Celebrate your freedom to READ!
Look at the books displayed at the front of the room. - How many of these books have you read? - How many of these books have you heard of even if you never read them. - Are any of these books interesting to you? - Would you want to read any of them? - What do all of these books have in common?
Discuss with your partner. Turn & talk 1. Should anyone have the right to decide what books others should or should not read? Discuss with your partner.
2. Should schools and libraries get rid of books that offend others? Turn & talk 2. Should schools and libraries get rid of books that offend others? Discuss with your partner.
Discuss with your partner. Turn & talk 3. Should the government make it illegal to write books that are offensive to others? Discuss with your partner.
Banned Books Essential Questions: - What is censorship? - What is a challenged book? - What is a banned book? - Why are books challenged/banned? Banned Books
What is censorship? CENSORSHIP
What is a challenged book? The American Library Association (ALA) defines a challenge to literature as an attempt by a person or group of people to have literature restricted or removed from a public library or school curriculum.
What is a banned book? Banned books are books or other printed works which are prohibited by law or to which free access is not permitted by other means. The practice of banning books is a form of censorship, from political, legal, religious, moral, or (less often) commercial motives. from Wikipedia What is the difference between a challenge or banning? A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. 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. Due to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, students and other concerned citizens, most challenges are unsuccessful and most materials are retained in the school curriculum or library collection. from the American Library Association website
In 2009, there were 460 books banned or challenged in the United States. There were 460 demands to remove specific books from schools, libraries and bookstores. That is 460 times that some one else was trying to decide for YOU what YOU should be allowed to read.
Celebrate your freedom to read what you like. Before it is too late. What can You Do?