Timeline entry for 1990: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Banned Books Week, Censorship

Leading up to Banned Books Week 2012, ALA will highlight one book from its new timeline of banned and challenged books each day. Today we feature “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” by Alvin Schwartz, challenged in 1990.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark book coverIn 1990, “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” was challenged in the Livonia, MI schools because the poems were thought to frighten first grade children. Written by Schwartz and illustrated by Stephen Gammell, “Scary Stories” was followed by “More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” and “Scary Stories 3: More Tales to Chill Your Bones.” All three titles have been challenged due to objections about the content and illustrations for children.

For more information about Banned Books Week, please visit www.ala.org/bbooks.

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