Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
A site where school library media students at Auburn University and Georgia Southern University can discuss intellectual freedom issues.
Posts
ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom blog
Blogging Censorship
Web Resources
- An Honor to Be Banned by Chris Crutcher
- Walter Dean Myers Interview
- Bret Hartinger on the banning of The Geography Club
- A Brieef History of Chinese Internet censorship
- Katherine Paterson interview
- Chris Crutcher answers the censors
- Judy Blume video interview
- Judy Blume talks about censorship
- Censorship and Banned Books (journal published by Random House)
- Ensuring Intellectual Freedom and Access by Helen Adams companion web site
- Intellectual Freedom 101 (Knowledge Quest issue)
- AASL Resource Guide: Intellectual Freedom
- NCTE Anti-Censorship Center
- Frequently Challenged Books (ALA)
I was surprised to see Pinkerton, Behave by Steven Kellogg on the banned book list. It is there because one of the illustrations shows a robber holding a gun to mom's head. I was so entertained with Pinkerton, that I didn't even notice it the first time I read it. I thought it was a ridiculous ban, given that children see this on TV and video games daily.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up we watched Tom and Jerry, Buggs Bunny and the Roadrunner. They did horrible things to each other. I never heard anyone hurting anyone after watching those cartoons. Today people believe things in print can be a bad influence, but what does video do? I have noticed that most complaints about books come from language and pictures at the elementary level.
ReplyDeleteCaptain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants is one of a series of books by Dav Pilkey about two fourth grade boys that create the title character Captain Underpants, a superhero, when they accidentally hypnotize their principal. The boys write, make copies of and sell a comic book about the adventures of Captain Underpants. The series has been challenged on the basis of insensitivity, encouraging children to disobey authority, and being unsuitable for age group. The books include crude humor and some violence. The internal comic book contains grammatical and spelling errors.
ReplyDeleteThis book could be Elementary or Middle School. I am putting it here because a lot of my elemetary students have read it. A Wrinkle in Time is the 1962 Newberry Award winner as well as an ALA Notable Book;it's author Madeleine L'Engle won the 1998 Margaret A Edwards Award for her contribution to writing. Yet this book is no. 22 on the ALA most frequently banned books 1990-2000. It has the distinction of being banned by completely differing groups. Religious groups say it undermines religious beliefs and object to the underlying mysticism yet other groups object to it saying it is too religious.
ReplyDeleteCaptain Underpants isn't the best literature out there, but any young boy who is a reluctant reader, suddenly becomes excited to read! From those 8 books, you can lead them to Ricky Ricotta and Gironamo Stilton. Finally, the Great Illustrated Classics will be something they will believe they can read.
ReplyDeleteA Wrinkle in Time happens to be in our elementary (primary) media center and yet I believe that it is geared more for upper (middle)elementary . This book is about a girl, Meg, who is having trouble dealing with the disappearance of her father. She feels quite awkward in her surroundings and has difficulty socializing with anyone other than her brother Charles Wallace. There are many fascinating charactersund that the siblings encounter throughout the magical story.
ReplyDeleteThe story's meaning is the age old battle of Good vs. Evil. Throughout the story power of love and friendship help to defeat the evil. A great read for science fiction fans.
I chose to read "And Tango Makes Three". I did this for several reasons. I fully understand how it landed on the banned book list. Homosexuality is a word that elementary parents flip out over. So a book with beautiful illustrations and a topic most kids love to read about, would attract a lot of attention. I was surprised to see this in our elem. mc. When I was hired, I was told we could not have "Harry Potter" books. So when I saw this one, I was slightly surprised.
ReplyDeleteThis book does talk about boy penguins hugging and sleeping together. It would be hard for some parents to get through this with their children.
I chose "A Wrinkle in Time" as well. This was because it was a book that was highly recommended to my son by his fifth grade teacher about 10 years ago and I wanted to see firsthand why it was on the banned list. When researching why others placed it there, I found it interesting that both sides of the church/anti-church group had protested this book. The church groups thought that it wasn't Christian enough with it's use of crystal balls and witches and the anti-church group thought that it contained too many Christian beliefs. As soon as I saw scripture quoted in the book, I knew that some people would object, but it never occurred to me that others would object to the mention of witches and crystal balls. I have to agree with some of the others that this book is definitely for upper elementary to middle school aged children because of the vocabulary. I would think that younger readers would become frustrated and then just give up. I'm glad that this book was recommended to my son because it led him into the rest of the series. He thoroughly enjoyed them all.
ReplyDeleteI have chosen the book The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney. I was introduced to this book 6 years ago when one of my students who hated reading purchased it at the school book fair. He couldn't put it down and actually finished it THAT day. From that day on, I have offerred the book to students who say " I can't find anything I like to read." I keep a copy on my own personal bookshelf and act as if it is a "gift" to let them read it. Every child who reads it, LOVES it and comes back to ask me for another book. The book is about Janie Johnson, a 15 year old girl who looks at the Missing Child on a milk carton, only to see herself. This starts her quest for answers. She can't believe it could be true b/c she LOVES her family, but she has always had memories of something else. In her search for answers, her parents inform her that they are actually her grandparents, and that her sister, Hannah, is actually her mother who had to save her from a cult. These answers do not settle the problem and she continues to search for more information, and actually goes to see the family of the missing girl. I really don't want to spoil the end if you have never read the book... it is soo good! Just recently, one of my students who read this book, came back to see me from high school and told me that Cooney is STILL her favorite author ever.
ReplyDeleteI am reading a Bridge to Terabithia which I think would probably be upper elementary age - I believe my daughter read it when she was in fifth grade. I was really surprised to find out that it was in the top ten challenged books on the ALA list. It is the story of a young boy and girl from different backgrounds who become great friends and create a make believe world that really helps them deal with some of the challenges in their real worlds. A tragedy occurs that the boy, Jesse, must find the strength to over come. It has been challenged on several fronts. Some have objected to the profanity in the book, which is really quite mild. Other have wanted the book banned because of religious objections, witchcraft, satanism, the use of magic, the blurring of fantasy and reality in the make believe world, disrespect to adults, and because they think that the subject of death should be taboo in childrens' books. I was floored that people could find so many things to be upset over in this remarkable story.
