[ad_1]
It’s Banned Books Week, launched in 1982 in response to the sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. The annual, week-long event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the book community in efforts against censorship.
Lists of banned books tend to show the same handful of books over and over again — Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaids Tale, Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. With a quick look at the plot summaries of those vital, informative and thought-provoking books, it’s pretty easy to guess why people with specific agendas might be trying to ban these titles. A majority of book bans target books containing LGBTQ+ content, racial diversity, challenges to systems of power, and reproductive health and education, among hundreds of other topics.
As we scoured lists of thousands of books that have been banned or challenged in recent years, a few shocking titles jumped out. What could possibly be in these books that warrant a book ban? All book bans are shocking, regardless of whether they seem “expected” or not, but these few are completely perplexing — it just goes to show that people will go to any length to get books taken off of shelves.
Take a look at these nine books that have been shockingly challenged, and let us know if you were surprised by any of the included titles. Or see a full list of recent bans for yourself at the PEN America list of 2022-2023 book challenges and bans.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
This seemingly innocent children’s book about friendship, forgiveness and inspiring others to be their best selves has been banned for its portrayal of talking animals. Talking animals are considered by some to be blasphemous and unnatural. If this is cause for a ban, imagine how many other children’s books would be on the list!
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
Famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) for short, inspirational poems, Rupi Kaur soared to popularity with this poetry collection. It was banned for exploring issues of sexual assault and violence.
The poet said in a 2023 Instagram post: “i remember sitting in my school library in high school, turning to books about sexual assault because i didn’t have anyone else to turn to. this is the reality for many students. we all find comfort in literature that reflects our experiences. now that books about sexual assault and other topics are being banned- i worry for students who rely on school libraries for access to literature.”
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
This classic book appears on several banned or challenged books lists, but there isn’t much information out there about official challenges or bans. This Medium article from 2020 lays out the specifics of the book’s cultural relevance, and the possible causes for attempts to censor it: queer subtext, sexual themes and the “pursuit of forbidden knowledge and the obsession that comes along with it.” However, it was the movie adaptation in 1940 that faced major censorship (due to the Hays Code), and could be the real reason the book has made several banned book lists.
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
The Fault in Our Stars author John Green’s novel (recently adapted for the screen) is praised for its realistic depiction of a teenager who has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, something Green himself lives with. The book has been banned for the use of curse words, a make-out scene, and the mention of sex.
Green, in a YouTube video spoke about his background as a Christian, a former chaplain at a children’s hospital, and ongoing bans of his books: “I think efforts to restrict stories are often efforts to restrict empathy.”
The Bible by Multiple Authors (Multiple Editions)
Quite possibly the most shocking addition to this list (alongside the dictionary, which was pulled from shelves in Florida), several versions of The Bible have been banned in schools. Religion is the foundation for many book bans and challenges across the U.S. and the world, so to ban a religious text itself makes for an interesting move from book banners and censors. The Bible was banned for containing “vulgarity or violence”. A complaint in Utah cited, “the Bible contains instances of incest, prostitution and rape.”
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
This coming-of-age story from bestseller Jerry Spinelli is a childhood staple for readers who enjoyed it at the time of its 2000 release. The book follows Stargirl, an eccentric young girl who doesn’t quite fit in at her new school. The story has been challenged, though not officially banned, for Stargirl’s “supernatural” abilities, depictions of bullying, and themes of individuality and non-conformity.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
A young boy goes on a quest to find a key left behind by his father, who died in 9/11. But the book was not banned for its heavy themes, like explorations of grief and national tragedy. Rather, it was banned for accusations of “vulgar sexual content,” which some sources clarify refers to only a single, tangential scene in a moving and significant piece of literature.
Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
This book appears on a couple of challenged book lists, though it’s not entirely clear why the book was flagged on several occasions. The story follows a funny, fearless and fat main character who decides to take on her town’s beauty pageant, challenging stereotypes of beauty, family traditions, and tackling body positivity. Pumpkin, the third book in the series, follows a fat and gay boy who is nominated for prom queen after his drag performance goes viral. Perhaps Dumplin’ was looped in with Pumpkin, as the latter title was banned for including LGBTQ+ topics.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
This beloved tale of adventure, friendship and overcoming adversity is one of the many fantasy titles challenged in book-banning efforts. Witchcraft and “Satanic themes” are the main arguments from censors in favor of pulling this book, as well as the other Lord of the Rings books, from shelves. If kids don’t have access to The Hobbit, how else are they going to learn the egg riddle?
[ad_2]
Source link