Did you know reading can be a form of rebellion? Growing up, I thought a forbidden book was one from my older sister's bedroom that I was not allowed in. Or maybe it was one from that section of the bookstore people are embarrassed to be found in...you know which section! As far as I knew, book banning was something done in other cultures--in other countries, in other times. Boy, was I wrong!
For all of the effort adults put into getting everyone to read, every year there are hundreds of books they try to keep kids and teens from reading. During the week of September 21-27, be a Reading Rebel. Go to the ALA website and select a title from the list. Who knows? Maybe your favorite is on the list. Read that book in public, out loud if you want, for the world to see! Check out our website for other ways to be a reading rebel.
Here are some of my favorite banned and challenged books:
The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Junior is given the chance to go to a good school--a white school. Reasons this book made the list: Drugs/alcohol/smoking, offensive language, racism, sexually explicit and unsuited to age group.
Go Ask Alice by Anonymous. This is the story, in diary form, of a teenage girl who gets lost in the world of drugs. Reasons this book made the list: drugs, offensive language and sexually explicit.
Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher. There are thirteen reasons why Hannah killed herself; thirteen people whose actions pushed her in that direction. Only six reasons for this book being challenged or banned: Drugs/alcohol/smoking, sexually explicit, suicide and unsuited for age group.
Forever by Judy Blume. First love, first time, first loss. Reasons this book made the list: offensive language and sexual content.
The Color of Earth series by Kim Dong Hwa. Using black and white illistrations, this graphic novel is a coming of age story about a girl growing up in a small Korean town. Reasons this book made the list: nudity, sex education, sexually explicit and unsuited to age group.
Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause. Werewolves! Need I say more? Reasons this book made the list: sexually explicit and unsuited to age group
Ever wondered what an author thinks about being on the Banned and Challenged list?
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