ReplyDeleteSarah - Thanks so much for the recommendation of The Face on the Milk Carton. I have never read it and I don't believe our MC has it, but I think I will go get a copy tomorrow. I have a fifth grader at my school who is an avid reader. She is always asking me for new books and this sounds like just her kind of book.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am reading How to Eat Fried Worms. It is upper elementary level. The story is about two boys who make a $50 bet that the one boy can eat 13 worms in 13 days. The boy who is going to eat the worms wants the money so he can buy a motorbike. I read this to my class every year and was very surprised to find it on the banned book list. My students love the humor and gross aspect of eating worms. I can see parents objecting to the book due to the boys betting as some people see this as sinful. Also the boys get into a physical fight. The one boy who would have to pay the $50 does all kinds of deceitful things to try to not lose the bet. Parents may feel that this promotes these kinds of behaviors.
ReplyDeleteI just read an article about a principal who ate fried worms for his students reaching a reading goal. I think most of the banned books on the elementary level are challenged because parents don't want to face the fact their kids are getting older and will become exposed to more mature topics. Just one ride on a public school bus can cure that in a heartbeat! I think if you talk to your kids about the themes in the books they are reading, your values and beliefs will overshadow what they read in a book.
ReplyDeleteI chose Mirandy and Brother Wind by Patricia McKissick. I was shocked to know it had been challenged but then again some people.....The book tells a story of Mirandy's desire to win the junior cakewalk with the help of Brother Wind and her search for information on how to capture him. It is a story created from a picture Patricia found of her grandparents winning a cakewalk in 1906 and her grandfather stating that he thought "Mama had captured the wind."
ReplyDeleteAs I researched, I discovered it was challenged in a number of states for various reasons: use of black dialect, reference to conjuring(the occult), and sexual relations between men and boys. I must say the last one is pretty far out there and I don't quite understand where that idea came from in the book. I think in the past people often were given the satisfaction of getting the book removed from the shelf rather than having to face the fact that their opinion is just that theirs.
I also have read How to Eat Fried Worms to my students. They love it! I have not seen the movie - does it follow the book accurately? Most parents do not read the books cover to cover, only pick out parts they do not agree with. They need to remember that these books are for kids and are meant to be gross and humorous - that's what gets them to read!
ReplyDeleteI also read Captain Underpants because I wanted to see why all my 3 - 5 grade boys were so enthralled. It's super silly, but they like it. I think they understand the difference between fiction books and what we do in our daily lives.
I too am reading A Bridge to Terabithia, and I also found it hard to believe that it was so far up the list of challenged books. Katherine Patterson is also a pastor's wife, and I think it's great that she writes with such feeling and realism.. I loved the book, and I thought the language was VERY mild compared to what I hear on tv every day. The stuff about fantasy-what about a child's imagination? That is about all we had when I was a child growing up. I think parents are going a little overboard. I would not object to my children reading this at all.
ReplyDeleteI am also reading A Bridge to Terabithia and it is geared for upper middle school children. Some of my fourth grade students are able to read it, but the text is difficult for most. Katherine Paterson is a wonderful author. This book expresses a child's imagination,courage, friendship, and tragedy. This is a great book for children to read.
ReplyDeleteThe book I chose was Are You There God? It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume. This was a challenged book because of its treatment of sexuality and religion. In this book Margaret explores her quest for a single religion and dealing with her issues in the belief of God. Margaret also confronts many other pre-teen issues, such as buying her first bra, having her first period, jealousy towards another girl who has developed a womanly figure earlier, liking boys, and whether to voice her opinion if it differs from what her girlfriends seem to believe. I loved Judy Blume's books growing up especially this one. I found them humerous and easy to relate to. As a child I would have never thought they would have been challenged in the ways they have.
ReplyDeleteI also chose Mirandy and Brother Wind by Patricia McKissick. I was shocked to know it had been challenged also because it is just a book about capturing the wind. The book tells a story of Mirandy and how she wants to win the junior cakewalk with help from Brother Wind. She tries throughout the book to capture him so that he can help her win the cakewalk. As I researched, I found the same ideas, that it was challenged in being considered occult and black dilect. I did not see or hear about the sexual relations between men and boys... I do not get that??? I do agree that people are just expressing their opinions and are looking to far into this book. McKissack to me was trying to give a brief history lesson in that she was saying how she and people like her felt when slavery was a big issue. She was saying how they just wanted to be free. She used brother wind to symbolize slaves and how they wish they could be free like the wind and be able to do what they want to do. Let me know if you read it what you think!
ReplyDeleteI'm reading How to Eat Fried Worms. I had no idea until I started this class that it was a banned book. I have read it with 4 groups of studnets and they love the book.
ReplyDeleteI am also reading How To Eat Fried Worms. When I was searching the banned book list, I was very surprised when I found it on there. This book is on my bookshelf and my students love to read it. Especially the boys in the class! Now I understand why. Boys always like hearing about the gross things that other people do!
ReplyDeleteI picked up and couldn't put down The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson--also the author of A Bridge to Terabithia. As I was reading at lunch time today, a teacher walked into my office (at an elementary school mind you) and said, "That is a fantastic book, isn't it?" Like many others, I wouldn't have known this was a banned book, perhaps other than a few queues from the language.
ReplyDeleteIt is an account told by an eleven-year old foster child, Gilly (Galadriel) Hopkins, that has been burned by the system so to speak--loved a family she lived with, but when they moved and left her behind, she lost all faith in family and love...no longer wished to even try to develop a relationship with people. That was until she was placed with Maime Trotters and her other foster child William Ernest Teague and also met the next door neighbor, Mr. Randolph. Along the way Gilly meets a teacher she really begins to like, but still acts out perhaps as a conditioned behavior, so as to create (or so she thinks) a relationship with her biological mother, and ends up moving in with her Grandmother (her real mother's mother). And though it isn't at all what she had hoped for, she learns the reality of life not being fair.
