Top 10 Banned Books from 2011
By Editorial Staff
Contributed by Info Guru Terri L. Wallace
As long as there has been the written word and fire there has been book burnings and banned books, and this year is no exception.
The American Library Association recently released its list of the ten most challenged books for 2011 (“The List”) which includes some newer releases as well as some familiar classics.
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10. To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee continues to maintain its illustrious position on The List. Detractors of Ms. Lee’s beloved classic cite offensive language and racism as their motivation for wanting the book banned. The inclusion of these detestable things could not possibly be because, well, bad language and racism actually exist in the real world.
9. Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl (series), by Cecily Ziegesar also made the list for 2011. Apparently, the books contain references to drugs, are sexually explicit, and contain offensive language and rile the delicate sensibilities of some readers; therefore, Those-In-Charge-of-Banning have decided that no one should be allowed to read the series.
8. What My Mother Doesn’t Know
What My Mother Doesn’t Know, by Sonya Sones made The List due to its offensive language, sexually explicit content, and references to nudity. Apparently writers cannot even describe the bare human form unless they wish to risk the possibility of a literary boycott or their book ending up in flames.
7. Brave New World
Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley is another long-time resident of The List. Apparently the detractors find the book “insensitive.” The references to nudity also irk Those-in-Charge-of- Book-Banning, as did the book’s alleged racism and explicit references to sex. The Banners also took issue with the “religious viewpoint” contained in the book. Many readers, however, take issue with The Banners, as the book continues to be taught as a literary masterpiece.
6. Alice
Alice (series), by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor also has the dubious distinction of making the List due to allegations of nudity, offensive language and religious viewpoint. Nevermind that the series deals with the same issues that young adults face every day, and forget the fact that the protagonist is a strong female character … clearly, according to the vocal minority, everyday issues should not be openly discussed in literature.
5. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie has won numerous awards, and (you guessed it!) it also made The List. The reasons cited were: offensive language, racism, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group. It also deals with poverty and social injustice but The Book Banners might prefer it if we didn’t dwell on that.
4. My Mom’s Having A Baby!
My Mom’s Having A Baby! A Kid’s Month-by-Month Guide to Pregnancy, by Dori Hillestad Butler was included in The List due to (wait for it …) nudity; sex education; sexually explicit; unsuited to age group. I know, I know! It is difficult to believe that a book about pregnancy had the audacity to mention sex and (gasp!) try to educate readers about it! Perhaps they would prefer if the author reverted to the “stork” version of the story.
3. The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games trilogy, by Suzanne Collins allegedly contains the following atrocities: anti-ethnic; anti-family; insensitivity; offensive language; occult/satanic; violence. Ok, fine, I get that it is violent, but occult/satanic? Really? Did they even read the book? What about the selflessness? What about the intelligent and competent female protagonist?
2. The Color of Earth
The Color of Earth (series), by Kim Dong Hwa was lambasted by Those-Who-Want-to-Control-What-We-Read due to such things as: nudity, sex education, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group. Obviously, the detractors neglect to mention that it is a poignant and thoughtful depiction the mother/daughter relationship and class struggle, or that it is a fine example of sunjung manhwa.
1. ttyl; ttfn; l8r, g8r
ttyl; ttfn; l8r, g8r (series), by Lauren Myracle rounds out the List with such alleged literary crimes as: offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group. The novel was the first book to be written entirely in the form of text messages, and it deals with issues common to teenagers … although The Banners might not care to acknowledge the relevancy of the issues addressed in the book.
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Now that you know a bit more about the books from which Those-Who-Ban-Books wish to protect you, I hope that you will take the opportunity to actually read some of them for yourself and to form your own opinions about the books…and to embrace the rights others to access the books and to continue to read and have their own, personal opinions.