This week is ALA’s Banned Book Week Virtual Read Out.
September 24−October 1, 2011
Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States.
I don’t really understand banning books and am proud of all the organizations that stand up to any kind of censorship. Here’s a link to the 100 most challenged books from 2000-2009. Here are the 5 I understand the least.
1. The Harry Potter series – it’s fiction, people. It’s okay to tell young girls that a Prince will come rescue them or his kiss can break a spell by an evil witch and yet we can’t appreciate a story full of magic and courage?
2. To Kill a Mockingbird – Seriously, a story that teaches kids to stand up for right against wrong, no matter public sentiment, is dangerous?
3. Fahrenheit 452 – This book isn’t a favorite of mine but it is funny that a book about society’s loss of books and free thought should end up on this list.
4. A Time to Kill – The racial storyline is here as is the courtroom scenes about standing up for what’s right even at the risk of personal harm make it controversial like TKAM? I don’t know. Weird.
5. Bridge to Terabithia – Kids may be upset by the death, but this is one that could bring parents into a real conversation with their kids. Scary, right?
So, which one on the list surprises you the most?
Oh nothing surprises me anymore when it comes to crazy people! Potter is a gateway read to the underworld silly Stacy. Our souls are now damned for all time. See I can’t read this stuff early in the morning. It riles me up 🙂
To Kill a Mockingbird is a big surprise. So are the Harry Potter fantasy books.
I don’t understand how anyone can not be moved by To Kill A Mockingbird.
I think A Time to Kill surprises me the most because it’s an adult book.
I’m always surprised by the books that end up on these lists. I never quite understand the reasoning behind banning books. It makes me want to read them even more! Ha!
Bridge to Terabithia was one of my favorite books from childhood … and one I recently introduced to my 10-year-old neighbor. It is hard for me to comprehend why that would be banned. Death happens and it is dealt with so well in that book.
I find it hard to understand why these books are banned. To Kill a Mockingbird is the most surprising on this list. It is such an excellent story. I’m one of those who just doesn’t get it.
I always have to wonder about the reasons too. I think all censorship is ridiculous!
I find it so sad that books can be limited to so many by the narrow-minded views and actions of so few. Totally agree with your thoughts, I could rant on for hours LOL
Hello, Stacybuckeye! I haven’t been here in a while, what with Movie Monday on baby hiatus.
I am shocked and saddened by To Kill a Mockingbird’s inclusion. Atticus Finch is one of the greatest men EVER! I can’t imagine anyone not being able to learn from this hero.