Banned Books Week September 27–October 4, 2008

I believe I’ve mentioned a time or two about how I can’t stand censorship in any form. Stories not only entertain but share a glimpse into the era they were written. A great story challenges the way we view our world. For good or bad, we see insight into human nature--and sometimes, yes--the ugly side of it. To try to silence the storyteller is outrageous to me.

The top five stories in 2007:

1) “And Tango Makes Three,” by Justin Richardson/Peter ParnellReasons: Anti-Ethnic, Sexism, Homosexuality, Anti-Family, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group

2) The Chocolate War,” by Robert CormierReasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Violence

3) “Olive’s Ocean,” by Kevin HenkesReasons: Sexually Explicit and Offensive Language

4) “The Golden Compass,” by Philip PullmanReasons: Religious Viewpoint

5) “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” by Mark TwainReasons: Racism

And here is the link to the ALA Celebrating the Freedom to Read to find out more about the authors and books.