I am sure this book has caused controversy and has been banned because of the language of the main character, Gilly, as well as the subject matter that this book deals with. Also, there is a hint of religion mixed in too...but mostly I would think it is because of language.
However, that being said, these characters are so endearing and are described so well that they really come to life. I truly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to most any upper-level elementary students, though a language 'notice' would probably be necessary.
Shelly :)
I, like a few others, chose Bridge to Terabithia and was dumbfounded that it would be a regular on the challenged book list. I was not sure where to post as it is appropriate for either upper elementary or lower middle grades.
ReplyDeleteBridge to Terabithia is a story about a boy and a girl, Jess and Leslie, who become best friends. They create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia. Throughout the story, their friendship grows and the characters develop and grow as individuals. The story ends in a tragedy and portrays Jess’s grieving process in an accurate and realistic manner.
The three main areas challenged in Bridge to Terabithia are language, religious or social concerns, and the ending. The language is authentic to the time period and the character’s setting. The few ‘swear’ words used are “Lord”, “damn”, and “hell”. The religious or social concerns deal with references to witchcraft, the irreverence for religion, and the lack of respect for adults. Finally, the ending is thought to be depressing or upsetting to children.
My daughter (she read it in 5th grade)and I have both read the book several times. Each time the book has moved me to tears. It is steeped in ‘real life’ situations and allows the reader to catch a glimpse of how other people live and interact with each other. The language did not bother me at all and I am sure kids hear a lot worse walking in the halls at school, playing at the playground, and watching television. In terms of the religious concerns, I felt it was a very accurate portrayal of how a lot of Americans live and respond to religion. The ending is sad and depressing, but at the same time it is uplifting by showing how the characters deal with this tragedy.
I also chose Bridge to Terabithia as my banned book. Despite the fact that this is a very good piece of literature this book is often banned, especially in the elementary schools and the school I work in is no exception to this. There are several reasons this book is banned. One reason this book offends many people is because of it's use of swear words. Altough profanity is used in many homes we still find it offensive in childrens literature. The book has also been banned because of it's subject matter, many people find death an inappropriate topic for young children and therefore challenge the book. I have read this book several times myself. Although I do not condone swearing I realize that it is a part of life. I also feel that in this day and time with many young people dying it is better to face death with our children rather than shelter them from it. I applaude Katherine Paterson for writing such a realistic piece of literature.
ReplyDeleteI chose the book Witches by Roald Dahl. I am a big fan of Dahl's other works, and it intrigued me that he would have a banned book. After I read it though I could understand why it might have been challenged. It falls in line with books like Harry Potter, many people see wizardry and witches as evil, and they don't want to expose their children to it. The book does give a very graphic description of the witches, who look normal most of the time, but actually are bald-headed, have claws for hands, and no toes. The Grand Witch actually torches an insubordinate witch at their yearly meeting (witnessed by the main character- a little boy). "Cooked like a carrot" is how the torching is described... in the true Roald Dahl style. I didn't think it was Dahl's best work, but he is a very diverse writer and is often tongue in cheek in the way he writes. However, it will never by a Charlie or Matilda rival.
ReplyDeleteThe book I chose is "Here's to You, Rachel Robinson" by Judy Blume. I chose this book because it was challenged by a parent at my school just this school year. I teach at an elementary school, and I am on the media committee that decided to ban it from the school collection. It was challenged because of language - specifically the "F" word. The book is about a 7th grade girl who excels in just about everything. She is well aware of her "giftedness" and the fact that she is different from her friends/peers. The story deals with her tribulations as an adolescent as well as coming to terms with her difficult and often trouble-making older brother (who has been kicked out of boarding school). I am not finished with the book yet, but so far I'm really enjoying it. However, I cannot understand why it was ever put into an elementary school media center. It is strictly for middle school age students. The content is definitely more mature - not to mention "the word." In just the first couple of chapters the story addressed the main character kissing in the parking lot after a school dance, a single parent cousin who is 22 years old, and other subject matters more suitable for 12+ students.
ReplyDeleteI am so surprised to see "How to Eat Fried Worms" on a banned book list. I teach 4th grade, and we incorporated it into a really fun science lesson every year. I cannot think of any valid reason for a challenge against this book. Our students absolutely love it (and the lesson).
ReplyDeleteNow I am wanting to read The Great Gilly Hopkins, as (I am ashamed to admit) I was unfamiliar with it. The storyline sounds intriguing, and very linear to so many of my students' own situations. Of course, without reading it myself, I cannot speak on the language or deeper content. However, the story sounds as like one that our students could really relate to and appreciate. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI also chose Bridge to Terabithia. I've read through some of the challenges that have been made and they are usually concerned with the issue of death, the profanity (which isn't bad at all), the fantasy elements, and being disrespectful to adults. Personally, I think that the book is very relevant for kids who have experienced a loss like this and a lot of my fourth graders have read and enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Blubber, I can’t believe that it has been banned so many times! It is a very true “reality” of how 5th grade students behave. I researched many reviews to find out why this has been such a controversial novel, and many have complained about the fact of how the evil goes unpunished. Maybe parents do not want to believe that this happens????
ReplyDeleteThis book was banned from libraries thirteen times. It was challenged by an elementary school in Perry Township, Ohio. The administration thought the book should be banned because “bad is never punished, good never comes to the fore, evil is triumphant.” This quote illustrates precisely what is so real and true about Blume’s writing. Now and again, evil does win out over good. As Ellen Barry said, “The fact is, by fourth grade kids already know that evil is occasionally triumphant. To teach them otherwise would be rank malpractice,” (Judy Blume for President, bostonphoenix.com). It has also been banned because of a couple of “offensive” words unsuited for the age group.
