Some libraries in Broward County (Florida) are taking a novel approach to Banned Books Week. They are helping their readers find the books that are challenged or banned and encouraging them to read them.
Here’s a list of the ten most challenged books in 2007 and the reasons.
1) “And Tango Makes Three,” by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell
Reasons: Anti-Ethnic, Sexism, Homosexuality, Anti-Family, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group2) “The Chocolate War,” by Robert Cormier
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Violence3) “Olive’s Ocean,” by Kevin Henkes
Reasons: Sexually Explicit and Offensive Language4) “The Golden Compass,” by Philip Pullman
Reasons: Religious Viewpoint5) “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” by Mark Twain
Reasons: Racism6) “The Color Purple,” by Alice Walker
Reasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language,7) “TTYL,” by Lauren Myracle
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group8) “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” by Maya Angelou
Reasons: Sexually Explicit9) “It’s Perfectly Normal,” by Robie Harris
Reasons: Sex Education, Sexually Explicit10) “The Perks of Being A Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group
Strike a blow for liberty: read a book.