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Sunday, September 30, 2012

Banned books that I have read-Julie

To Kill a Mockingbird
     My all-time favorite book.  One man standing up for another while a daughter watches with naive  and trusting eyes.
Lord of the Flies
      Loved it but scared me.  I was their age when I read it and the pig head really scared me.  It was frightening to see how savage we can become.
The Great Gatsby
      Junior in high school when I first read this.  I loved this book.  It was about a glittery world with a much darker underside.  I learned that there is more than what you can see to everything, from this book!
Where the Wild Things Are
      I know, I couldn't believe this was banned either!  I learned that I could be angry and still be loved .  I learned that imagination could free you!  It's good to have fun but there is a time and place for all things!
Lord of the Rings 
      I chose to read these books rather than Animal Farm  (another banned book).  Good triumphs over evil.  Evil sees everything.  Friends are needed.  Different races can work together for a common good.  Learn a new language!

Banned or challenged books can teach us many things but I think their most important lesson is the freedom to read whatever we want is an awesome thing!  Tell us about some of your favorite banned or challenged books that you have read!

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Boo to the Ban! by Linda


It was the mid 1960’s and there was a new controversial TV show on the air starring a youthful and handsome Ryan O’Neil. As a young teen I was instantly enthralled. Even then I knew that the book was always better so I bought the book Peyton Place by Grace Metalious. I was quite proud of reading the book because it was an adult book and pretty thick too. So I eagerly added it to my school reading list. I’ll never forget being pulled aside by my teacher and told that I must take that book off my list. I was very indignant. But my teacher told me I had to take it off my list because this list would be going to high school with me, and it wouldn’t do for those teachers to think I was “that kind of girl”. She stood over me and watched while I reluctantly erased my entry. It was my first personal experience with censorship. I didn’t like it then; and I still don’t!