Banned Book Week is next week. It was started in 1982 to bring awareness to the number of books being challenged or banned by communities across the nation. As of late more and more books are being challenged/banned. As reported by the ABA, “book challenges in 2022 nearly doubled the number reported in 2021. The number of unique titles targeted marked a 38% increase over 2021.”
I am an educator. I taught high school and college English. As students grow in their writing, one of the most important ideas for them to think about is what an opponent would say to their idea. Think about your audience, and not just those that agree with you. Think about why someone would disagree. This is critical thinking and it is what helps make good citizens, good neighbors and good writers.
Taking books that have provocative ideas away from teens is the most bonkers idea ever. These are curious minds filled with questions, minds that are developing. To deny them the ability to search and question on their own is irresponsible.
As of 2020, the top ten reasons books were challenged or banned, according to the American Library Association, included:
You may look at this list and think well kids should not be reading about sex or offensive language. It is important to remember a few things:
Just fucking read banned books.
More info: ALA American Library Association
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