“Well, life is a constant struggle between being an individual and being a member of the community”
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (page 132)
“He says a million things without saying a word. I make a note to study David Petrakis. I have never heard a more eloquent silence”
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (page 57)
“And just like that, the groundwork was laid not only for slavery to be justified but for it to be justified for a long, long time, simply because it was woven into the religious and educational systems of America”
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Each of these quotes were plucked from books of especial renown, as they hold a place as one of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2020, to see the full list click here. Still, as noted on the American Library Association’s (ALA) website the list is “only a snapshot of book challenges”.
What is a book challenge? What is a banned book?
As defined by the ALA, “a challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group” (2021). A banned book is a one that is actually removed from the shelf due to a challenge.
Ever wonder what a writer thinks when their books are challenged? Check out the video below featuring the Inaugural Honorary Chair of Banned Books Week, Jason Reynolds, the author of two of the Top Ten Challenged Books of 2020.
Make a Banned Books Button
During National Banned Banned Books Week authors, librarians, educators, and readers celebrate our freedom to read! To join the national celebration and learn more about banned books, drop by the Teen Department during library hours September 26-October 2. We plan on making buttons featuring quotes, artwork, and facts from books that make you think. The program is free and open to all ages.
Curious to know more?
Check out the following information from the ALA on the subject.
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