How I meant the list to look!!!!

[sammee42]

I tried to put the list under an LJ cut, but I couldn't figure out how to do that *and* keep the formatting...

Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz
Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Of Mice and Men by John

Comments

[tree_and_leaf]

Why on earth was Anastasia banned? I loved those books, and I can't remember anythign anyone would have thought objectionable in them.

[allysaundre]

I cannot really understand why any of those books were banned from libraries (out of the ones I know in any great deal). From what I've heard about the Madonna book Sex, I can understand why that would be banned from libraries, but Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mocking Bird? I read them both as a child and, despite their dark scenes, I didn't find them unsuitable (though Catcher in the Rye made me somewhat scared of my then looming adolescence). I take it that most of these books have had their ban lifted now. If I recall, though, isn't it the case that individual states choose to ban books in America? I guess that would mean that almost all of those books would remain banned in some states, even today.

Be well,
Rob.

[sammee42]

Actually, I'm not sure that book-banning would even make it to the state level. I think it is just instigated by individual libraries, especially in schools that have children of ultra-conservative parents.

[sammee42]

_To Kill a Mockingbird_ is my favourite novel. 'Pass the damn ham!' *lol*

[sammee42]

I think it's a conservative Christian thing, since the Anastasia books contain some language and themes that ultra-fundamentalist Christians wouldn't endorse. However, I adored those books when I was growing up, and spent many hours enjoying them and laughing out loud at Anastasia's escapades. :)

[tree_and_leaf]

since the Anastasia books contain some language and themes that ultra-fundamentalist Christians wouldn't endorse.

See... that's my confusion. I honestly can't remember what those would be (well, except endorsement of talking to busts of Freud?)

Of course, I always thought the Krupniks would vote Democrat, but even in Conservative Christian circles, that seems a poor reason for questioning a book's suitability...

[sammee42]

Yes, it is a poor reason, I agree. However, that doesn't mean that many conservative Christian parents in a school district with prevailing Republican affiliations wouldn't strong arm the school officials into making books that put Democrat-endorsed ideas into their 'impression young child(ren)'s minds. I know, ridiculous, but true!