Jump to first page Banned Books “If (the) book be false in its facts, disprove them; if false in its reasoning, refute it. But for God’s sake let us freely hear both sides if we choose.” Thomas Jefferson

Jump to first page What does it mean to challenge or ban a book? n Challenge – an attempt to restrict or remove a book n Ban – removal of a book that has been challenged

Jump to first page Why would someone challenge or ban a book? n Usually good intentions u Protect someone from what they perceive as dangerous or disturbing ideas or situations n What is dangerous or disturbing to one person or segment of society may be exciting and innovative to others and perhaps just "the truth" to still others.

Jump to first page Why would someone challenge or ban a book? n Sexually explicit n Contain offensive language n Unsuited to age group n Point of view is offensive n Viewed as promoting the occult n Viewed as promoting a religious viewpoint n Viewed as violent n Racism n Anti-family

Jump to first page Who challenges books? n All kinds of people for various reasons n Sometimes it is surprising who challenges books n Can be anyone in the school district n Parents have the right to choose what THEIR child does or does not read.

Jump to first page What happens when a book is challenged? n Person talks to media specialist or classroom teacher n If not resolved, person talks to Principal n If not resolved a committee is formed (adminstrator, parent(s), teacher, media specialist, community member n Recommendation is made to the school board about book n School board decides what to do (usually follow recommendation) n Action is taken based on what school board decides

Jump to first page What happens when a book is banned? n The book is not available to anyone – including people who may not find that book offensive n Limits everyone’s freedom to read and explore ideas n Parents no longer have the right to choose whether or not THEIR child reads that book

Jump to first page First Amendment n "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

Jump to first page What are some books that have been banned? Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling Forever by Judy Blume Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier The Giver by Lois Lowry Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey

Jump to first page Books that have been banned Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle Go Ask Alice by Anonymous Anastasia Krupnik (Series) by Lois Lowry Blubber by Judy Blume Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier

Jump to first page Books that have been banned Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton The Pigman by Paul Zindel Deenie by Judy Blume The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat by Alvin Schwartz A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

Jump to first page Books that have been banned The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney Lord of the Flies by William Golding Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier