Every year from the last week of September to the first week of October is the time we celebrate Banned Books Week. There are a long list of books including many classics that have been banned by various libraries and governments within the United States. But beginning in 1982, book worms and educators have been protesting censorship by displaying and celebrating the once-banned books.
Famous Banned BooksGone With the Wind, The Grapes of Wrath, The Color Purple, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are just a few of the many books that have been banned over the years. Many classics and award winning books can be found on the list. Some of the most popular of books on the list were based on or around true stories, such as; Anne Frank: The Diaries of a Young Girl and To Kill a Mockingbird, which are both considered Classics of our time.
Famous Banned Authors
Something interesting about banned books is that they are often written by some of the most acclaimed and popular authors of our time and throughout history. In the last fifteen years John Steinbeck, Maya Angelou and Judy Blume have all been challenged, and to think that our society is making progress. A challenge according to The American Library Association, is an attempt to remove or restrict materials based upon the objections of a person or group. “Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others.”
Reason’s Books Were Banned
There are several reason as to why books are challenged or banned, the reasons range from profanity, sexual content, violence, and touching on controversial subjects such as homosexuality or Satanism. For example The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, written by Mark Twain was banned for racially charged language. A Light in the Attic a book of children’s poems written by Shel Silverstein was also banned because it was said to glorify Satan, suicide, and cannibalism.
How you can Celebrate
Many school and county libraries are taking part in the Banned Books Week where they will not only showcase books that have been challenged or banned, but encourage readers of all ages to take part in reading banned books. The Los Angeles Times recently published a list of events centered around the literary week, with activities and events for all ages. Go ahead, pick up a banned book and celebrate your right to read.
