Did you know that in the United States, people try to ban books? Often books are challenged because the content or ideas presented offend some people's beliefs. Does this concept go against the First Amendment? Are there any benefits to banning books from schools and libraries? Who gets to decide what can and cannot be read?
As an English major and avid reader, I have actually read almost all of the books that appear on the top 100 Banned/Challenged Book List for 2000-2009. In fact, many of them are among my favorites. Some I read as a young girl, and I learned important ideas from them. Some I read as assigned novels in junior high school, high school, and college. Still others I read because my students recommended them! In fact, I think some of you will be surprised by number one on list (actually a series); it may be one of your favorites.
Read this article from the "Teaching and Learning" section of The New York Times 10 Ways to Celebrate Banned Books Week. Be sure to scan the list of the top 100 books (under number two in the article). Have you read any of these books? Are any of them your favorites?
Most importantly, how will you celebrate Banned Books Week?
WOW!!! I was surprised when reading the banned book list, seeing that I have read many of the books, especially as a young child! Also, I don't think there is any reason to ban books because who are they to tell someone what not to read! And why would someone block you from reading and exploring new authors or information that books give you? The idea of 'banning' books is weird because to me it just doesn't make sense.
ReplyDeleteKalie M. Period 2
I don't understand why people would want to be banning books if books make people smarter and more informed about the world. I was shocked that I have read a lot of the books on the banned books list. While books can sometimes have a negative effect, there is always a positive effect to reading them.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Sadowski Period 3
There are some books that make some sense, such as the "Lovely Bones". I believe that "banning" could be useful as a way for parent guidance, but the list didn't make so much sense to me. "Captain Underpants"? "Harry Potter"? Classical works such as "To Kill a Mockingbird"? I mean, what's so bad about fart jokes, teens waving magic wands, and difficult English? I mean, I would've expected some books about the Holocaust, violence, etc.; but the list probably got mixed up with the "Favorite Books" list. The idea to omit certain books from school libraries is legit, but I think that author behind that list was probably a mom that only lets her teen watch "G" movies. I'll probably celebrate by re-reading Harry Potter again for my reading log.
ReplyDelete-Rodolfo H. Pd.4
-Rodolfo H.
Aina Rivas
ReplyDeleteper.2
I don't agree with the list because many of the book are amazing and are in many positive lists. I have read many of the books mentioned. I will definitely re-read some of the books on the list for Banned Books Week.
I find it really interesting that enough people want to ban books that is on The New York Times. Books are a source of information, and also a way to enjoy time. I myself usually read for an hour or two a day, and I would be bored out of my mind without books. To celebrate banned books week, I will try to read the top fifty books in the list by the next banned books week.
ReplyDeleteYuval S. Period 3
I am really surprised that so many people want to ban books! After looking at the "banned books list", I was astonished to see how many of those I have read. Books are just people trying to relate or entertain readers, not to challenge beliefs or offend anyone. Books should definitely not be banned. I am going to celebrate by trying to finish three of the top banned books by the end of the week.
ReplyDeleteTyler Anne G. period 3
Emily Friefeld period 6
ReplyDeleteThis shocked me on a number of levels and made me realize that reading is actually really important in my life. Reading gives many students a way to learn new vocabulary, language, writing styles and information. When I read this, I thought how much life would change if no one had any books. In my opinion it's ridiculous that so many people want to banish books from everyone. Many people use books as entertainment and a learning source and I don't know who they think they are (whoever they is) taking away someone's enjoyment. Books should not be banned also because when I have children am going to want them to read for a learning source because it's really great for the brain.
Oh my gosh!!!!! I seriously can't believe that some people would try to BAN BOOKS! Don't they see whats wrong with that? Books are a source of information, a haven for children, and a way to get away from reality. As I was reviewing the list with my brother, we were both surprised at the books ranking as top 100. I have read a lot of these books, most of them as a kid. Also, I am furious that they put Harry Potter as the #1 Banned/Challenged book and would even consider putting Twilight on that list. These books have been read globally and enjoyed by people of all ages. I mean, Harry Potter has been translated into inot 67 languages. I will definitely try to read at least 10 more books from the Banned book list by the next year.
