Tomorrow, September 29th, marks the beginning of Banned Books Week. This event, brought to you by the good people at the American Library Association, should be celebrated by everyone who believes in freedom of speech and democracy.
Currently, the most challenged book in the US seems to be "And Tango Makes Three", a childrens book about two male penguines who raise a baby penguin together. Yes, folks, that's the biggest issue we face today.
Here are a list of the most banned books of 2006! Do yourself a favour...read them! In fact, read anything you don't agree with this week. Something you hate or don't believe in. It will do you nothing but good!
And Tango Makes Three" by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, for homosexuality, anti-family, and unsuited to age group;
"Gossip Girls" series by Cecily Von Ziegesar for homosexuality, sexual content, drugs, unsuited to age group, and offensive language;
"Alice" series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor for sexual content and offensive language;
"The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things" by Carolyn Mackler for sexual content, anti-family, offensive language, and unsuited to age group;
"The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison for sexual content, offensive language, and unsuited to age group;
"Scary Stories" series by Alvin Schwartz for occult/Satanism, unsuited to age group, violence, and insensitivity;
"Athletic Shorts" by Chris Crutcher for homosexuality and offensive language.
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky for homosexuality, sexually explicit, offensive language, and unsuited to age group
"Beloved" by Toni Morrison for offensive language, sexual content, and unsuited to age group;
"The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier for sexual content, offensive language, and violence.
BTW...my fellow Canadians should know we have our own party coming up in February. Freedom to Read week.