Book Censorship in Schools
School Library Book Censorship
Censoring books in the United States is nothing new. Practically ever since this country's conception, certain groups have tried to ban "offensive" reading material. So, the obvious question is, who decides what is considered offensive?
Apparently, the school boards often do. What usually starts as a parental complaint can lead to book banishment. Throughout the years, Americans who strongly believe in the freedom to read have fought against this kind of censorship. Sometimes they've won, sometimes they haven't - but the democratic right for an individual to choose what he or she does or doesn't want to read keeps the fight alive.
Here's a sampling of books that have at one time or another been banned from schools by a variety of groups citing "best-interest" claims.
- The Harry Potter Series, J.K. Rowling, 2000s
Parents throughout the country have challenged these books in schools because they think the stories of witchcraft and fantasy can be confusing for children. Proponents say that this creative series engages young people to read. - Forever, Judy Blume, 1975
This book was banned from an 8th grade optional reading list in Rib Lake Michigan because it dealt with adolescent sexuality. Supporters argue that the book keenly touches on a relevant part of life for today's youth. - Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Paterson, 1977
While Disney made a movie out of this novel in 2007, many adults disagreed with the book because of the disrespect the children characters show the adults, its use of profanity, and its fantasy plots. Supporters believe banning this type of book is akin to stifling a child's imagination. - Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain, 1885
This classic has long been a target of censors because of its racial slurs. Fans of Huckleberry Finn insist that it depicts the time in which it was written and does not encourage racism today. - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain, 1885
Thought to be a cause of inciting young boys to rebellion and godlessness, as well as for its racial overtones. - The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison, 1970
This novel became the subject of debate in 2006 due to its profanity and sexual content. Many parents believed it was unsuitable for students, while others felt the story was realistic and superbly written--something a mature teen could handle.
...and some classic literature that for a wide variety of fears and reasons have been banned at one time or another in schools... - Brave New World, Aldous Huxley, 1961
- James and the Giant Peach, Roald Dahl, 1975
- Little Red Riding Hood, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, 1921
- Lord of the Flies, William Golding, 1960
- My Friend Flicka, Mary O'Hara
- Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Ken Keasey
- The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger
- The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck
- The Color Purple, Alice Walker
- The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare
- To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
- Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary!
