ON THE SAME PAGE: Banned Books Week highlights censorship and freedom – Manistee News Advocate

Kim Jankowiak and Becca Brown, Manistee County Library

By Kim Jankowiak and Becca Brown, Manistee County Library

By Kim Jankowiak and Becca Brown, Manistee County Library

By Kim Jankowiak and Becca Brown, Manistee County Library

By Kim Jankowiak and Becca Brown, Manistee County Library

ON THE SAME PAGE: Banned Books Week highlights censorship and freedom

"Censorship is a dead end. Find your freedom to read." This is the theme for Banned Books Week, Sept. 27 through Oct. 3, which has been celebrated annually since 1982.

The American Library Association website states, Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together the entire book community librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

Manistee County Library carries many of the banned, or challenged titles to fulfill its obligation to have something for everyone.

The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood has been challenged for vulgarity, sexual overtones and profanity. It was nominated for five awards, won two and was adapted into a film, an opera and a television series. The sequel was published in 2019.

City of Thieves by David Benioff was removed from a Florida High School due to vulgar language. It was originally assigned to high school students as an assignment with an alternate title available. A parent complained and this title was put on the banned book list.

John Knowles A Separate Peace has received many challenges from parents due to language. This title won the William Faulkner Foundation Award in 1961.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman was also challenged after being assigned to students. Parents found the content vulgar graphic and just unnecessary.

Fahrenheit 451 the Ray Bradbury classic has also come under fire when assigned because of profanity and using Gods name in vain. In 2018, a review board evaluation chose to retain the book. Some students plan to petition again.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas was on the New York Times bestseller list. It has been challenged because it is viewed as almost indoctrination of distrust of police as well as drug use, profanity and offensive language.

John Greens Looking for Alaska was named the most challenged book of 2015. Complaints were given for offensive language and explicit sex. The author posted a video on YouTube, pointing out that the entire book needs to be read, not just random passages. Text is meaningless without context."

Mariko Tamaki wrote This One Summer which received a Printz Honor and was the first graphic novel to receive a Caldecott Honor. Another award-winning title that was challenged was Drama by Raina Telgemeier. Both were targeted because of LGBT characters and sexual content.

Nonfiction has also been challenged.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot tells the story of race, medicine, equality and education. When assigned to be read by a student, a parent challenged it as pornographic.

Foul language and explicit and disturbing material were the reasons given for challenging Glass Castle, a memoir by Jeannette Walls. A parent contended that students shouldnt be taught controversial issues but should choose books that inspire our children to greatness.

The Holocaust memoir, Night by Elie Wiesel was challenged for profanity, violence and horror.

The First Amendment guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression among other aspects; and Banned Book Week gives libraries, teachers, booksellers and readers an opportunity to support authors as they share a vast range of stories.

A list of banned books is available at ala.org/advocacy/bbooks.

Originally posted here:

ON THE SAME PAGE: Banned Books Week highlights censorship and freedom - Manistee News Advocate