ReplyDeleteAndrea De Abreu
P.4
WOAH! This is crazy! Banning books? Books are a way of speaking our mind and expressing ideas! You can't ban books, it is against people's rights!
ReplyDeleteRYAN GREENBERG PERIOD 6
Many of the banned books are books that I have heard of or read. I am very surprised at this because these are quality books that people should want to read, not ban. I will definitely strive to do my part in banned books week to celebrate some of my all time favorite books
ReplyDeleteNicki Capella LA PERIOD 4
The article really surprised me! Banning books? What happened to the first ammendment? I understand reading books that are age appropriate and encouraging young adults to do that is okay ,but banning books is taking it too far. It showed one of the Harry Potter books on the list. I have read that book and there was nothing wrong with it. Also, the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was on there ,too, and it was a classic. You can't ban a classic. Sometimes people take it too far.
ReplyDeleteEmily Llewellyn Period 3
I was really shocked to see that the government is banning books. I mean I thought that the whole idea was that an author can write a book on anything and books can show several different view points and that's ok! Well, I don't like the idea of banning books and I definitely don't agree with the banned books list. Those are some classics and even personal favorites of mine. This is just unconstitutional!
ReplyDeleteLauren White
Period 2
Honestly, after reviewing this list I was shocked. I have only read a few of the books on this list, but Harry Potter has to be my favorite series. The Harry Potter series has to be one of the top 10 sold books in the world. The fact that it is number one on the ban list is just mind boggling. Everyone has the right to read whatever book they want. Authors take lots of time and hard work to get a book published. If it was good enough to get published then I feel as if it is ridiculous to ban books because obviously they deserve to be on the shelves.
ReplyDeleteRachel Newman
Period 3
9/27
I think it is crazy that the government can do something like banning books. I was always taught that reading was a positive hobby. I don't understand the reasoning behind banning books. I'm not very fond of reading, but to think that the government can just ban books seems weird to me.
ReplyDelete^ Meredith Sheldon
ReplyDeleteP.3
Found this on the website of the American Library Association:
ReplyDelete"The books featured during Banned Books Week have been targets of attempted bannings. Fortunately, while some books were banned or restricted, in a majority of cases the books were not banned, all thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, booksellers, and members of the community to retain the books in the library collections. Imagine how many more books might be challenged—and possibly banned or restricted—if librarians, teachers, and booksellers across the country did not use Banned Books Week each year to teach the importance of our First Amendment rights and the power of literature, and to draw attention to the danger that exists when restraints are imposed on the availability of information in a free society."
"Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association; American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression; the American Library Association; American Society of Journalists and Authors; Association of American Publishers; and the National Association of College Stores. It is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress."
So actually, the purpose of banned books week is to educate about banning books, the pro's and the con's. I previously believed that this week was something insignificant, like the "International Pickle Week", and was celebrated by NOT reading the books from the banned book list
-Rodolfo H. Pd.4
@ Rodolfo - Thank you for clarifying the purpose of Banned Books Week for your classmates! See what a little research and READING can do?
ReplyDeleteWOW! Oh My God! This is crazy, even though I'm not a very avid reader, i have still read some os these books. Like the Harry Potter series, i can not believe the government can ban such great books!!
ReplyDeleteMichael Gillman Period 2
Franics Bacon once said, "Knowledge is power."
ReplyDeleteWe are attempting to ban the source of knowledge, books, without a logical purpose. Even if not officially banned, why even attempt such a thing? An author writes a book to entertain, persuade, or inform the reader. Is there anything wrong with a right to write? Some people may oppose a book's concepts, but there is still a large population that enjoys the work. We are not allowed to just go around banning every day items because they don't please us. Why then even attempt to ban a book?
