Banned Books Week

Sep 30th 2007

As Americans two of the core freedoms we enjoy are the freedom of expression and the freedom to make our own decisions. More than a book a day is threatened with removal from our public libraries and schools, censoring those cherished freedoms. As the religious right removes these books they remove your right as a free adult to choose what you read, feel, and think. It is critical that these censorships are contested because they are threatening our very culture and way of life.

This week from September 29 through October 6 local bookstores, campuses, and libraries are hosting Banned Book Week to raise awareness for this troubling issue. Join us by visiting your local library or bookstore and checking out or purchasing one of these banned books. Below is the top 10 most challenged books of 2006.

Part of living in a democracy means respecting each other’s differences and the right of all people to choose for themselves what they and their families read,” said Judith F. Krug, director, OIF. “We must remain vigilant to assure that would-be censors don’t threaten the very basis of our democracy.

You may also want to check out the top books from the 21st century. If you think that its just litary masterpieces from authors such as Mark Twain, J.D. Salinger, John Steinbeck, or Judy Blume under attack you will be shocked to see that Harry Potter tops the list for the past seven years.

The 10 Most Challenged Books of 2006

“And Tango Makes 3″ by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
“Gossip Girls” series by Cecily Von Ziegesar
“Alice” series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
“The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things” by Carolyn Mackler
“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
“Scary Stories” series by Alvin Schwartz
“Athletic Shorts” by Chris Crutcher
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison
“The Chocolate War” by Robert Cormier

~William~

p.s. I would be very interested in hearing what your favorite book is from the top 100 list found here. Mine is “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck. Wonderful book and I’m glad we had to read it in freshman English. Steinbeck has always been one of my favorite authors and it saddens me that this masterpiece is at #6 on the list.

—* UPDATE *—

Well, Banned Books Week is over. Hope everyone got the chance to check out at least one of their favorite banned books. I am strongly recommending “Of Mice and Men” to my daughter, I was a little older than her when I read it but I think she’s mature enough. I’ll be posting our new “Take Action” alert shortly.

Remember though, just because the awareness week is over does not mean that the problem is over until next week. Keep the pressure on and you can help keep these great literary masterpieces free for everyone.