It's almost here... Banned Books Week!

So, have you chosen a book yet?  It's not too late.  Banned Books Week is next week, so choose one of your favorites for a re-read, or choose a book you've never read before.  Celebrate the freedom to read!  

You may not agree or like certain books, but that doesn't mean they need to be banned.  However, I recently found out that 50 Shades of Grey is in my stepson's school library.  I've never read it, I don't intend to.  But I've heard what it's about from numerous sources and I certainly don't agree with that being in a school with children, but that's my opinion.  I had to really reevaluate my stand on banned books.  I'm still not happy with it and I'm irritated that books such as Moby Dick and Where the Wild Things Are are banned, yet something like 50 Shades of Grey can be allowed in a school.  (Seriously, who thought that was a good idea?!)  But I suppose I would be a hypocrite if I wanted that book banned.  Or are there legitimate reasons to ban a book?  And if so, where do you draw the line?  To me, it seems that the line has been drawn, scribbled out and redrawn so many times that it's all kind of fuzzy on what should be allowed and what is questionable.  

I haven't contacted my stepson's school yet... I'm not even sure I will.  What I can do is trust that we have taught him right and that he makes a good decision about whether or not to read that book.  But he's an adult now and it's his choice.  I am concerned about the younger students there, such as 7th and 8th graders who aren't mature enough, at least, in my humble opinion.  

What do you think?  What is your stand on banning books?  Have you read the 50 Shades of Grey book?  Would you want it in your child's school library?  What about the other banned books that are out there?

Click here for a list of banned books.

Click here for a Pinterest list of banned books.

Banned Books Week Coming Next Month

Banned Books Week

Sept 22nd - 28th

Read a banned book!

Let's be a little controversial for a moment... While wasting time surfing around the internet, (ie. lost in a sea of Pinterest pictures,) I came across a notice regarding Banned Books.  Being a complete book nerd, I took notice of such an atrocity.  How could anyone ban a book?!  Honestly, if you don't like a book, no one's forcing you to read it.  Leave it alone and move on.  As for required books in school, well, there are reasons for certain books to be read, lessons to be learned, and intellects to be utilized.  But there are options other than banning books.

Looking into it more, I found out that many of my favorite books, including ones that I had to read in school, have been banned or challenged numerous times over the years.  Seriously, if a parent is so adamant against a certain book being read by their child, for whatever reason, then write them a note and tell the school that your child will not be reading that book and needs a different one assigned.  Most schools, (granted, in only my own personal experience) I would imagine, be accommodating, providing the parent(s) could give a logical reason.

So, you may be thinking that the books are very controversial books with lots of sex, drugs and whatnot, that you wouldn't want your child exposed to.  Well, chances are, by the time these books are available to them for reading, they've probably already been exposed to even worse than the books have in them.  And if you deny that, then it's probably high time you search your child's room and backpack when they aren't expecting it... check their history on the internet too, and see where they've been surfing around!

But, anyway, before any parents out there get their knickers in a twist, I'm sure your diddykins is not "one of those" kids and is the perfect little angel.  I'm sure there are a few out there.... they aren't in my house, that's for sure!  But I'm certain that someone's home has a decent child out there.... somewhere.

Now, just to show you how ridiculous this list is... here are a few of my favorite classics that have been banned/challenged:

Where the Wild Things Are (A childhood favorite)
Red Badge of Courage (some seriously awesome symbolism in this book)
Moby Dick
The Great Gatsby

Click here for a list of many more.
Click here for a Pinterest list of banned books.

On Banned Books Week, everyone is encouraged to read a banned book.  Find one of your old favorites or pick up one you always wanted to read, but never found the time.  Enjoy it, savor it, understand it, and relish in the written word and the freedom to do so.

And the next time you hear the words, "Banned Books" think of all the great classics (and many contemporary books as well, such as The Hunger Games) that have been unjustly banned.  Which banned book will you read?

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