Just a quick post to remind you all that the big event is coming up, September 27–October 4, 2008. Head on over to the American Library Association’s website for more information and lists of frequently-challenged books. Needless to say, those who would ban books make me want to puke. I hope you’ll join me in reading some banned books, not just next week but year round, and encouraging your kids to read them too.
I created this little graphic myself because I couldn’t find anything “official” at ALA. Feel free to download it (control- or right-click) if you like. And Tango Makes Three tops the list of challenged books this year.
While we’re on the topic of banned books, I came across a cute article titled “Why We Shouldn’t Still Be Learning Catcher in the Rye.” Don’t worry, the author isn’t actually suggesting the book be banned — just replaced on the sophomore English syllabus with something more shocking.

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Bloody hell! (I just followed the ALA link). I’m amused that The Chocolate War is sexually explicit… from memory there is one veiled mention of masturbation. We studied it in high school (junior years of high school, at that), but then my country has always had a more relaxed attitude to explicit language than yours. I’m off to find out about And Tango Makes Three now. Thanks for posting this.
Just back from Wikipedia - what a great sounding book. And it’s based on a true story!! i gotta get me a copy.
I was surprised to see that, too. I read it not too long ago (maybe in honor of a previous BBW) and I thought the reason The Chocolate War was banned was because it advocated, y’know, anarchy. Because the teachers are the bad guys.
I haven’t read Tango either, but it does sound totally adorable, doesn’t it?
I think it’s time I re-read Catcher in the Rye. Thanks for the heads up on this! I enjoyed all the comments to the change-the-syllabus article.
Hey, someone else said bloody hell! He stole it from me. No, “Catcher in the Rye” isn’t shocking anymore, but I still like it. What do you think they can use as a replacement? There’s a lot of good (and controversial) adolescent reads out there, but I have no clue what they are.
hi!!!
I’ve written a post about how I LOVE YOUR BLOG… just letting you know cuz I’m more interested in reading OTHERS posts than updating any of mine.
Have a great weekend! - Care
Chartroose, I say “bloody hell” because I’m an Australian. We all say it.
Why are teachers always the bad guys? (I always blame the parents.)
I gotta follow the link…
and thankx for the graphic..
Happy Banned Book Week!
Hi!got here via the black box.Liked your site.I’m a bookworm too, even though it seems we read different genre of books.L Visit my blog if you want to!
Has anyone seen Julie? If you have, tell her to report to her blog immediately. :)
Julie, where are you? I hope everything is OK!!
Hey, Julie. Don’t forget there’s an election today. Try to remember to vote, okay?
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