Blubber tells the tale of an overweight girl who is unmercifully teased and bullied by her classmates. The book rings so true because the narrator is one of the bullies, not the victim. This is an example of the connection Blume is able to make with readers. Many students are bullied but many more are silent partners in bullying. Many readers can relate to the experience of the narrator who ultimately becomes the bullied.
I think there are two real messages that we can derive from this book. There's the obvious "Golden Rule" lesson - treat others as you'd like to be treated, and the other lesson is about standing up for yourself.
I chose "How to Eat Fried Worms" as my banned/challenged book because I always read this book to my students in the fourth grade and we all loved it! I could not figure out why this book would be challenged and couldn't remember anything specifically that would cause people to get upset.
ReplyDeleteThe book was #13 on the ALA most challenged list of the 1990s. According to their site, people claimed that eating worms is socially unacceptable, the book promotes betting and gambling, the father drinks beer, and it contains the word "bastard."
I honestly do not believe that this story would cause anyone to start eating worms. However, we must remember that some people in other countries do eat worms. If anything, I remember thinking how gross it seemed. As far as the betting goes, who has never made a bet as a child. Unfortunately, many of our students live with parents who drink beer regularly and hear cussing constantly. I would still read the book to my class if I were teaching fourth graders again!
When I spoke of my book, The Face on the Milk Carton, I didn't post WHY it was being challenged. I didn't post because I was sure that somewhere I would find a much deeper reason than I was actually finding. Everything I found was due to sexual content (which is slim to none)and mild cursing. I was expecting to find something about the missing and exploited children or her independence in defying her parents to find out about her past, but surprisingly those were not mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI decided to read Call of the Wild as my banned book. I had an idea that killing would be involved and that is why it would be banned. I have to say that it was a good book, but I did not enjoy the killing and beatings that took place in the book. The book was basically about a domesticated dog that is kidnapped and taken to the cold, Yukon Territory to work as a sled dog. It is about the transformation from tame to wild. Lots of dog abuse and savage behavior. The story was well written, I just did not like the violence.
ReplyDeleteI don't really see why it should be banned. If a student started to read the book and could not stand to read how the dogs/animals were treated; they could easily return the book just like all the others.
I also forgot to post why my book, A Wrinkle in Time, is a banned book. When I first started reading it I didn't feel like anything was reason enough for it to be placed upon "the list". The ms at my school (elementary and high) was unaware of why it is even banned. However, when I researched the reasons why, religious undertones and scripture references were mentioned as the reasons for it being on the banned book list. When I told our ms' the reasons they were surprised at why someone would have it pulled from the shelf. Our town is quite small. trying to ban a book that makes references to Jesus,seems odd to them. However, there are also witches and other philosophers in the story that are cause for discussion among some. I wonder if that is why the story is so appealing as well?
ReplyDeleteI am also reading "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson. I see that many people have selected this book; I loved the book when I was younger and I have loved re-reading it.
ReplyDeleteI believe this book is appropriate for upper elementary grades and middle grades. I too was shocked that it was so high up on the banned book list and that so many people object to children reading it. As others have stated, it has been place on the banned list due to unsuitable language, magic/fantasy, and the death of a child. (I think it's a great story!)
I have read A Bridge to Terabithia, and I did not find anything offensive in the book. I teach fifth grade, and I feel it is totally appropriate for this age group. The story is about a boy and girl from different backgrounds that come together to form a bond. They play in a make-believe world which is what children do...imagine. The challenge of the beliefs in that one of the families doesn't attend church, and the other only attends on Easter does not mean that they are evil people. Also, death is a part of life that children need to learn about to help them cope when the event occurs in their lifetime. The author lets the reader experience all of these life situations in such a meaningful way. I cannot believe that people challenge it.
ReplyDeleteSo many of the challenged books on the list surprised me. Pinkerton, Behave was especially a surprise. I would not have known the reason if I had not looked it up.
ReplyDeleteI chose to read "Where the Wild Things Are." The book is about a boy named Max, and when he decides to put on his wolf suit one night and create mischief all over his house, his mother decides to call him a “wild thing”, but when Max responds to his mother by telling her that he will eat her up, she sends him to his room early with no supper. While there a forest started to grow all around him. Max boarded a boat and set sail to where the wild things are, but they were actually scared of him instead of the other way around and declared him the most wild thing of all. After a while, Max realized that he just wanted to be with the ones he knew loved him. Max decided to give up being the king of all wild things and return home, where he found his supper waiting for him in his room.
ReplyDeleteI was very surprised that this book was challenged, but it has been challenged because of issues involving "witchcraft" and supernatural elements, the issue that Max is exhibiting such poor behavior, and many did not agree with the disciplinary actions that his mother took towards him.
I also read A Bridge to Terabithia. I read the book a long, long time ago and could not recall reasons for the book to be banned. I read the book again to pay close attention to its content. It is a touching story of a lonely young boy who befriends a new girl that moves near him. They encounter differences: she is wealthy, outgoing, and loves to fantisize, he seems to be poor, a loner, and loves to draw. They build a fantasy kingdom in the woods. The girl, Leslie dies trying to get to the kingdom alone.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I investigated reviews to understand others reasons for the book being banned: language-use of damn and hell infrequently, religious-promote witchcraft and gave students a negative view of life, and dealing with dealt. I disagree with the reasons. As an educator, I often have my students imagine or fantacize about a topic. It promotes their creativity. Dealing with grief is not a good experience but a part of life.
You know what I find amusing - how many times I have read "I don't understand why this book is on the banned book list" - very few have not said it. I read Wrinkle in Time (I cannot believe it took me this long to read it). As I said in my first blog, it was banned due to lack of true religious content and too much religious content...honestly shouldn't that tell someone something? I don't understand why this book is on the banned book list.
