Library Staff Directory
Posted Sep 26, 2014
Did you know it's Banned Books Week? One week a year Banned Books Week is celebrated by libraries, bookstores, publishers, and teachers to highlight the value and the importance of free and open access to information. So, celebrate your freedom to read by checking out a banned book!
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
When Arnold Spirit, a.k.a. Junior, decides to leave the reservation school to attend the all-white Reardan High, his world is turned upside down. As if life weren’t hard enough on the Spokane Indian Reservation it just got harder for Junior as he becomes an outcast in his own community. Through cartoons, basketball, and poverty, Alexie explores identity-both personal and tribal- with humor, illustrations, and real life experiences. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a heart-felt book that shows teens they can find the strength within themselves to overcome obstacles despite all odds.
Why was it banned?
Banned throughout the United States for questionable content, graphic nature, offensive language, and the belief that the title was unsuited for its intended age group.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Set in the near future Republic of Gilead, The Handmaid’s Tale recounts Offred’s story of a world where women are strictly controlled and classified by their limited role in society. For example, Offred is fertile in a mostly barren society and thus is a Handmaid, a woman used for reproductive purposes. Appointed to a Commander and his wife, Offred’s purpose is to be impregnated to boost the shrinking population while providing a child for the couple. Dystopian in nature, The Handmaid’s Tale is geared to make you think about religion, politics, feminism, and the power of language.
Why was it banned?
Removed from high schools because the book was considered “sexually explicit, violently graphic, and morally corrupt.” Some parents also thought the book is “detrimental to Christian values.”
Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi, is a graphic novel that follows the author’s childhood through the fall of the Iranian Shah, the Islamic Revolution, and the war between Iraq and Iran. Told from a nine year-old’s perspective in a series of black and white comic book-like drawings, Satrapi illustrates the human side of history from witnessing neighborhood bombings to having her uncle executed all while enduring a rebellion of her own as she discovers Nikes and Michael Jackson. Stark and minimal, Persepolis is an eye opener, especially for those unfamiliar with Middle Eastern affairs.
Why was it banned?
Removed from Chicago Public Schools due to “graphic illustrations and language” and concerns about “developmental preparedness” and “student readiness.”
The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
Set in Piqua, Ohio, The Adventures of Captain Underpants (series) follows two mischievous fourth graders, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, as they create quite the ruckus at the school. After making a homemade comic book, they somehow manage to hypnotize their principal, Mr. Krupp, into becoming the “Amazing Captain Underpants.” What started out as a prank soon turns serious as Captain Underpants starts to fight crime throughout the city, and the two boys must now keep him out of trouble. With a series of ten titles and three spin-offs, The Adventures of Captain Underpants is full of thrills and action to keep the kids laughing.
Why was it banned?
Banned throughout the schools in the United States for offense language, violence, and the belief that it was unsuited for the age group it was intended for.
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