Banned Books Week 2015
This week the American Library Association celebrates Banned Books Week, which is an opportunity to highlight books that have been banned or challenged in schools and public libraries around the country. The goal is to expose readers to literature that present different ideas and perspectives, even if those ideas and perspectives are contrary to their own beliefs.
According to the ALA, there were 311 reported attempts to remove or restrict materials from school curricula and library bookshelves during the 2014-2015 school year. Below are some of the most challenged or banned books from 2014 that can be borrowed from the Roslindale Branch Library.
And Tango Makes Three
By Justin Richardson
At New York City’s Central Park Zoo, two male penguins fall in love and start a family by taking turns sitting on an abandoned egg until it hatches.
Reasons: Anti-family, homosexuality, political viewpoint, religious viewpoint, unsuited for age group. Additional reasons: “promotes the homosexual agenda”
The Bluest Eye
By Toni Morrison
An eleven-year-old African-American girl in Ohio, in the early 1940s, prays for her eyes to turn blue so that she will be beautiful.
Reasons: Sexually explicit, unsuited for age group. Additional reasons: “contains controversial issues”
It’s Perfectly Normal
By Robie Harris
Introduces human sexuality, describes the changes brought about by puberty, and discusses sexual abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, and pregnancy.
Reasons: Nudity, sex education, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group. Additional reasons: “alleges it child pornography”
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
By Stephen Chbosky
Devastating loss, young love, and life on the fringes. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie must learn to navigate those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.
Reasons: drugs/alcohol/smoking, homosexuality, offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group. Additional reasons: “date rape and masturbation”
There are dozens of other books that have been banned or challenged over the last two decades. You can find the full lists here.
Learn more about Banned Books Week here.
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