Mundie Moms

Monday, September 22, 2014

15 Classic Children’s Books That Have Been Banned In America #BannedBooksWeek

ALA Banned Books Week: Celebrating The Freedom To Read!
Image from here

I can't not share this. I shared it here on Mundie Kids, and I have to share this here, because seriously... BANNED CHILDREN'S CLASSIC just... well it brings out my snarky side. The list I'm talking about is from Buzzfeed's list of the 15 Classic Children's Books That Have Been Banned in America. Yes, you read that right, CLASSIC CHILDREN'S BOOKS that have been banned. You know the books that many of us grew up reading. Yeah, those. 








Wait till you read some of the reasons why these books were banned. I'm having some issues with why there is even a list of classic children's books that were/have been/are banned. HERE are the reasons why each of these books was banned (via Buzzfeed). 

For example, and snarky comments will be included (just saying): I've included the number by each book as it's listed in the article.

2) The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, now who didn't read that book as a kid. That is a classic. Apparently it was banned for being sexist and it criminalized the foresting agency. Um, did I read the same book they did? It was sexist? 

3) Winnie The Pooh & 8) Charlotte's Web - Per this list, talking animals are an insult to God, which resulted in both of these books being banned. Okay, I'm just going to say this, TALKING ANIMALS DO NOT EXIST! I know, sorry to burst someone's bubble. I wish they did. As someone who believes in God, I don't think God is going to be insulted by talking animals in a MAKE BELIEVE story! Are we going to start banning books with unicorns and other mythical creatures too? They don't exist. Or are we only banning books with talking animals? If there's a book with a talking Unicorn, it might end up on the banned list. 

6) Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl - Do NOT even get me going on this stupid ban. Seriously. How in the heck can this book be banned!? This was one of my favorite books in MG, because of the fact it was the first time I read a book and was emotionally invested in the story. It was also the first time I remember reading a book about a such an incredibly strong, brave and courageous character. It was also the first book I remember crying over while reading it. Anne Frank is a book that was banned because it was deemed "too depressing", among other stupid reasons. I don't know about you, but I was touched by Anne's story, not depressed by it. 

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As a parent, sure, I understand some of the reasons to ban these book (notice I said understand, not the I agree with the public banning, because I don't). I personally feel these reasons for banning these books are PERSONAL reasons, and as a parent I respect that These however are NOT reasons that should publicly ban a book. Hence the reasons my snarky comments. 

There is a book on here that got banned, and that reason alone is why I, as a parent, will not let my kid read the book. I never liked the book as a kid, and I don't like it as adult, nor is it a book I want my kid to read. BUT, that is my personal reason. Since I don't like the book, I personally don't feel that, that is justifiable for me to make it so that on one else is allowed to read it. That is why I have an issue with banned books. Just because someone else doesn't like the book, does not give them the right to tell me or my kids what they should be allowed to read. 

The beauty in reading is this: There are books out there for everyone. Not everyone is going to like every book. If you don't like book, you choose another one. At some point you'll find the book that is right for you. No one should have the power to take that right away from someone else. Banning a book doesn't make that book go away. It just prevents a reader from finding a story that was meant for them. 

No one has the right to prevent someone else from picking up a book they didn't like. Everyone has a right to not like a book. Everyone has the right to have access to books. Maybe that next book that gets banned was written for someone who's been trying to find a story that may help them through a situation they otherwise won't find a way out of. Or maybe that story is one that opens the door to possibilities. Or maybe that story is one that will allow a creative mind to realize that writing is their dream. Or maybe, just maybe, that story is meant to bring comfort to child who is dealing with a scary reality. You never know what stories will impact readers.

1 comment:

  1. I cant believe any of these are banned. They were like all childhood favs!!

    ReplyDelete

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