Groups of teachers and librarians have helped prevent some books from being banned through efforts. Should they even have to attempt to resent novels on this list. I know that some literature may be inappropriate for different age groups. Most mothers would immediately resent their child trying to rent out, "The Terrorist," but isn't that judging a book by it cover. That is the wrong thing to do. The literature held within becomes lost over time if everyone is discouraged to read it. The writers should make a list of the hundred great pieces of literature out there instead. The humorous thing might be a lot of the titles on the banned books list would be on the greatest list as well!
I guess the overall moral is appreciate what you have because you never know what might happen.
Jake Ukleja (period 6)
I have read some of these books, like Captain Underpants (who hasn't?), Harry Potter (who hasn't either?) and saw the movie version of the Kite Runner. By reading these books, I have an idea about why parents, teachers, politicians etc. would possibly consider getting these books off the shelves of libraries. Though some books on the list, just by looking at them, you can tell that the overall content is racy or inappropriate for children (there is one on the list that definitely counts for that standard, just read the whole list and you'll see).
ReplyDeleteBut let's face the facts: you can't keep children in the spotlight of innocence for all their lives. Real good stories that I've read before did not have the cleanest material. A story should include all aspects of life, and the author has the right to express those ideologies in his/her book.
I think the best way to celebrate is to read those books and challenge the community and government. They shouldn't deprive of us of any literature.
-Alex Israel
Per. 6
I believe that to be an author is not only to make money but to also write about topics that might not be as known and to create life in things that are not possible. With many of the banned books most of them are wide spread and some considered classic. One of the books that I read over the summer "Of Mice and Men" portrayed two characters that have known each other and how the Main Character has to deal with the others disability. I was so do many others do not agree with the way it was dealt with or with the way the story ended, but we need to get away from the thought that every story has a happy ending and that this story is more realistic than many of the other books that qualify as historical fiction because this is what the world is abut and that needs to be accepted. As most books are.
ReplyDeleteEvan Harber p5
i think banning these book is not right because many of these book teach many important things to students and people of different ages. If they don't believe the book is appropriate they should just not read it themselves. These book should not be banned just because some people believe it has a bad word or has "inappropriate" content.
ReplyDeleteMaria Gonzalez
period 2
sorry it was Maria Gonzalez period 1
ReplyDeleteThis is just ridiculous, why would you want to ban some the best books in history and of the present times, too! Why would anybody want to ban books like Harry Potter, I mean its not like if they send us a bad message or anything right?
ReplyDeleteI believe we should all celebrate this week because it is not right to take away a writers freedom of expression and the right to let us readers choose what we want to read
-Juan Jose M
Period 1
Romina R. 1st period,
ReplyDeletereading is a very important thing to have in life, and if sombody doesn't agree with views of a book than don't read it, but i don't think it's fair to stop everybody else from reading a book. Everybody has different views and opinions to what they read and they might not see the book in the same eyes that the person who wants to ban it does.
This is just crazy! Why would you ever want to ban a book? I think that people have the right to an opinion, but trying to ban a BOOK? That's just ridiculous! I was very shocked when i saw that the number one banned book was the Harry Potter Series, which i read in 2nd grade. I think it's unnecessary to ban book just because they give wrong ideas or go against what they believe in. If this is the case, then they should just not read the book themselves, not ban it from libraries and whatnot.
ReplyDeleteEmily Soule P.1
Okay... can someone tell me why people are wasting their time trying to ban a book that is most likely WAY under their age group like Captain Underpants, Judy Bloom or even Junie B Jones. I mean what is really said in those children books that is truly affending to a person. These books are mainly about underwear, farting, or kindergarden years. I was also suprised when i read that people were banning "Catcher and the Rye" and "To kill a Mockingbird." These books are both most commonly read in high school. They are both used as a teaching tool to almost all students who go through their teenage years. Having said that, i can somewhat agree with some of the books tested. Like "Gossip Girl", for example, some of the content could be testable for a parent. But, other than that this list is truly shocking.
