Banned Book Week 2016

It is Banned Book Week this week (Sept 25th - Oct 1st). 

There are some great books that have been challenged or banned in the past. The American Library Association has been keeping track since 1982. Here is a timeline of Banned/Challenged books that you might be interested in: Banned Book Timeline. The ALA states: "A challenge is defined as a formal, written complaint, filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness. The number of challenges reflects only incidents reported. We estimate that for every reported challenge, four or five remain unreported." 

 

 

Some titles that have been challenged or banned, even since 2001, may surprise you, such as: 

1. Looking for Alaska, by John Green (in the top 10 challenged in 2015, 2013, & 2012. Published in 2005.)
   Reasons: Offensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited for age group.


2. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie (in the top 10 challenged in 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, & 2010. Published in 2007.)
   Reasons: anti-family, cultural insensitivity, drugs/alcohol/smoking, gambling, offensive language, sex education, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group, violence. Additional reasons: “depictions of bullying”


3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky (in the top 10 challenged in 2014, 2013, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2004. Published in 1999.)
   Reasons: drugs/alcohol/smoking, homosexuality, offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group. Additional reasons: “date rape and masturbation”


4. Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey (in the top 10 challenged in 2013, 2012, 2005, 2004, 2002. First book published in 1997.)
   Reasons: Offensive language, unsuited for age group, violence


5. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou (2007, 2004, 2002, 2001. Published in 1969.)
   Reason: sexually explicit

Teachers and students are encouraged to come to the BAA Library and browse our display of books that have been banned or challenged elsewhere to celebrate their freedom to read!