ReplyDeleteI read the book, Bridge to Terabithia, which has been challenged for the subject matter of death, profanity, and the children's belief in a higher power other than God. I actually read this book aloud to my fourth graders a year ago, which was a year after the death of a fourth grade girl at our school. Many of my children had experienced the death of a grandparent or elderly friend, but the death of a child was a totally different experience. I do not believe that reading about death is wrong for children. It may be diffucult for them, but so is handling the reality of death without any prior knowledge of it. Being a person who had to handle death at an early age, I can understand why children would find this book comforting if they are struggling with the idea of death. After reading an interview with Katherine Paterson, I found that she wrote this book for her son, who had lost his bset friend at 8 years old. Knowing this made the story even more real and touching for me.
ReplyDeleteAs for the profanity in the book, the language is mild and is used to make the characters seem real. Paterson stated that she was creating a dialogue to reflect the people she knew from that area. When I read this story to my class I chose another word or skipped over it because the language is not the center of the story.
Many people are also uncomfortable with the children's imaginary world and that Leslie does not know God. Children need to be creative and be able to develop their imaginations. Leslie does not know God at the beginning of the story, but she is introduced to him at church. I believe that Paterson leaves the story open, so the reader can have hope and faith that Leslie does believe in God.
I feel like this book would be appropriate for a read aloud book and class discussion with fourth grade. If a child is reading independetely, I feel like they need to be a mature fourth grader to middle schooler.
I read "Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus" by Barbara Park. I was quite surprised to learn the Junie B. Jones books were on the "Top 100, 2000-2007" list and Barbara Park was actually one of the top ten challenged authors for 2004. I teach third grade and many of my students love the Junie B. books (especially those who are making the transition to chapter books).
ReplyDeleteThis book tells of almost-six year old, Junie B. Jones, and her experience beginning kindergarten. She is very upset that she must ride that "stupid" yellow bus. She is also afraid of "the meanies" on the bus and the threat of having chocolate milk poured on her head on the way home from school.
Many parents are challenging this entire series because six year old Junie B. has terrible grammar. She speaks of "pasketti," uses words like "funnest" and "stupid" and calls her classmates "dumb." She also throws fits, stomping her feet and yelling at her mother and teacher.
Many of those challenging these series feel that Junie B. can be a bit impeteous and sets a poor example for young readers. I personally feel that Junie B. is just a realistic portrayal of five and six year olds, how they act at times and the speech is not all that far-fetched. She is a believable character. Also, there are many other books with characters who set a much worse example of how to act. I looked up some other information on this series, and actually found an article the New York Times did concerning it. One comical point was that just because children read about characters who speak differently, does not necessarily mean they will start to talk like those characters. The example the article gave was how many children do you know that have read "The Secret Garden" and begin speaking with a Yorkshire accent?
I am going to post this on all three of these blogs (just thought you should know if you are reading them all - it's not deja-vu!)
ReplyDeleteMy district just banned a book from all middle schools and high schools - The Burn Journals. I have not read this book, but from the reviews I have read online, I am not sure I would select it for middle schoolers. I have been speaking to my media specialist about this all this past week, and from what she can find out - this ban did not even go through the process - and our district does have a board approved process for this. At least one of the MS in the district is upset (and willing to admit it and make waves) and has contacted the ALA for help. The next few weeks should be interesting. Here is a link to the newspaper article if you would like to see it:
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/08/georgia-book-sparks-debate/
I read one of Judy Blume's books because she is an author that has been a target of censorship. I have learned that Judy has made a difference because she has fought for First Amendment Rights. Students want to read her books becasue they are curious about what she writes about, it is about life events. I read, Are You There God, It's Me Margaret? which is about a soon to be twelve-year old girl's desire to develop breasts, have a menstruation cycle and have a religion. She talks to God about everything she goes through with other girls her age. This is a fine example of how developmental stages are different with the characters Nancy and Margaret. Some students may be able to read this book before others and students will surley discuss books like these, because they probably want to share what's on the pages. I remember being this age and having these experiences too. I believe parents find this book objective or dangerous because they fear their child growing up and learning these things before they really want to accept the facts.
ReplyDeleteI decided to read another banned book targeted at a different level. Call of the Wild is targeted at elementary level. I read, Deenie, by Judy Blume. This is a coming of age story like, "Are You There God? It's Me Margaret." There was reference to sexual behavior and conversation. I enjoyed reading it and I think it is appropriate for middle to high school girls to read it. I think it will require a little explanation by an adult, but it allows girls to see that they are not that different from other girls their age.
ReplyDeleteDeenie is about a girl in middle school who aspires to be a model since that is what her mom wants. She runs into a challenge that forces her to come to terms with mixed ideas about people around her. I would like to see a sequel to the book. The issue of brain versus beauty is approached.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to Rebecca's post on Junie B., my students ABSOLUTELY love her. I wish that I could get a commission from her books. Each year when we begin reading them, the students order caboodles of them from the Scholastic book order. I don't know if it is because I read to sound like her or because they can identify with her? Who knows, but they hate to take "commercial breaks" (between chapters) and want me to keep reading. I think that is a good sign of an interest in reading:0) On another note, I didn't even realize that it was a banned book.
ReplyDeleteI concur with others who love Junie B. Jones books. My daughter and I read them together when she was in kindergarten, and I laughed as much (or more) than she did. I teach three low-level 4th grade reading classes, and most of my students love these books. I did have to get past the incorrect grammar in the book when talking "Junie B. style" because my students use such incorrect grammar in their everyday language as it is. These are wonderful books for students who are venturing into chapter books, and the stories are entertaining. Anything that will sustain my students' interest for a decent length of time for independent reading is okay with me (well, almost!).
