September 2018

COMMUNITY
Banned Books
and Censorship
by Jane Silver
“Banned Books Week was launched
in the 1980s, a time of increased
challenges, organized protests, and
the Island Trees School District v. Pico
(1982) Supreme Court case, which ruled
that school officials can’t ban books in
libraries simply because of their content,”
according to the American Library
Association.
Since that time, books have been
banned for a myriad of reasons including
sexual content, mental health issues,
racial slurs, and profanity to name a few.
In 2017, books were closely monitored
and challenged due to these themes.
Gender identity is a relatively new theme
in terms of censorship in schools.
The Banned Books Week YouTube
channel featured the top 10 books that
were challenged in 2017.
Challenged Books of 2017:
10 - I am Jazz, by Jessica Herthel and illustrated by Shelagh
McNicholas, “because it addresses the topic of Gender
Identity”
9 - And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson and Peter
Parnell and illustrated by Henry Cole, “because it includes a
same sex relationship”
8 - The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas, “because of drug use,
profanity, and language”
7 - To Kill a Mocking Bird, by Harper Lee, “because of violence
and inclusion of racial slurs”
6 - Sex is a Funny Word, written by Cory Silverberg and
illustrated by Fiona Smyth, “because of its support of sex
education”
5 - George, written by Alex Gino, “because it includes a
transgender child”
4 - The Kite Runner, written by Khaled Hosseini, “because it
includes depictions of sexual violence and deals with religious
themes”
3 - Drama, written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeir, “because
it includes LBGTQ+ Characters”
2 - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, written by
Sherman Alexie, “because of profanity and sexually explicit
situations”
1 - Thirteen Reasons Why, written by Jay Asher, “because it
discusses suicide”
Many of these books were literary award-winners, but due
to material deemed inappropriate they were taken out of the
rotation.
In 2018, censorship is a major topic of concern. According to
bannedbooksweek.org, the theme this year, “Banning Books
Silences Stories,” is a reminder that everyone needs to speak
out against the tide of censorship.
The Banned Books Week Coalition plays a unique and
valuable role in protecting First Amendment rights. This
international alliance, comprised of a variety of organizations,
promotes awareness and aims to protect our freedom of
choice in the books we read.
An article from ala.org states that “Censorship is the
suppression of ideas and information that certain persons—
individuals, groups, or government officials—find objectionable
or dangerous. It is no more complicated than someone saying,
“Don’t let anyone read this book, or buy that magazine, or
view that film, because I object to it!”
Join the conversation and get involved by making your voice
heard on this topic that is vitally important in South Florida and
in schools across the country. Banned books week will be
recognized September 23 to 29. P
Banned Books Week
What: Celebrating Your Right to Read
with speaker Dr. Margery Marcus
When: Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6:15pm
Where: Parkland Library, 6620 N University Drive, Parkland
Information: 954-757-4200 or visit cityofparkland.org
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SEPTEMBER 2018