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 <strong>2018</strong>, 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 <strong>September</strong> 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 26 SEPTEMBER <strong>2018</strong>
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