ReplyDeleteAlyssa McDoom
period 2
I found it interesting that I had read quite a few of the books on the Banned Books List. I can understand not wanting people to read some books because they are inappropriate. However, I believe that people deserve to know what the books are about. If everyone was uneducated, then the world would be chaotic. I will celebrate Banned Books Week by reading some of the books on the list and actually thinking about and analyzing them.
ReplyDeleteDaniel S. 1st period
ReplyDeleteThis article is so funny due to the fact about banning some great books and series. Because of one person a book can be banned? This fact is a bit outrageous and should not be passed unless a huge group of people agree on banning the book.
Haley M. 1st period
ReplyDeleteI was suprised to read that certain books have been banned. I think this is wrong and that its not fair to the people that like to read these books. I think its a stupid idea and there is no reason for it. I mean seriously, this is crazy. WOW! thats all i have to say...just wow!
Also, the main purpose of most books it to express the authors opinion or explain life lessons. How can this be done if someone is trying to ban the book. If this book is expressing ideas you don't agree with then read a different book. But, don't try to get rid of it, when many people out there really enjoy the book.
ReplyDeleteAlyssa McDoom
period 2
From some points of view one can see where someone would get the idea that some books should be banned. Think of a time where a parent or someone else close to you told you to put a seatbelt on or put a helmet on. This is a very similar situation where an adult enforcer is censoring material that the public is viewing. These people may sometimes be right. Many books can suggest some inappropriate acts. For instance, when Harry had his first kiss in the fifth novel I'm sure many were ticked off by this. No one wants there young children who love the movies to see that. This may not be the government, but any group with enough power can do anything.
ReplyDeleteDo not get me wrong! This is a terrible decision in my opinion. This dispute violates many of the rights of the American people.Libraries and authors should never need to censor any of the material for a novel do to events such as this.
David Rutner
Pd. 6
I was very surprised about this list. I have read most of these books and can say that I had no clue that some people would find them offensive. Many teachers use some of these books as a source for teaching material. Books are supposed to open up imagination for people. I found it offensive how someone could put such great books on this list. It's also not fair for the authors who worked extremely hard on their books. I know I'll celebrate by trying to read as many books off that list as I can.
ReplyDeleteNicolette Sam p. 5
I am so suprised that our country would ban books. I thought that this was a free country and that we had the right to read and write whatever we want. I astonished that our country is banning some of my favorite books! I, for one, know that there is nothing wrong with the Harry Potter series nor the Twilight series but apparently the government is not smart enough to know that. This week I will try to read as many of the banned books as I can.
ReplyDeleteDanielle May Period 3
In my opinion, this is absolutely ridiculous! The decision of banning Harry Potter and other books is really surprising to me. This is a terrible decision on the governments part, and totally goes against the constitution. Books are used for enjoyment, lessons, and a look into history and the government has no right to take that privilege away from anyone.
ReplyDeleteSamantha G. Period 4
Juana PD.1
ReplyDeleteI read most of the books, and i think it's kind of unfair, because since i started reading harry potter i allways had this illusion that my letter to hogwards would arrive, and i'd go there. but since people think that's "UNHEALTHY" i guess i'm crazy. but i guess my way of celebtrating this week is NOT READING AT ALL :D but nah, i like to read, so i failed at this celebration\:
HAHAHA! I'm not trying to be offensive or anything, but some people are way to sensitive. I saw Huckleberry Finn (sorry, I could not underline) on the list and I can see where it could be offensive to certain minority groups, but it is a classic. You need to take into account that a lot of these books were written in a different time when these things were not rude or derogatory. Anyways, back to the real question. I think I'll celebrate it by posting quotes from some of the books on my Facebook page. That seems like a good way to, in the words of the hippies "stick it to the man".
