Banned Books

So, September 25 to October 2 is Banned Books Week. A week set aside for us to really think about the issue of censorship. I just read a great article on the topic written by an author whose books are often challenged due to content.  She was questioning the deeper motives behind this issue. I wonder about that too. Who does the censoring? Why? There are certianly some books I'm not comfortable with and some I don't allow my children to read. However, I believe books should make us think and feel; sometimes those thoughts and feelings won't be pleasant. I think of a book like 'Sold' from last year's Rosewater list. It was uncomfortable to read, but so important and my awareness was raised and I'm much more involved in trying to fight human trafficking. Anyway, take a little time to think about why we ban books and if it's OK. Is it OK for some books to be available but not as required curriculum? Should an alternative to a book be available in classes? Should some books only be in public libraries but not in schools; high schools but not elementaries? Maybe instead of banning a book parents should read age-appropriate books with their children and discuss them. Just a thought.  I'm putting in some links to sites with lists of books that have been banned. Some are very interesting...you may be surprised.
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/ideasandresources/free_downloads/2010banned.pdf

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/29/the-11-most-surprising-ba_n_515381.html#s76400

http://www.adlerbooks.com/banned.html

http://www.writers.com/feature_banned_books.html

or just google banned books and you'll be amazed