September 29 to October 6 marks the 26th anniversary of Banned Books Week. Observed since 1982, the celebration serves as a reminder not to take for granted our First Amendment right to free speech, including the right to read and write books that are considered unorthodox or controversial.
According to the American Library Association, books "usually are challenged with the best intentions - to protect others, frequently children, from difficult ideas and information.” Challenges of a book can come from any end of the political spectrum and are most commonly made by parents.
The “10 Most Challenged Books of 2006,” listed here, reflect a range of themes. Books available at Wheelock and other FLO libraries are in bold:
- “And Tango Makes Three” by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, for homosexuality, anti-family, and being unsuited to age group;
- “Gossip Girls” series by Cecily Von Ziegesar for homosexuality, sexual content, drugs, unsuited to age group, and offensive language;
- “Alice” series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor for sexual content and offensive language;
- “The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things” by Carolyn Mackler for sexual content, anti-family, offensive language, and unsuited to age group;
- “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison for sexual content, offensive language, and unsuited to age group;
- “Scary Stories” series by Alvin Schwartz for occult/Satanism, unsuited to age group, violence, and insensitivity;
- “Athletic Shorts” by Chris Crutcher for homosexuality and offensive language;
- “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky for homosexuality, sexually explicit, offensive language, and unsuited to age group;
- “Beloved” by Toni Morrison for offensive language, sexual content, and unsuited to age group; and
- “The Chocolate War” by Robert Cormier for sexual content, offensive language, and violence.