ReplyDeleteTyler Levinson Period 6
Wow! I cant believe some of those books on that list, but I believe that banning certain books could be helpful. Banning a book that could possibly be sending a bad message to its readers is a legitimate reason to ban a book. What I don't understand is why anybody would want to ban a book like Harry Potter. I will celebrate this week by not reading any of those books on that list (even though I'm not reading any of them at this moment).
ReplyDeleteZach S period 2
Wow!!! That is unbelievably ridiculous that people would waste so much time trying to ban books that are perfectly harmless, especially like Harry Potter and Twilight. As of what I could understand, the books didn't offend any groups or people. Some of these books are classics and have been around for many years. Some of these books are also very popular with teachers. Books are also used purely for enjoyment and pleasure.
ReplyDeleteThis also unfairly goes against the constitution. This is America the land of the free, not the land of the bossed around. So we should be able to read whatever we please.!!!!!!
I will celebrate by reading those books during BANNED BOOK WEEK, the most ridiculous thing ever.
This makes me mad. I feel bad for the authors who spend so much time and effort and have their works be classics and after so many years be rejected. :(
Kylie H. Period 2
I am shocked at why Harry Potter is on the list. Harry Potter is one of my favorite books and I have no clue why it would be considered offensive to anyone. Harry Potter is a great book for teens and young adult and kept me turning pages for a long time. This is not fair to an author who waited around 15 times to get her book published.
ReplyDeleteMax Brenner P.6
I don't agree with banning books because everyone has a right to read or participate in whatever they desire. If you don't agree with something then you shouldn't pay attention to it but not ruin it for other people who might be interested in it.
ReplyDeleteAndrea Negron P.1
BANNING BOOKS....... now that's outrageous. I can't believe that one person can have so much power to just bann a book from an author who has dedicated so hard to write a book and to hope a lot of people enjoy reading it. i was especially surprised to see Harry potter #1 on the list i mean the series are just amazing i have been told and was made into a movie and still more to come i think. i just don't think it's right that a person or a group of people read a book say nah i think this book is inappropriate and start trying to bann it from libraries. if the book goes against someones ideas about life then don't read it. they don't have to spoil it for everyone. i just don't think it's fair to the author or the people who like to read the book
ReplyDeletenathalia bedoya period 1
Banning books is a step away from burning them. What a completely fascist thing for America, a "free" country, to partake in! While I understand why some parents may censor books according to moral value, completely removing books and discrediting authors is like using a gun to kill a fly.
ReplyDeleteOn a more personal note, my two favorite books are on the list, and I really doubt my mind was corrupted by passing through a mild curse word or a PG-rated sex reference.
So this Banned Book week, I'm going to read "To Kill a Mockingbird" for the seventh time and reread the Allende's masterpiece, "The House of Spirits," my favorite novels of all time.
Merry Banned Book Week, everybody!
Lisa B, 4th period
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
ReplyDeleteShouldn't have said my last paragraph. It was rude, sorry guys! I made a silly grammar mistake myself, too.
-Rodolfo H., Pd.4
It's really interesting to find out that some people think that certain books are so innapropriate for students to read to the extent of them trying to ban the books from libraries, schools, etc. As I read the list, I felt shocked at some of the books people wanted to ban. I could understand some books, but some were just not necessary to me. I mean, how bad does the person think the content of a certain book that students like to read have to be? Overall, people have their own opinions and I guess they feel the books are offensive in a way. You'd have to understand it in their point of view. Lastly, I'd probably celebrate banned books week by checking out some of the books on the list at the library.
ReplyDeleteIsabella W. Period 1
I think that it it's appalling that so many of the commonly read books all over America are the ones that the individuals want banned simply because THEY disagree with the topic or the writer. Everyone is free to speak to his or her own opinion and there's nothing anyone can do about it, one of the greatest aspects of the first amendment.
