Banned Books Week- Some of my Favorite Banned and Censored Books

As you might know, this week is Banned Books Week, and in celebration and support of having the freedom to read and write without censorship, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite banned/challenged books. Feel free to visit the American Library Association's page to see what other books are frequently challenged throughout the years.


1. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
2.The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
4. Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
5. Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
6. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
7. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor
8. Cut by Patricia McCormick
9. Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine
10. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Each and every one of these books and/or authors have affected me in significant ways. I literally wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for these books, and many others like them. These books defined my childhood and adolescence- most of which were read while I was in junior high and grade school.

These books, and others like them, are important to so many. These books save lives. These books help explain and teach things in a way that's relatable and understandable. Depriving anyone of any single one of these books is a crime of the worst kind.

As a final thought, I'd like you to think of the good things that these books, and the hundreds of other banned/challenged books, can teach and help kids understand. Seriously. Think about it.

Until next time,
xox

Banned Books Week 2014- September 21-27

If you didn't know, today is the first day of Banned Books Week. If you aren't sure what Banned Books week is, here's a quick explanation from the About page of the website:

"Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community –- librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types –- in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular."

If you haven't already figured it out from some of my rants on here, I'm not the biggest fan of the banning and censorship of books. I believe that everyone should have their own say in what literature they want to read, and not miss the opportunity to experience a piece of literature just because one person is offended by the content. Everyone has their own opinion on what is and isn't appropriate to read, and that opinion shouldn't be dictated by anyone else. 

Throughout this week, I'd like to share some articles and maybe some thoughts on this subject and generally just try to spread awareness as to why banning and censoring books, particularly in schools, should be rethought. 

I'm also going to take this week to read at least one "banned book", which will more than likely be The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.  

I really hope you'll join me in spreading the discussion and leave your own thoughts in the comments. 

Until next time,

xox