I stopped in Jessie Peterman Library and learned it’s Banned Books Week. A celebration of “FREADOM,” Banned Books Week runs from September 22 through 28.
Here’s what the American Library Association (ALA) says:
ALA’s work opposing censorship takes place not just during Banned Books Week, but throughout the year. OIF tracks hundreds of challenges to books and other materials in libraries and classrooms across the country. We provide advice, letters of support, access to legal assistance, policy recommendations, and much more to librarians, teachers, and community members looking to keep books on the shelves. We conduct training, media interviews, and online education about how and why to defend the freedom to read.
Famous Banned Books
Here are some noteworthy controversial reads. The reasons why are in parentheses.
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (encouragement of child abuse and drug abuse)
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (dark tone and unruly lead character)
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss (banned in China because of Marxist and homosexual ideas)
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White (might be offensive to Muslim students)
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (promotes witchcraft)
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (racial content, vulgar language)
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (considered sexist)
Animal Farm by George Orwell (communist text in introduction)
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (offensive language)
How many of the above banned books have you read?
Neil Sagebiel 