So Madeline has been posting a banned book a day for the entire month of September. And maybe you’re sick of it. But I bet you’re not, because banned books are some of the coolest ones out there. Intellectual freedom is one of the best parts of being American – not only can we say what we want, but no one in our government is preventing us from reading or learning what we want. That’s pretty important. So, to kick off 2008’s Banned Books Week (September 27-October 4), I thought I’d talk about some of the best banned books I’ve read. I feel very lucky to live in a country where we value the right to read freely!
Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block
Living in L.A. (or Shangri-LA) punky Weetzie Bat befriends the most beautiful boy in her high school only to discover that he is gay. Together, they roam the streets “duck hunting,” hoping to find a match for each of them. When Weetzie uncovers a magical genie who grants her three wishes, it appears that her troubles have come to a close. However, all is not as it seems, and L.A. is always ready to throw Weetzie and her band of misfits a curve-ball. While admittedly unusual, Block’s minimalist style is poetic, and her work is is sexy, wise, and pertinent – worth every minute you’ll spend with Weetzie et al.
Weetzie Bat was challenged this year in Vero Beach, Florida when a librarian put it, and other books of Block’s, on a display focusing on gay, lesbian, and transgender themes. A small number of library patrons complained that these themes are not appropriate for young adults.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Meg Murry misses her scientist father who has recently disappeared. One stormy night she, her friend, Calvin, and her brother, Charles Wallace, stumble upon some eccentric new neighbors. It is with their help that the children are taken through a tesseract – a “wrinkle in time” – to an alternate universe where the Murrys’ father is being held captive by the sinister IT. L’Engle’s novel, a Newberry winner, is a beautiful sci-fi with a classic good vs. evil theme. If you haven’t read this book yet, it is an absolute must!
A Wrinkle in Time was challenged at the Polk City, Fla. Elementary School in 1985 by a parent who believed that the story promotes witchcraft, crystal balls, and demons.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
The classic story of Alice in Wonderland begins on a lazy afternoon when young Alice sees a white rabbit dive into a hole in the ground. Following him, Alice is soon lost in a world where everything seems to be upside-down, backwards, and inside-out. She encounters creatures that should not exist, elixirs that do strange things to her mind and body, and a lot of trouble. Alice’s adventures are not to be missed, and Carroll’s eerie, beautiful poetry will live in your mind for ages. This particular edition (there are many!) features an introduction by Chris Riddel, author of the Ottoline books and co-author of The Edge Chronicles and Barnaby Grimes.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was banned in China in 1931 for portraying animals and humans on the same level.
The Witches by Roald Dahl
When a 7-year-old boy’s parents die in a car accident he goes to live with his grandmother in Norway who regales him with spooky bedtime stories. She loves to talk about witches, telling him everything from how to identify a witch (purple eyes, no toes, itchy head from wearing a wig) to what witches are up to (witches take great pleasure in destroying children). But it’s not long before this boy discovers that his grandmother’s stories are more than just fairytales when he accidentally walks in on an annual meeting of the Witches Council – and they are none too pleased to see him. As always, Dahl is magical, mysterious, and peculiar. While perhaps this is not the best book for the faint of heart, it is an absolute must read for anyone who likes to be spooked.
The Witches was banned and has frequently been challenged because of its references to witchcraft. It has also been denounced by feminists in England as sexist. It is #27 on the ALA’s most challenged books list.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
Margaret Simon is an average girl coming inter her own as she starts middle school. But everything is changing. She just moved to a suburb from New York City, leaving behind her best friend: her grandmother. But soon Margaret makes new friends, joining a group of girls who are all fascinated by the changes their bodies are going through as they are becoming teenagers. Margaret also has a big choice to make, as her parents are of different faiths and they have told her she can choose what she wants to believe. Without Judy Blume, girls everywhere would be absolutely petrified of puberty. And while it is a very scary time, Margaret Simon has helped a lot of us through it all.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is the 62nd most challenged book according to the ALA. Complaints include the fact that the protagonist is allowed to choose her own religion and sexual references such as menstruation and breast development
Remember, reading banned books is your right! I challenge each and every one of you to read a banned or challenged book this week. Leave us a comment and tell us what you think!