ReplyDeleteI agree with the points that tcady made about why parents ban books. They do not like the profanity and the thought of introducing topics to children that they feel they are not ready for. While researching the controversy over Blume's Blubber, I found many statements that she made on her thoughts of why parents ban books. Here are a couple of her comments:
ReplyDeleteOne argument behind much criticism of Blume is that her writing rushes the end
of youthful innocence. Blume says that her novels “may force such parents to
talk to their children about uncomfortable subjects; rather than do that, it’s easier to ban the book.” Blume feels that it would be great if kids could talk with their
parents about anything. She says, “That doesn’t happen. And not just about sex. It’s the real stuff of life. It’s death, money, family relationships, religion – everything about which parents want merely to say, ‘You do it because that’s the way it is.’
I think I agreee with her comments about why parents want to ban books. These books are reality and include the facts of life sometimes. Kids are already exposed to these things in the real world. I think wanting to ban these books are going a little too far. If they choose to not want their child to read the books then that is fine, but this choice should not be made for everyone.
I chose to read "Blubber" by Judy Blume because she was one of my favorite authors growing up and I loved "How To Eat Fried Worms." As I read "Blubber" I found that it was talking from a 5th grade point of view and it talked about how this certain group of popular bullies treated this one girl and even named her "Blubber" because of her size. As I read the book I became angry as a parent and found it offensive. I would not want this to happen to my children in any grade, but I started reading reviews about "Blubber" and one of the reviews was from a 5th or 6th grader who stated that the language and violence within the story actually happen in real life. Then I realized that I went through those same things in school and that we can't avoid them but learn how to deal with them. I was like many others shocked to find that Judy Blume is challenged Author, but if you really think about what she is saying in her stories they really happen and I think it will help children deal with the problems around them. Teachers and Parents should also discuss what takes place within these stories and discuss what alternative choices the characters could have made and then discuss what choices their students or children should make. As a parent, if I have problems with a book that my child is reading for language or religion purposes then I will make that a personal matter with her teacher. I would want my parents to do the same.
ReplyDeleteThis is a response to maddoxmi on March 4. I also grew up with bugs bunny, the road runner and all of those cartoons but never sought out to attempt any of their stunts to anyone. I feel that if parents will become part of what their children watch and read and explain what is going on and alternative actions this will teach children that just because they read it or watch doesn't mean they have to try it on their on. As parents we must teach our children these life skills and that reading can open their views on life.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to find James and the Giant Peach on the list of banned books. I remember watching the movie when I was in elementary school (and I'm only 23).
ReplyDeleteI’m reading James and the Giant Peach. My research has taught me that a challenge was brought to the school advisory council in Indian River County, Florida, because of the story's mystical element: magic crocodile tongues given to James by a mysterious old man serve as fertilizer to his aunts' decrepit peach tree. The Times of London reported that James and the Giant Peach was once banned in a Wisconsin town because a reference to Spider licking her lips could be "taken in two ways, including sexual." Other challenges to James and the Giant Peach are a bit more conventional. The use of the word "a$$" led to a 1991 challenge in Altoona, Wisconsin. One year later, a woman in Hernando County, Florida, took issue with Grasshopper's statement, "I'd rather be fried alive and eaten by a Mexican!", as well as references to snuff, tobacco and whiskey. Her complaints to her 10-year-old daughter's school principal led to review by the regional school board.
I chose the book "Are you there God It’s Me Margaret” by Judy Blume. This book is on the banned list because of its strong sexuality innuendos and religion topics. Margaret seeks advice by ‘talking’ and praying to God, to help find herself. Margaret’s family relocates and she must find 'new' friends as a preteen. Margaret also is going through those normal preteen issues such as: getting her period, buying a bra, boys and friends developing first. I liked all of Judy Blume’s books while growing up however I never read this actual one.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the comments Laura Maples made in regards to Bridge to Terabithia. I have read this book almost every year since I have been teaching 5th grade. Of course there is always the murmur that fills the room the first time they read the curse words that the father says, but I have always used it as a learning experience. I LOVE the thoughts of the author when she discusses how she tried to bring the characters to life through these aspects. We spin off into a discussion of why do people curse like the father does. I then have a journal entry... I am never surprised that one of the students will talk about how they feel when their parent curses at them. We don't have to condone everything we read, but we can certainly use them as learning experiences.
ReplyDeleteRebecca said "Many of those challenging these series feel that Junie B. can be a bit impeteous and sets a poor example for young readers. I personally feel that Junie B. is just a realistic portrayal of five and six year olds, how they act at times and the speech is not all that far-fetched. She is a believable character." I believe the very popularity is what elicited this response compared to other books with even less model characters. I think Rebecca gets at the heart of the issue that is behind challenges of 'modern' children's literture. Traditionally, children's books were supposed to act as a lantern to the path of righteous living, so characters were supposed to be model characters, whether believable or not. Naturally, since none of us is perfect, the characters were not very believable. But as early as the 1870s, authors like Mark Twain (especially Mark Twain) chose to hold up a mirror to life by presenting believable characters, leaving it to the reader to draw their own conclusions. Often, we worry that the reader is not mature enough, experienced enough, or smart enough to draw the right conclusions. Also, people worry that children will imitate the undesirable behaviors. What adults seem to forget that even if the character in the book is appealing, the book is not the only influence on the child's life. If a child uses inappropriate language or throws tantrums, he or she will be corrected, and fast! As the NYT article said, few children go about imitating Junie B.'s language.
ReplyDeleteLaura Maples's point that whether adults wish to discuss the issue of death with children or not, they inevitably experience it while growing up,and being prepared psychologically is important. Everyone whom I know, who had lost someone close to them as a child, has commented about books like Bridge to Terabithia and Cynthia Rylant's Missing May that they would have liked to have had a book like this to read as a child.
ReplyDeleteSarah's comment on The Face on the Milk Carton makes me think that often people will not voice their real objections, or maybe are not even quite aware of them. Maybe that is what was happening with this book.
