Banned Books Week Sept. 25-Oct. 2

Holla everybody. Sorry this post is a day late. Yesterday marked the start of banned books week. Since 1982, from September 25 to October 2, libraries, schools, and bookstores all across America have challenged you to read books that have been challenged for their content. Believe it or not, even with the First Amendment in place, people still try to censor and ban books. According to the bannedbooksweek.org, “People challenge books that they say are too sexual or too violent. They object to profanity and slang, and they protest against offensive portrayals of racial or religious groups—or positive portrayals of homosexuals.” In 2009, there were 460 challenges, the top ten challenged books being:

Ttyl by Lauren Myracle

And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephan Chbosky

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things by Carolyn Mackler

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

As you can see, some of these books are over forty years old, and are still being challenged to this day. Even the dictionary has been challenged, for the use of slang terms such as "balls."

So pick up a challenged book! There are hundreds out there, from classics to contemporary masterpieces, including Harry Potter. By doing so, you make a statement about the practice of banning books, and are working to protect your right to read what you want, when you want!

For more information about Banned Books Week or for a list of events in your area, please visit bannedbooksweek.org, or the American Library Association.

FREEEDOOOM!