Banned Books Week 2013

Today is the beginning of Banned Books Week, and I'm celebrating with a round up of posts I've written in the past about Banned Books. This spring, I did this series about banned books, which came in seven parts:

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four 
Part Five
Part Six
Part Seven

Just a few days ago, I wrote a post about the censorship of a book I particularly like.

Also, check out this fun interactive list of this year's most banned or challenged books. How many have you read? I've read 8 out of the 41 on the list. This list repersents the most banned books of all time. I've read 8 out of 44. Finally, this list is the most challenged books of the 1990's. I've read 28 out of 100 there.

Let me know how many of these commonly banned or challenged books you have read. It makes me so sad to see these lists, because some of my all time favorite books are quite high on many of these lists.

I believe that there will always be people who try to ban or censor books. But remember, knowledge is power. Books are so important. They keep us from becoming like the people of Fahrenheit 451 (a favorite, often challenged, book of mine): empty, and tied up constantly with the most trivial of matters. They did not care about life, because they saw no meaning in it. There was no point that they could see because they knew nothing but the small constraint they had created for themselves. Books give us the power to see beyond our own time and space. They allow us to travel the world, and through time. They help us find meaning.

I don't believe is forcing books on people, and if people do not wish to read these books, they should not read them. I don't, however, think it is at all appropriate for these people to tell me what I can and can not read. That is a decision for me to make.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Some Thoughs On Books, YA Lit, and Censorship {Eleanor and Park}

Earlier this morning, I opened up my blog reader, as I so often do, and found this post. The post (which is from one of my favorite websites), talks about lots of interesting and fun things, but there were a few things which stood out to me. Go look over that post, and then read what I have to say. I'll quote it a little, but I don't want to steal their thunder.

The Parents Action League of Minnesota's Anoka-Hennepin school district is working to ban Eleanor & Park—a book supposedly “littered with extreme profanity and age-inappropriate subject matter”—from the high school reading list. Here’s what author Rainbow Rowell had to say about the situation. NPR even weighed in on the issue.

This is the section I want to talk about.  Now, please go read each of the three links. The first from a school district explaining why they wish to ban Eleanor and Park, and book that I read, loved, and reviewed, this spring. The second is an interview with the author, and the third is an NPR book critic's very thoughtful comments on the issue. I'm not going to just reitrate what they said, though that would be easy to do. Instead, I'm going to discuss this issue from another point of view: as a teenager, the exact group of people these ADULTS say should not be reading this book.

The first complaint these people had was about the profanity. Honestly, it really didn't bother me. Swearing is something that I'm used to seeing in books, but that does not mean that I like it, or never mind. There are plenty of books that I have read that used swearing as a tool, to show that they were cool, or to emphasize a point, and I don't like that. The profanity in Eleanor and Park is honest and real. It feels real, and makes a subtle point about the teens at the high school.

The second complain is about the story. They say that it is inappropriate for teens to read about the events in the book. It didn't bother me. More then that, these things that people complain about are some of what I liked the best about this book. It feels REAL. I don't want to read about sugar coated teens who never drink, or swear, or have sex, and who have perfect home lives. Why? Those people aren't real. They feel fake. Eleanor is an amazing character. Yeah, her situation sucks big time, but she makes it through. Her relationship with Park is heartbreakingly sweet, and yet so sad, and all so, so real.

For me, the real bottom line is that I don't think books should be banned. I don't think anybody should be required to read Eleanor and Park, but I think anybody should be able to. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and for the parents who wrote that article don't want their kids to read this book, it is their right to enforce that in their own home. But I think that that book should still be available to all those teens to wish to read and enjoy this book.

On an unrelated note, that same FYA article linkd to this awesome list of the 25 best YA books featuring LGBTQ teens. I've only read 5, but there really are some pretty great books on that list if you're looking for something to read.

Banned Books: Part Seven

This is the final post in a series I published on my old blog in September 2012. I have been posting them here over the last month or so. Part one, two, three, four, five, and six.

Here are the top 91-100 most commonly challenged books from 2000-2009, according to the ALA. The bold ones I have read. My comments below the title. The links lead to their Amazon.com pages. In the case of a series, it either goes to a box set, or the first book in the series.



91. Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George
A wonderful book. I enjoyed it a lot at the age of eleven. I can not, for the life of me, think of one single reason why this book would be banned.

92. The Boy Who Lost His Face, by Louis Sachar
I have not read it, but I like Louis Sachar a lot.

93. Bumps in the Night, by Harry Allard

94. Goosebumps (series), by R.L. Stine
Ick. I have not read these, and have absolutely NO intention to.

95. Shade’s Children, by Garth Nix
 I have not read this, but I probably should.

96. Grendel, by John Gardner

97. The House of the Spirits, by Isabel Allende

98. I Saw Esau, by Iona Opte

99. Are You There, God?  It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume
A must read for every girl.

100. America: A Novel, by E.R. Frank
This book looks amazing. I will definitely read it. 

Well, that is it. All 100 of the most commonly challenged books of the last decade. You probably noticed that I mentioned that though I have not read many of the books, I hope to soon. As I read them, I will edit these posts with new descriptions. So, keep checking back often! Someday, I hope to have read at least 90 out of the 100.


I have read 21 of the 100 books on this list.What about you? Have you read any of the ones I have not? If you post a short (1-3 sentences) comment about any of the books here in the comments, I will edit it into the post. If possible, I want to get comments about every single book!

Banned Books: Part Six

This post is part of a series that I wrote for my old blog in September 2012. I have been posting them here over the last month or so. Part one, two, three, four, and five.

Here are the top 76-90 most commonly challenged books from 2000-2009, according to the ALA. The bold ones I have read. My comments below the title. The links lead to their Amazon.com pages. In the case of a series, it either goes to a box set, or the first book in the series.


76. A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving

77. Crazy: A Novel, by Benjamin Lebert
I might have to read this one...

78. The Joy of Gay Sex, by Dr. Charles Silverstein
The title says it all. :)

79. The Upstairs Room, by Johanna Reiss

80. A Day No Pigs Would Die, by Robert Newton Peck
I have not read this book, but Robert Peck is very funny, so it is probably good.

81. Black Boy, by Richard Wright

82. Deal With It!, by Esther Drill

83. Detour for Emmy, by Marilyn Reynolds
On my To-Read list.

84. So Far From the Bamboo Grove, by Yoko Watkins

85. Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, by Chris Crutcher
I am not a huge fan of Chris Crutcher, and I must say this book was really just okay. It was on a topic which very few books are about, which makes it unique.


86. Cut, by Patricia McCormick
This is the only Patricia McCormick book I haven't read, but I really should. It sounds good.

87. Tiger Eyes, by Judy Blume
Yet another Judy Blume book on the list. This is a good one, though it has been years since I read it.

88. The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood
Sounds really goo, though I have not read it.

89. Friday Night Lights, by H.G. Bissenger
The inspiration for the TV show.

90. A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L’Engle
An amazing book. I have read it at least 10 times since the age of eight. I can honestly say that with out this book, I would probably have never started reading Science Fiction.
 


I have read 19/90 of the books so far. What about you? Have you read any of the ones I have not? If you post a short (1-3 sentaces) comment about he book in the comments I will edit it into the post. If possible, I want comments about every single book!

Banned Books: Part Five

This post is part of a series that I published on my old blog in September 2012. I have been reposting them here over the last month or so. 

Here are the top 61-75 most commonly challenged books from 2000-2009, according to the ALA. The bold ones I have read. My comments below the title. The links lead to their Amazon.com pages. In the case of a series, it either goes to a box set, or the first book in the series.

61. Draw Me A Star, by Eric Carle
Come on people, this is ERIC CARLE. Why on earth would he be on a banned books list?

62. The Stupids (series), by Harry Allard

63. The Terrorist, by Caroline B. Cooney

64. Mick Harte Was Here, by Barbara Park

65. The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien

66. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred Taylor
When I first read this book, at the age of ten, I had never really read about that time period from that perspective in a way that had really made much of an impact. This book did.


67. A Time to Kill, by John Grisham
I have not read this book, but the description sounds very intense.

68. Always Running, by Luis Rodriguez
It makes me sad to see memoirs on this list. This really happened, and people need to know about it.

69. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
I really liked this book. I think the message is great, and the story is well written.