ReplyDeleteI found And Tango Makes Three to be a lovely,low-key description of something that the author actually observed in the zoo. The author does not go into details of homosexuality, but rather focuses on the fact that these two penguins were different but still wanted to follow through with raising a family. The egg that the zoo-keeper placed in their nest would have died otherwise. I believe that if a parent were to read this book with a young child, their interest would be far more on raising tango than on the fact that these two penguins are both males. As a parent I would have just said that two males could not create a baby penguin, that's why they had to adopt one. As with other books that people believe act as guidebooks, this is a book that describes what is, not what one should do and it is completely unlikely to lead to imitation. Too, like with other books on sexuality, if a child is too young to deal with it, they won't even notice, while for the rare gay child who is aware of his sexuality at such an early age, this might be comforting. Also, for the children who live in families of same-sex parents reading this book would be really helpful. Should schools buy it, I don't know, but I do think it should be in public libraries.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the posts about How to Eat Fried Worms. I must admit I was surprised to see that it was a "banned" book. It was one of my favorites as a student and as a teacher. On March 8, "bcassels" asked about the movie - I have seen it and it is very cute and is very close to the book. "Dcorbitt" said that according to the ALA site, the book contained a curse word, but I don't recall that. I think that it is a great book and if it will get students interested in reading - I think that it is great. Holly Boykin
ReplyDeleteI also read the book Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. This book was challenged for offensive language, sexual content, and references to the occult and Satanism. There were several instances in the book where inappropriate words were used, considering this is a children’s book. I don’t feel that the words were used excessively, but it would be inappropriate for use in the classroom unless the student’s didn’t have a copy of the book and the teacher could omit the words. I really enjoyed the story of Jess and Leslie. I found it interesting to find out after reading the book that Paterson based this story on the death of her eight year old sons friend.I really feel like children of all ages could relate to the friendship that forms between Jess and Leslie, but I think this book would be best suited for upper elementary students. The issue of death in this book was very unsuspecting to me as a reader. It really hit me hard, out of nowhere. I can see how this would make students upset, but death is just as much a part of life as friendship. Kids shouldn’t be censored from good literature just because it discusses an issue that isn’t pleasant. Because there are limits when dealing with religion in the classroom, I can see why this would be an issue that is challenged in this book. I do disagree that Satanism is prevalent in this book. I can see how children might have questions after reading certain parts of the book that deal with religion. Supernatural powers and magical kingdoms are intriguing for kids and they truly enjoy reading about such fantasies. I can see why there are some issues of this book that were considered “questionable” for children’s literature, but I still feel that this is a wonderfully captivating story that children would deeply enjoy.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Laura Maples post, I do agree that the overall content of this book surpasses the mild profanity and other questionable issues. I was wondering if her fourth graders had any questions dealing with religion after reading about Jess's family's visit to church and after the death of Leslie? I'm sure if students were reading this independently they would be more prone to ask their parents questions, but considering this was a read aloud, I was curious of what they were wondering about.
ReplyDeleteAs I have been reading How to Eat Fried Worms, I have noticed why children (especially boys) love to read this. It is a book where children eat real, live worms. The contents of the book get the children enthralled with it, but I can see why there would be some controversy. Many parents probably think that if their child reads a book as this it will teach them that it is ok to eat live worms and pick fights with their friends. To some extent I agree, but children should know right from wrong even if there is a book trying to convince them otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read The Kite Runner, but I've heard a lot about it. I recently found myself having to monitor an essay competition and several of the students wrote their essay about this book. I could tell that the characters and the plot really made an impression on them.
ReplyDeleteI read The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Patterson, which is about a foster child named Gilly who has been sent to live with several different families for one reason or another. She is very angry with the world around her and tends to lash out at others frequently. She is sent to live with Mamie Trotter and her other foster child William Earnest. She also gets to know Mr.Randolph, the blind man who lives next door. Gilly tries to "save" her money to get to California to find her real mother, but ends up finding her biological grandmother instead. After Gilly begins to like Mrs. Trotter and her new home, she reluctantly goes to live with her grandmother.
ReplyDeleteThis book was challenged because of the often coarse language used by Gilly. In several interviews, Katherine Patterson has said that she writes in a way that makes her characters seem realistic. Gilly's character is very angry and bitter, so it seems likely that she would not be the most polite child. I think that as long as a discussion was had in advance this book would be acceptable for upper elementary ages. If students were made aware of why Gilly spoke the way she did it may not seem so shocking.
As I read the titles that have been challenged it is so interesting to see just what reasons people give this. I was surprised by James and the Giant Peach. I could see where there might be some concern by parents about How to Eat Fried Worms but it is a book that engages boys and might be just the thing to encourage relutant readers.
ReplyDeleteThis is a response to Rebecca's comments on Junie B. Jones. I absolutely adore Junie B. I teach Pre-K students, and I read Junie B. books to them daily! They love hearing about the crazy things that Junie B. does. They love her so much that we recently went on a field trip to see a Junie B. musical. I say that they love hearing about Junie B., but I am worse than they are - I have every single Junie B. book! Scholastic should give me discounts as well - they earn so much money off of my students purchasing Junie B. books! I am astonished to find that these wonderful books have been challenged.
ReplyDeleteI read the book How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell. It is number ninety-six for the most challenged books from 1990-2000. I was very surprised to see this book on the list because I read this book with my students every year. The students absolutely love the book. The book is challenged due to language and the betting that takes place between Billy and Alan. The book is about four very good friends Billy, Tom, Alan, and Joe who are all very different. During a conversation they discover that Tom had been in trouble the night before because he would not eat his supper. This is when Billy claims he would eat just about anything. Alan bets Billy $50 that he will not be able to eat 15 worms in 15 days. I do not think that this book would influence children into eating worms and betting. However, almost every child has made a bet about something whether or not it was followed up to conclusion. I plan on continuing to read this book with my fourth grade students.
ReplyDeleteIn response to what Rebecca posted on Junie B. Jones I agree that students love these books. I teach 4th grade and my students that are in the lower reading levels especially love these books. I can understand the concern with the grammatical mistakes but if it helps a child become a better reader and the students are willing to read I do not have a problem with that.