ReplyDeleteIsabelleB. P.6
Hi Mrs. Powers! It's Sophia Fonseca from last year. I just wanted to say hi, and I miss you're blog posts. :) We're actually reading Catcher in the Rye (which should be underlined) in English class, and that is one of "banned" books. Maybe it's "bad" for people to read, but they would be more educated on different points of view of different people. A lot of those books/series are very popular as I have read and enjoyed quite a few of them. Oh, and I just wanted to mention how helpful all of your sentence formulas have been. Each on of our tests this year include creating a sentence using a vocabulary word with a formula. The students from Tequesta were so lost! Everyone misses you, and we all agree that you're awesome!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to read that many of the all-time favorite books of readers was on this Banned Book List. Books take people to a whole new world. People should be able to have the freedom to read.
ReplyDeleteI actually LOVE the Harry Potter series. When I told my friends, #1 Harry Potter fans, they were amazed!! It is very hard to belive that some books that I used to read all the time, such as Junie B. Jones are banned.
I will celebrate this week by reading some of my favorite books until next September.
Neha A. Pd.1
I am amazed that people have the nerve to say that they don't like specific types of books. I mean, they could at least advise that people who are under age not read the books. Harry Potter is a classic, and anyone who doesn't like it need to think about the fact that kids really love it. I'm not saying that some kids aren't flicking pieces of wood around and saying "Expecto Partronum!" All I'm saying is that these books are made to entertain, and that is what they are doing.
ReplyDeleteHenry Perillo p.2
This is beyond ridiculous! I mean banning books? You have got to be kidding me! Books are a learning tool that students, like me, use to get away from the real world. Harry Potter, as Andrea De Abreu said, was translated in 67 different languages!I'm surprised it was the first one on the list because the book itself was sold throughout the world, not just in the United States. Also, some of these books were books I enjoyed when I was little like Junie B. Jones, which my sister ,who is in second grade, still enjoys to read today. I will surely celebrate banned books week by reading as much of those books on the list possible!Banning books? Please, ban something that's isn't useful.
ReplyDeleteAna Corina Gallegos
Period 2
When I read this, I was extremely shocked. Why would anyone want to ban books. Books are very impererative because they provide information. I have read a lot of the books on that list. For example, the Harry Potter series and Junie B. Jones. Clearly,Books are read for one's pleasure not for punishment so they shouldn't be banned.
ReplyDeleteYumi Rivas
Period 2
This was a real eye opener. There sure are alot of crazy people out there trying to ban childrens books. Ive read most of these books as a little a kid so it makes me kind of mad that another little kid wont be able to pick up a harry potter book and explore a magical land just because some ignorant adult bans hrmless books. Im gonna celebrate this abn books week by reading the book on the list just to piss the banners off and keep the spirit of the book alive.
ReplyDeleteFrom: Esteban Urcuyo 1st period
Allison Blake
ReplyDeletePeriod 3
I can’t believe people can actually ban books. Personally, I do enjoy reading and think this is against the first amendment. The top banned book I think shouldn’t be Harry Potter. Wow. I love those books (I am currently reading the fourth one now) and I know that a lot of people enjoy them. I don’t understand why people would ban books especially Harry Potter and a lot of other great books on that list.
i think that rmoving books is a bad ideas because if you disagree with the book you can see other people's opinions towards the book and any people have learned things from them. Other people just like the theme f the book and enjoy it so much that they don't want to put the book down.
ReplyDeletemy name is Jorge C. p1 and i completely disagree with the right that allows people to ban books.
i dont think they should have the right to ban books anyone should be able to check out any book from any library.
ReplyDeleteLexi DiEmmanuele P.1
I believe that banning books is restricting the amount of information that people can intake. Of course, since implementing this restriction is limiting our intellectual and cultural progression, our society will become more illiterate and will fall behind past generations rather than exceeding. As a result, our lack of intellect will force our population to fallback into neolithic times. I personally enjoy reading books very much and I would feel devastated if my favorite books were to be banned. To summarize, it is ludicrous to ban books because our information intake is being restricted, concluding in an unintelligent population, and I would die if the books that I love were banned.
ReplyDeleteIgnacio S.