70. Harris and Me, by Gary Paulsen

71. Junie B. Jones (series), by Barbara Park
I think I read these when I was about six.


72. Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison should win some kind of award. Maybe "Most Banned Books." :)

73. What’s Happening to My Body Book, by Lynda Madaras
I am pretty sure you can guess what this is about.

74. The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold 
Peter Jackson directed the movie.

75. Anastasia (series), by Lois Lowry
Not what you think.



I have read 16/75 of the books for far. What about you? Have you read any of the ones I have not? If you post a short (1-3 sentaces) comment about he book in the comments I will edit it into the post. If possible, I want comments about every single book!

Banned Books: Part Four

This post is part of a series that I posted on my old blog in September 2012. I am redoing them here over the next few weeks. Part one, part two, and part three. 

Here are the top 46-60 most commonly challenged books from 2000-2009, according to the ALA. The bold ones I have read. My comments below the title. The links lead to their Amazon.com pages. In the case of a series, it either goes to a box set, or the first book in the series.


46. Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut
 Yet another classic I have not yet read.

47. The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby: The First Graphic Novel by George Beard and Harold Hutchins, the creators of Captain Underpants, by Dav Pilkey
I think the title probably tells you all you need to know about this one. Believe it or not, I have not read it, and do not plan to. :)

48. Rainbow Boys, by Alex Sanchez
I had not heard of this book before, but after reading the Amazon description, I intend to read it soon.

49. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey

50. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

51. Daughters of Eve, by Lois Duncan
Yikes. Creepy looking.

52. The Great Gilly Hopkins, by Katherine Paterson

53. You Hear Me?, by Betsy Franco

54. The Facts Speak for Themselves, by Brock Cole

55. Summer of My German Soldier, by Bette Green
One of my all time favorite books. When I first read this book, at the age of eight, it was the first time that a book made me think in a way that I was unaccustomed to.  It made a big impact on me.

56. When Dad Killed Mom, by Julius Lester

57. Blood and Chocolate, by Annette Curtis Klause

58. Fat Kid Rules the World, by K.L. Going

59. Olive’s Ocean, by Kevin Henkes

60. Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson


That's it for today. Come back tomorrow for 15 more books.

I have read 14/60 of the books for far. What about you? Have you read any of the ones I have not? If you post a short (1-3 sentaces) comment about he book in the comments I will edit it into the post. If possible, I want comments about every single book!

Banned Books: Part Three

This post is part of a series that I wrote for my old blog in September 2012, and that I am posting here now. Part one, and part two. 


Here are the top 31-45 most commonly challenged books from 2000-2009, according to the ALA. The bold ones I have read. My comments below the title. The links lead to their Amazon.com pages. In the case of a series, it either goes to a box set, or the first book in the series.




31. What My Mother Doesn’t Know, by Sonya Sones
I have not read this book, but I might have to check it out. It looks good.

32. Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya

33. Snow Falling on Cedars, by David Guterson
I have not read this book, though it is on the bookshelf a few feet from me. I really want to read it soon, mostly because it was written by a local author, and takes place maybe 30 miles from my house.

34. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things, by Carolyn Mackler
I probably won't read this book, it just isn't really the type of thing I usually like.

35. Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging, by Louise Rennison

36. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
I have not yet read this classic either.

37. It’s So Amazing, by Robie Harris
By the author of "It's Perfectly Normal" this book is very similar, but is aimed at younger readers.

38. Arming America, by Michael Bellasiles

39. Kaffir Boy, by Mark Mathabane

40. Life is Funny, by E.R. Frank
Yet another book on my To-Read list...

41. Whale Talk, by Chris Crutcher
A very good, moving book. Kind of makes you think, "Are we really like that?"


42. The Fighting Ground, by Avi
I have not read this book, but Avi is an amazing author, so I am sure it is very good.

43. Blubber, by Judy Blume
I haven't read this, but come on, it's Judy Blume!

44. Athletic Shorts, by Chris Crutcher

45. Crazy Lady, by Jane Leslie Conly


That's all for today. Come back tomorrow for 15 more books.

I have read 13/45 of the books so far. How many of them have you read?

Banned Books: Part Two

 This is the second post in a series I originally wrote for my other blog in September 2012. To go to the first post click here.