ReplyDeleteI read Are You There, God, It's Me, Margaret for this assignment. This book has been challenged due to religion and taboo discussion about puberty. I enjoyed reading this book when I was younger and even today. I believe that this is a book that all preteens, especially girls should read. Margaret, just like Junie B. for younger students, gives students someone to relate to. Many children do have parents who come from different religions, and they do have to find their own religion - they don't want mom to feel bad about choosing dad's religion and vice versa. And every girl has to have that dreaded trip with mom to find her first bra. I hate that this book has been placed on the challenged list.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to do my censored book on Little Black Sambo because I have the book Sam and the Tigers (by Julius Lester and illustrated by Jerry Pickney) and thought it was a cute book. However, after researching the reasons for censorship I realized that I may be over my head with this one. Little Black Sambo is an old story written by Helen Bannerman. Her setting is neither Africa nor India as some may think, but she actually wanted a fanciful setting in this book, not one to be taken literally. The reason this book is censored is because the illustrations Bannerman drew of Little Black Sambo and the other black characters in the book exaggerate African characteristics. Also the name Sambo was a racial slur towards black people. Whether or not Bannerman intentionally wrote her book to be racist is still a question people have today. How Little Black Sambo is depicted and his name takes away from a rather cute story. Little Black Sambo is a little boy who runs into tigers when he walks into the jungle. Each tiger Little Black Sambo meets, he begs them not to eat him and gives each one a piece of clothing, and he eventually gives up his umbrella. At the end the tigers get into a fight about which one is the grandest with Little Black Sambo’s clothes on. They take off the clothes and start fighting. Thus Little Black Sambo got his clothes back and the tigers were running around and around a tree so fast that they turned into melted butter. Little Black Sambo took the butter home and his mother used it to make pancakes for dinner. Little Black Sambo is a hero in this story of fantasy and children will enjoy reading it. In my opinion, children reading this story would not notice the exaggerated features of the characters or the name as a racial slur. Characters in children’s books are usually draw to be exaggerated. However, because of this book’s history of censorship maybe it would just be safe to have Sam and the Tigers in your book collection instead. Julius Lester and Jerry Pickney do a good job of staying close to the story without all the negative baggage.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dr. Lechner about the book And Tango Makes Three. It is based on a true story! Dr. Lechner is exactly right - young children will probably not even notice. I think it would be a good book if you had older children and they had questions about homosexual couples. It shows it in a kind, gentle light. Young adults do not understand homosexuals because they are usually never talked about in a calm, unbiased manner. This is when the older children start the bad name calling of each other, etc. The book generally just acknowledges the situation and makes it more about the egg that needs a home and parents who would like a child, not about the sexual preference the parents have. Jennifer Mattson, a Booklist reviewer said it best, "Those who share this with children will find themselves returning to it again and again--not for the entree it might offer to matters of human sexuality, but for the two irresistible birds at its center and for the celebration of patient, loving fathers who 'knew just what to do.'"
ReplyDeleteI agree with those writers about the Junie B. Jones books. Grammatical errors are hurtful to students who are still learning the finer points of grammar. However, most of my students find that to be the funny part. They actually have fun pointing out what she said versus what she meant to say.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure whether to put this on the self censored page or here as it applies to both, but I wanted to share an event that happened this week. While I was working with students in our MC, I shared with our MS about this blog we have going on. She asked what book I had read, and I shared Face on the Milk carton. She asked what it was about, and I shared. A couple of sentences into the summary, she nodded her head, and told me that she remembered about two years ago parents at a school a couple of miles away in our distrct had challeneged the book. She said she couldn't remember why, and they didn't win, but she wasn't concerned because she didn't have it on the shelf so she just decided never to purchase it. I told her how great it was, but she said she just didn't want to deal with the backlash. I tried to go into the censorship thing, but she wanted NOTHING to do with that conversation!
ReplyDeleteI emailed the MS at the school, and she said the only reason the parents gave were those that were listed on the internet, and that every year they choose a book on the list of the top 100 and try to have it removed. She said they have never been successful.
My daughter loves Junie B. Jones books and we read them everyday. I did not realize that they were on the banned book list. The grammatical errors just as one commented on was something that I really think could be a problem for kids when they read them.
ReplyDeleteI feel that I am an open-mined person, but like everyone else I have my own beliefs. One area I feel that I will have trouble with would be with religion. I am a Christian, so it may be harder for me to purchase materials on different religions. I also have grown up in a traditional family, so this may also be an area that will be more difficult for me, is when purchasing or evaluating books on non traditional families. I also like to travel and I think it is important for everyone to see the world. Because of this I may want to purchase more literature on different places around the world and this may not be as important to others. I know I can’t let my own opinions get in the way when evaluating a piece to literature. I want my library to be one full of diverse literature and a place where everyone feels accepted. I know this will be hard at times when evaluating and selecting things that go against my beliefs, but I have to think about what is most beneficial and accepting to anyone who may enter the library.
ReplyDeleteI chose to read The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. I read it once as a requirement for a high school English Lit. course, but wanted to revisit it as an adult since it had previously been placed on the Banned Book list. As you may know, it is the story of Hester Prynne, a young woman in a Massachusetts Puritan society who, while married to an overbearing husband (Roger Chillingworth) commits adultery with Arthur Dimmesdale.She is jailed, then forced to wear a scarlet 'A' that stands for adulterer as a punishment. Oh- did I mention her daughter Pearl (whom the townspeople refer to as "the child of the devil"- the result of said adultery? This book has been banned because it is considered by some to be 'pornographic and obscene" because of its themes of sexuality and adultery. Honestly, when I read it in high school, I did not have a clue that it could be considered pornographic or obscene. It was simply looked at from a literary standpoint. I feel that finding the appropriate context in which to use such a literary tale helps children to become critical thinkers.
ReplyDelete