Books Week, we honor the voices that are often marginalized or suppressed. University presses and independent publishers play a crucial role in this celebration by continuing to publish and support works that explore diverse and sometimes controversial topics. The week serves as a reminder that literature from different parts of the world, like South Africa, offers perspectives that can enrich our understanding of global issues and human experiences.
In a world where censorship continues to threaten intellectual freedom, Banned Books Week stands as a beacon for the right to read. It encourages us to embrace diverse perspectives and to resist efforts to silence voices. By championing unique titles and award-winning works, we can ensure that school libraries remain spaces of free and open access, where students can explore the full spectrum of human thought and experience.
I challenge you to choose one of these books to start this week in celebration of Banned Books Week and our right to read. Although not all of these books were formally "banned" they've all been extensively challenged, making the list of top ten challenged books for at least one year since 2010. For a complete look at the most challenged books over time, visit the Top Ten Most Challenged Books Lists by the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom.