This is REDICULOUS!!!! I've read sooooooooo many of those books. I'm surprised they haven't banned any Stephen King or Edgar Allen Poe books. But still this is utterly insane to be banning so many books for such simple reasons.
ReplyDeleteMaria Rodriguez
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
I don't understand why people would ban these books. Some of these books are really good books. I can say I have read about 15 of the books in the banned list. I will celebrate this week by reading Harry Potter again and appreciating how lucky I am that they did not ban this book and I had the opportunity to read it. The books on that list are very good and no one should have the right to ban them just because they have a different point of view. Everyone is different and that is how the world is fun.
I think its dumb of how they banned books just because xof random things such as language. Anyway these people should find better things to do other than banning books that are worth reading. For example, Captain Underpass is AWESOME!! Also, even though I dont like Harry Potter Books, I know a lot of people who do.
ReplyDeleteStephen P.1
Funny, I'm Reading the Da Vinci Code which is all about groups trying to modify informaton that goes out to the public. My question is why? Reading is a hobby not a sport, so there should be no rules on what the public is reading. I guess I understand parents not letting children read certain books for religious reasons, but if an adult wants to read a specific book, who is to say that they have better judgement the that person?
ReplyDeleteRobert Arnott
Period 5
It really surprises me that Harry Potter is at the top of the list. I mean, whatever these people have found in Harry Potter probably makes sense to THEM, but not to the rest of the world. Harry Potter, like many toher books in that list, is simply just a FICTION story that is widely popular, and makes absolutely no sense for it to be banned.
ReplyDeleteInes Acosta, Prd 5
I had never heard of banned book week before, so I was completely taken aback at the fact that this even existed. I know I am not the first to say this, but I would never have expected some of the books on that list to be banned. I could understand the controversy over some of the books. For example, I know people who would object to the His Dark Materials trilogy and Go Ask Alice. Books like Junie B. Jones, however, left me stunned. I truly believe in freedom of speech. If someone has a problem with a book, they don't have to read it. I didn't celebrate banned book week, per say, but I did look fondly at a Junie B. Jones book and think, "Power to you sister!"
ReplyDelete-Period 3 Lauren Goboff
i was suprised to see all of the books on the list some i have even read.
ReplyDeleteI don`t think there should be a banned books week. you can still go into a library or school with the a possible banned book you brought from somewhere else!
ReplyDelete-Addison Lutes period1
Valeria Martinez
ReplyDeletePd.1
I'm shocked that people would do this. I mean i believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but banning books is just stupid. It's not fair to everyone else.
1 period. Luis A
ReplyDeleteI think this is just to bring attention to people. There really banning elementary school books, just becuase they didn't like it.
WOW! This is kind of surprising, to think that people would just ban BOOKS! I think that people should be allowed to read what they want, and not worry about if some stuffy old people on a committee are banning certain books... Didn't the very FOUNDERS of our country state that we had freedom? Well, banning the types of books we read is NOT allowing someone to be free.
ReplyDelete~Mira M., p. 3
I am surprised to hear that there is such things as a banned book week. Authors use books as a way to express their ideas or feelings. Just as freedom of speech is allowed, books should not be banned because authors are speaking their feelings. Just because some people do not agree with the author's point of view, they should not ban the author's book.
ReplyDeleteMeredith K.
period 2
I can honestly say that I was surprised when I saw the list of banned books. A lot of the books that were mentioned in the list were some of my favorites. I had read a lot of the books up there too. I think that just to make those crazy rule maker people mad, I will try to read as many of those books possible, just because they are on the list.
ReplyDeleteTo me, it is kind of shocking to see that people would ban books. Authors write book to express themselves, right? So who are people to judge what books other should read. SOme of the titles on the list shocked me. I mean CLASSICS were there! Who are they to tell you that you cannot read a classic book that has been handed down and read in school for years?! Unbelieveable... I find that that is an insult to the authors.
ReplyDelete-Isabel Hofmann; Pd 4