Some Reasons Books Have Been Banned or Challenged
Did you know:
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was banned in China (1931) for portraying animals and humans on the same level.
Four members of the Alabama State Textbook Committee (1983) called for the rejection of Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl because it is a “real downer.”
Gulliver’s Travels was denounced as wicked and obscene in Ireland (1726).
James and the Giant Peach has been challenged at the Pederson Elementary School in Altoona, Wis. (1991) and at the Morton Elementary School library in Brooksville, Fla. (1992) because the book contains the word “ass” and “promotes” the use of drugs (tobacco, snuff) and whiskey.
Le Morte D’Arthur was challenged as required reading at the Pulaski County High School in Somerset, Ky. (1997) because it is “junk.”
The Lorax was challenged in the Laytonville, Calif. Unified School District (1989) because it “criminalizes the foresting industry.”
Where the Sidewalk Ends was challenged at the West Allis-West Milwaukee, Wis. school libraries (1986) because the book “suggests drug use, the occult, suicide, death, violence, disrespect for truth, disrespect for legitimate authority, rebellion against parents.”
Where’s Waldo? was removed from the Springs Public School library in East Hampton, N.Y. (1993) because there is a tiny drawing of a woman lying on the beach wearing a bikini bottom but no top.
Harry Potter tops the list of the most challenged books of the 21st century.
Celebrate your freedom, and remember to join me tomorrow to talk about your favorite banned books.
Information sources: The Forbidden Library & ALA
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, Gulliver’s Travels, James and the Giant Peach, Le Morte D’Arthur, The Lorax, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Where’s Waldo?, Harry Potter
October 5th, 2007 at 2:42 am
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