Sunday, April 19, 2009
Each year, the American Library Association (ALA) releases a list of the top 10 books libraries or schools have been asked to ban. According to ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, 513 complaints were filed in 2008 from individuals or groups claiming certain books contained inappropriate content. ALA officials say that for every complaint it receives about a book, there are probably another four or five that were never reported. The top 10 most challenged books for last year were:
1. And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
A picture book for young children about two male penguins who raise a daughter together. This is the third year in a row that And Tango Makes Three has topped the list.
2. His Dark Materials trilogy, by Philip Pullman
A young girl becomes involved in a struggle against a corrupt religion.
3. TTYL; TTFN; L8R, G8R (series), by Lauren Myracle
Three high school friends use IM to share their concerns about dating, drinking, etc.
4. Scary Stories (series), by Alvin Schwartz
Collections of truly scary stories with equally scary illustrations by Stephen Gammell
5. Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya
This classic of Chicano literature is a coming-of-age novel about a boy in New Mexico whose elderly aunt, a curandera (spiritual folk healer) helps him come to terms with conflicting beliefs and with death.
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
A shy 15-year-old boy faces suicide, drugs, sexuality, depression.
7. Gossip Girl (series), by Cecily von Ziegesar
Rich New York City teenagers treat each other badly.
8. Uncle Bobby's Wedding, by Sarah S. Brannen
A picture book for young children about a girl whose favorite uncle marries his boyfriend. All of the characters are guinea pigs.
9. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
Much-praised novel about a rich man’s son and a servant’s son growing up in Afghanistan.
10. Flashcards of My Life, by Charise Mericle Harper
A young teen deals with conflicting friends, her parents and crushes.
-David Wallechinsky
Frequently Challenged Books (American Library Association)
Top 10 Challenged Books 1991-2007 (American Library Association) (PDF)
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