Category: Banned and Challenged Books
Happy Birthday, R.L. Stine!
R.L. Stine was born today in 1943, and has made a successful career scaring readers of all ages!
The Things They Carried – A Challenge in Utah
A recent article brought to light a parent’s concerns about the semi-autobiographical short stories about the Vietnam War being taught in the college preparation English course for seniors in high school.
How the Act of Reading Changes Lives
Being able to explore and learn is a great aspect of reading, but what I truly think the act of reading represents is the ability to use one’s mind. And this is always what makes reading both subversive and not done enough.
Happy Birthday, Jay Asher!
However, as with any banned book, it’s these books that make us uncomfortable, that cause us to dig deep and think about ourselves and about the people around us feel, that are most important to be widely available.
Thinking for myself; one reviewers thoughts on a few challenged books
Celebrate Banned Books Week by thinking for yourself! Here are a few reviews by Laynie Bynum.
Dear Banned Author: A Collection of 29 Powerful Letters
This Banned Books Week has been filled with literary advocacy. During the week, readers have been sending letters to banned and challenged authors, sharing how their words have made a difference.
Dear Banned Author: A Letter to Jay Asher
For Banned Books Week, Jamie LaRue, Director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom, writes to banned author, Jay Asher with gratitude for his courage, compassion, and persistence.
Happy Birthday, Craig Thompson
Born in Wisconsin on Sept 21, 1975, Craig came of age during the grunge 90s and like may Gen Xers, sought to find meaningful work. For Craig, that meant being a storyteller and an artist and he has had success.
Book of Oatmeal.com comic strips defaced as ‘filthy’ and ’18+’ by non-borrower
The adult services staff received a package in the mail presented as if it were an ILL. Upon opening it, Jamie Dacyczyn found a paperback book, cataloged in the Teen Comics section, wrapped in white bandage tape with the words “filthy” and “not suited for children” and “18+” written on the tape. It also came with a 4”x 6” lined unsigned post-it note explaining how this books was found at a camp for children and it is totally inappropriate for teens, etc.
Happy Birthday, Roald Dahl!
Roald Dahl would be 102 tomorrow. He is one of the best selling authors of all time. His works need no introduction – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, Matilda, The Witches, The BFG, The Twits and George’s Marvellous Medicine – to name only a few.