Here are the top 16-30 most commonly challenged books from 2000-2009, according to the ALA. The bold ones I have read. My comments below the title. The links lead to their Amazon.com pages. In the case of a series, it either goes to a box set, or the first book in the series.

16. Forever, by Judy Blume
I have not read it, though I certainly intend to sometime soon.

17. The Color Purple, by Alice Walker

18. Go Ask Alice, by Anonymous
This is a very interesting book. When I read it, about a year or two ago, I found it very sad. Unlike many books, I understand why this book would be banned. At the same time, this book kind of opened my eyes to another world, which I do not think is a bad thing.

19. Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger

 20. King and King, by Linda de Haan
 I have not read this, but I think it is really sad that cute picture books make it on to these lists.

21. To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
One of my favorite books. Being narrated by a little girl brings a whole new perspective to the story that makes it very memorable.


22. Gossip Girl (series), by Cecily von Ziegesar
I haven't read this series, and don't intend to. Rather shallow, and just not my type of thing. If I get really bored, I might check out the first book though... :)

23. The Giver, by Lois Lowry
This is the first dystopian sci-fi novel that I ever read. From that point on, it has one of my favorite genres. This is a really great book!

24. In the Night Kitchen, by Maurice Sendak
I haven't read it, but it looks cute.

 25. Killing Mr. Griffen, by Lois Duncan
I hadn't heard of this book before, but the description looks interesting... 

26. Beloved, by Toni Morrison

27. My Brother Sam Is Dead, by James Lincoln Collier
I was eight when I read this book, so I don't remember it all very well, but I know I loved it. It is is a very moving book, and I highly recommend it.

28. Bridge To Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson
A sad, but good book. I enjoyed it.

29. The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline B. Cooney
I have not read this book yet, but I intend to soon.

30. We All Fall Down, by Robert Cormier
Also on my To-Read list.

Well, that's in for today. Come back tomorrow for books 31-45. 


I have read 12/30 of the banned books reviewed so far. How many have you read?

Banned Books: Part One

This post is the first in a series that I published on my old blog back in September 2012. Over the next few weeks, I will be reposting them on here. It has been edited for relevancy.

I have always been intrigued by the idea of banned books. Personally, when ever I hear that a book is banned somewhere, that makes it something of interest. I am always curious why people ban books, and it also makes me sad. Books are meant to be read, not hidden away from interested people. Many of my favorite books are "banned books," and so I wanted to share some of them with you.

Here are the top 15 most commonly challenged books from 2000-2009, according to the ALA. The bold ones I have read. My comments below the title. The links lead to their Amazon.com pages. In the case of a series, it either goes to a box set, or the first book in the series.

1. Harry Potter (series), by J.K. Rowling

This series is wonderful. While the writing may not be the best ever, the story is really amazing. One of my favorites ever.


2. Alice series, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
I began reading this series at the age of eight. Last week I read the newest book. This series is most certainly in my top three.

3. The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier

 4. And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell
 I have not read this book, but it's amazon.com page looks absolutely adorable. 

 5. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
I read this book this summer, and really liked it. It is sad, but it feels very, very real. This book really made me stop and think, "What would I have done in that situation? Could I have done what I had to?"

 6. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou

 7. Scary Stories (series), by Alvin Schwartz

 8. His Dark Materials (series), by Philip Pullman
This series is really a bit weird. I really don't want to know what's going on in Phillip Pullman's head. At the same time, I really did enjoy it.

 9. ttyl; ttfn; l8r g8r (series), by Lauren Myracle
I read the first book in this series a LONG time ago. I did not really enjoy it that much, though now I can not remember anything about it.

 10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
I have not read this book yet, though I mean to soon.

 11. Fallen Angels, by Walter Dean Myers
 Again, I have not read this book, but it looks really good, and I hope to read it soon.

12. It’s Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris
My mom got this from the library when I was about ten. It is... through.  You can probably guess what it's about. :)

13. Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey

14. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
A really fun book. Great for the 10-13 age range. I am pretty sure it is banned because of the language, but I honestly did not think it was that bad.

15. The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison


 So far, I have read 7/15. Not bad. :) How many have you read?

Do you have any additional thoughts about these books? If so, post them in the comments, and I will add them to this post. I would love to have some thoughts about each book by someone who has read it, if possible.