Banned Books
Welcome to the Banned Books Blog: Where issues concerning intellectual freedom and censorship are discussed thoughtfully. Hosted by Swarthmore College Library.
According to the ALA (American Library Association), the following are the
10 most challenged books of 2007*:
1) And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell
2) The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
3) Olive’s Ocean, by Kevin Henkes
4) The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman
5) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
6) The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
7) TTYL, by Lauren Myracle
8) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
9) It’s Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris
10) The Perks of Being A Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
*Books are listed from most to least challenged
Please post your comments below
BOOKS BANNED IN OTHER COUNTRIES
By Richard E. Harwood (Richard Verrall)
BANNED IN GERMANY, CHALLENGED IN CANADA
The Satanic Verses: A Novel
By Salman Rushdie
BANNED IN IRAN, SOUTH AFRICA AND INDIA
The Kingdom of God Is Within You
By Leo Tolstoy
BANNED IN RUSSIA
LINKS:
More on Banned Books Week
http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2008/may2008/penguin.cfm
American Life League critiques "It's Perfectly Normal"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42fP58EcBuY
Please post your comments below:
Comments
Bronwen Densmore said on September 29, 2008 8:04 PM:[link to this]
Philip Pullman, author of The Golden Compass, has written a bit about his thoughts on book banning. Rather than quote what is already pretty concise, I'll point you all to the article here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/sep/29/philip.pullman.amber.spyglass.golden.compass.banned
Audrey Harmon-Smith said on September 30, 2008 3:30 PM:[link to this]
In this article Pullman is quoted as saying "My books are about killing God". Read more about the Halton Catholic board's decision to pull "The Golden Compass" off library shelves here:
http://www.thestar.com/article/278845
Audrey Harmon-Smith said on September 30, 2008 3:43 PM:[link to this]
Why did PABBIS (Parents Against Bad Books in Schools) challenge "The Chocolate War"? Find out here:
http://www.sibbap.org/chocolatewar.htm
Bronwen Densmore said on October 3, 2008 12:07 PM:[link to this]
Here's a link to an article about one public library's creative approach to Banned Books Week.
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/10/03/library-celebrates-b.html
Nadine said on October 8, 2008 5:35 PM:[link to this]
Hallo, just a question - cause I'm searching for this picture - where's this picture from: http://trilogy.brynmawr.edu/mt/trinews/staffpicks.jpg
If, it's from you, am I allowed to use it for private non-commercial use?
Pam said on October 9, 2008 9:33 PM:[link to this]
Pullman's quote is interesting, "It's that religion grants its adherents malign, intoxicating and morally corrosive sensations. Destroying intellectual freedom is always evil, but only religion makes doing evil feel quite so good." Such an interesting comment, especially in the light of history - has there ever been a time when cruelty and injustice was not enacted in the name of religion? The inquisition, the selling of indulgences, even our own rocky relationship with religion and politics today.
I just watched the Golden Compass film, it is not very good. And, even though I really liked the trilogy, it was super complicated, I need to read it again. I don't have to worry about censorship, I have two copies of my own.
Audrey said on October 14, 2008 11:12 AM:[link to this]
Hi Nadine,
Upon some investigation, it seems the picture you're referring to is open to the public domain. You are free to use it for private non-commercial use. Enjoy!