In poking about my alma mater’s website, I noticed that they’re hosting an event for Banned Books Week on Thursday night. I have to check and see if it’s for current students only, but if it’s open to the public, I think I’m going to go.

Now’s a good time to take a look and see what’s going on near you. If there aren’t any readings to attend, check out your local bookstore and see what they have on display.

Via the ALA, these were the ten most challenged books of 2007:

1. And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell
   Reasons: Anti-Ethnic, Sexism, Homosexuality, Anti-Family, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group
2. The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
   Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Violence
3. Olive’s Ocean, by Kevin Henkes
   Reasons: Sexually Explicit and Offensive Language
4. The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman
   Reasons: Religious Viewpoint
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
   Reasons: Racism
6. The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
   Reasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language,
7. TTYL, by Lauren Myracle
   Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group
8. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
   Reasons: Sexually Explicit
9. It’s Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris
   Reasons: Sex Education, Sexually Explicit
10. The Perks of Being A Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
    Reasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

For an even more comprehensive selection, take a gander at the ABFFE’s Banned and Challenged Book List. If you’re between books and looking for something new to read, why not see if anything on there tickles your fancy?

Tags: banned books week, books