Library Association Ranks Most Challenged Books in America
This week marks the 25th anniversary of "Banned Book Week," an effort by the American Library Association to promote freedom of access to "unorthodox or unpopular" written works as well as freedom of expression within these books.
"Throughout history, there always have been a few people who don't want information to be freely available. And this is still true," said ALA President Leslie Burger. "Banned Books Week reminds us that we must remain vigilant."
Each year, the ALA publishes the top ten "challenged" books of the previous year. These are books that individuals or groups request be removed from libraries and schools. In 2005, the ALA received 405 such challenges.
The "10 Most Challenged Books of 2005," according to the American Library Association
"It's Perfectly Normal" for homosexuality, nudity, sex education, religious viewpoint, abortion and being unsuited to age group;
"Forever" by Judy Blume for sexual content and offensive language;
"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger for sexual content, offensive language and being unsuited to age group;
"The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier for sexual content and offensive language;
"Whale Talk" by Chris Crutcher for racism and offensive language;
"Detour for Emmy" by Marilyn Reynolds for sexual content;
"What My Mother Doesn't Know" by Sonya Sones for sexual content and being unsuited to age group;
Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey for anti-family content, being unsuited to age group and violence;
"Crazy Lady!" by Jane Leslie Conly for offensive language; and
"It's So Amazing! A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families" by Robie H. Harris for sex education and sexual content.
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