How do books get banned or censored? It generally starts with a challenge, which the American Library Association defines as "a formal, written complaint, filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness." Typically, these are children's books or young adult books. Banned Books Week is not the only time we should be aware of banned books and censorship. Below are the most challenged books of 2005 and the reasons people wanted them banned or censored, plus online sources of additional information.
1. It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health
Author: Robie H. Harris
ALA Report: Challenged "for homosexuality, nudity, sex education, religious viewpoint, abortion and being unsuited to age group"
For more Information: Read a review of It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health and visit the Robie H. Harris Web site.
(Candlewick, 10th Anniversary edition, 2004; ISBN: 0763626104)
ALA Report: Challenged "for homosexuality, nudity, sex education, religious viewpoint, abortion and being unsuited to age group"
For more Information: Read a review of It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health and visit the Robie H. Harris Web site.
(Candlewick, 10th Anniversary edition, 2004; ISBN: 0763626104)
2. Forever
Author: Judy BlumeALA Report: Challenged "for sexual content and offensive language"
For more Information: Visit the Judy Blume Web site, particularly the sections on censorship and on Forever.
(Atheneum, 2002; ISBN: 0689849737)
3. The Catcher in the Rye
Author: J.D. SalingerALA Report: Challenged "for sexual content, offensive language and being unsuited to age group"
For more Information: See the brief review and other resources from About: Classic Literature Guide Esther Lombardi.
(Little, Brown and Company, 1951; ISBN: 0316769533)
4. The Chocolate War
Author: Robert CormierALA Report: Challenged "for sexual content and offensive language"
For more Information: Read an interview with Robert Cormier. Robert Cormier passed away November 2, 2000.
(Knopf Books for Young Readers; Reissue edition, 1974; ISBN: 0394828054)
5. Whale Talk
Author: Chris CrutcherALA Report: Challenged "for racism and offensive language"
For more Information: See A Guide to Teaching Challenged and Banned Books Featuring the novels of Chris Crutcher, the Teenreads.com review of Whale Talk, and the Chris Crutcher Web site.
(Greenwillow, 2001: ISBN: 0688180191)
6. Detour for Emmy
Author: Marilyn ReynoldsALA Report: Challenged "for sexual content"
For more Information: Visit the official Marilyn Reynolds Web site and the Morning Glory Press site.
(Morning Glory Press, 1993; ISBN: 0930934768)
7. What My Mother Doesn't Know
Author: Sonya SonesALA Report: Challenged "for sexual content and being unsuited to age group"
For more Information: Visit the official Sonya Sones Web site, particularly the section on What My Mother Doesn't Know.
(Simon Pulse; Reprint edition, 2003; ISBN: 0689855532)
8. Captain Underpants Series
Author: Dav PilkeyALA Report: Challenged "for anti-family content, being unsuited to age group and violence"
For more Information: Visit the official Dav Pilkey Web site and read a review of Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman: The Fifth Epic Novel (Scholastic).
9. Crazy Lady!
Author: Jane Leslie ConlyALA Report: Challenged "for offensive language"
For more Information: Read the teacher's guide for While No One Was Watching and Crazy Lady!. Awards include 1994 Newbery Honor Book, Notable Children's Books of 1994 (ALA), 1994 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA), 1994 Young Adult Editors' Choices (BL), 1994 Books for the Teen Age (NY Public Library), Young Adult Choices for 1995 (IRA).
(Harper Paperbacks, 2005; ISBN: 0064405710)
10. It's So Amazing! A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families
Author: Robie H. HarrisALA Report: Challenged "for sex education and sexual content"
For more Information: visit the Robie H. Harris Web site and read educator Carol Hurst's brief review of the book.
(Candlewick, 2004; ISBN: 0763613215)
Who do you think should censor your children's books? Vote in the About: Children's Books poll and post your comments.
