Just the idea of banning books makes my stomach turn. Knowing that there have been so many banned and often literally burning mountains of books makes me want to cry. Why some people feel they have the right to decide what others should not and can not read makes me furious. Of course, I do not mean a parent's obligation to be sure their children are reading age appropriate material.
Every year the American Library Association hosts Banned Books Week in order to educate the public about books that certain groups either have or are attempting to have banned. This weeks is also designed to celebrate an individuals freedom to read.
For more information, including a list of banned and challenged books, visit the ALA website
I must admit that I have read several of the books on these lists. There are even some, such as Animal Farm and To Kill a Mockingbird that I read in high school. These two books are considered 'too political'. That is so utterly ridiculous to me! Too political? In the United States of America - really? Well yes, I suppose so, as it has become increasingly popular to not have a clear political opinion.
I'm going to read through the entire list and pick one or two books to intentionally read during this week. Actually, I've just decided that I'm going to read all of the books on the darn list. I have no idea how long it will take me to do this but I'm going to do it all the same.
Seriously? Charlotte's Web and Winnie The Pooh?? You've got to be kidding me? Who would ban Tigger? Unbelievable... I've read SO many of those books, and many of my favorites are on that list! I think I'll join you in a challenge to read all of them... Probably take me about a decade, but I'm up for it!
ReplyDeleteOkay, wait... Scratch that. Those two are in the Top 100 course books, but aren't included in the 46 titles on that list that have been banned or challenged. (I went back and read what it said above the print.) I was gonna say....
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