{Giveaway Hop} Banned Book Week Hop

Ah, my favorite time of year. Why? Well, there's Fall and Halloween, rainy days made for reading books, and BANNED BOOK WEEK. Now, don't mistake this to mean I'm in favor of banning books. I'm not. And every year, this being my third to participate, Kathy at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer co-hosts a tour with another blogger, this year it's Mary at Bookhounds, not necessarily celebrating the week, but getting the word out about banned books, why certain books are banned, and what books have been banned in the previous year. Each blogger will post something different, but EVERY blogger will be hosting a giveaway relating to a banned or challenged book. That means me too!

Let me start by saying, all information I gathered can be found on the American Library Association's website. If you're interested in learning more about banned and/or challenged books, I highly suggest checking them out.

To begin, I am in no way support the banning of books. I do; however, agree that school libraries should keep in mind the age of their students when choosing which books they house. But, on the flip side, public libraries and book stores have no business banning any book from their shelves. Here's a very simple rule: If you don't want to read it, don't. But don't tell me I can't.

Now, I as a parent have an obligation to my two beautiful daughters (perhaps not the one who's moved out, but...) to know what they're reading. I have an obligation to keep an open communication link between each of us, and this I take very seriously. I make an effort to know their personalities, the things they can handle, and the things that might cause them trouble. And here's an example:

I have an 18 year old who was mature enough to read Ellen Hopkins in the 7th Grade, yet I now have a 7th grader who can't handle the content of Ms. Hopkins' books, yet prefers to read books such as The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. My 18 year old STILL could not read Mr. Green's magnificent novel without going into a full on depressive attack due to life events. 

So, while I don't agree with book banning, I vehemently encourage parental involvement when it comes to their children's reading. Plus, talking about reading is a great way to become involved with your child.

Now for trivia time. Here are just a few novels that were challenged and/or banned that I found shocking. Maybe one I found funny. These are only a few, for a more comprehensive list, go HERE.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card - challenged due to student complaint of being pornographic.

No action taken.

The Perks of Being a Wildflower by Stephen Chbosky - challenged "because the book deals with drugs, 

alcohol, sex, homosexuality, and abuse." 

Looking for Alaska by John Green - Banned as required reading for Sumner County, Tenn. schools (2012) because of “inappropriate language.” The book won the 2006 Printz award for excellence in young adult literature.

AND, LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James - Pulled, but later returned to the Brevard County, Fla. public libraries’ (2012) shelves “in response to public demand.” The racy romance trilogy is particularly popular among middle-aged women. Despite overwhelming demand and long wait lists for library copies, some other libraries across the country are refusing to acquire the book.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Your choice of ANY banned or challenged book up to $15 dollars. I provided a link to a comprehensive list above, but for any questions, feel free to ask.

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