Category: Banned and Challenged Books
Exploring Social Justice through Sci-Fi & Fantasy
I personally really enjoy (if “enjoy” can be considered the right word) the exploration of tough social justice issues through the lens of fantasy or science-fiction – often through the vehicle of anti-magic prejudice. I feel the fantasy context allows the reader to take a step back from the real world, while allowing the reader to think critically about equality and justice in a less personally challenging way.
Your Bookshelf May Be Part of the Problem: A Rebuttal
I’m relieved that Juan Vidal is not a librarian. The condescending and short-sighted tone of his article “Your Bookshelf May Be Part of the Problem” is so anathema to librarianship and the joy of reading it made my face contort.
Twelve Terrific Challenged LGBTQIAP+ Titles for Kids and Teens
By: guest contributor Brian E. Wilson, ALSC Liaison for the ALA Committee on Professional Ethics. In honor of Pride Month and ALA’s Rainbow Book Month, here is a list of Twelve Terrific Books that have ended up on the Top Ten Most Challenged Books list during the past decade.
Requests for Reconsideration at the Public Library Part Four: Sensitive Topics and Abuse
Child sex abuse is a serious problem but how do we talk to kids about it? How do we give children the tools and language to understand how to reach out if they are victims or if they know someone who is? There is no easy answer. One way that author Tony Abbot chose was the route of storytelling. Sharing stories can provide both a mirror and a window.
Banned Books Uncensored: Free Webinar on Defending Titles About Health, Sex, and Growing Up
The free webinar “Banned Books Uncensored: Health, Sex & Growing Up!” on Thursday will explore why these topics are challenged and ways to defend these titles.
Let Students Learn: Our Response to the Removal of Classic Novels from Mat-Su School Curriculum
When school boards deny students the ability to read and engage with literature that depicts the range of human experience on the vague grounds of “controversy,” they diminish their students’ educational experience and disparage the constitutional values of free thought.
Requests for Reconsideration at the Public Library Part Three: Scantily Clad Superheroes
It’s hard to see how frequently parents have a problem with certain books because of their relationship to the female body. I feel disheartened when I see these types of concerns on such a regular basis – not just in the form of requests for removal, but in daily, casual conversations. It’s a challenge but luckily I also notice that these important discussions about double standards, body image and dangers of body shaming are happening more frequently.
Authors New to the Challenged List: Jarrett J. Krosoczka & Meredith Russo
Of the 377 challenges reported in 2019, there were 229 separate authors included. In this post I would like to highlight a couple of our “Banned Freshmen:” Jarrett J. Krosoczka and Meredith Russo.
Fighting Censorship & Challenges to Powerful Teen Texts
Literature can provide youth and their teachers with meaningful tools for coping, discussing, and understanding. Library professionals have a duty to protect that access.
Listen Up! Read-aloud Challenges
Some public challenges in 2019 focused on books that were read aloud to minors. The issues were LGBTQIA and race. But some challenges raise new questions.