By: Elaine Anderson,
on 8/17/2011
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 3/7/2011
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 1/24/2011
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 7/12/2010
Thank you to everyone who registered for the "Banned Book Challenge" in 2010. A total of 31 people pledged to read 354 books between February and June 2010. Registration is now closed but watch for the Banned Book Challenge to return in February 2011 (Freedom to Read Week in Canada). Feel free to submit book reviews or links in the comments below or email them and I will post them.
Watch for Banned Books Week in the US from September 25 − October 2, 2010. If you need a challenge to help focus your reading, Bibliobabe has a comprehensive list of other book challenges.
Enjoy your summer reading.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 7/9/2010
Thank you for taking the Banned Book Challenge for 2010. The challenge is now closed but feel free to keep reading. The challenge will return in February 2011, during Freedom to Read Week.
We had 31 participants pledge to read 354 books that have been banned or challenged. Congratulations everyone!
If you would like to take part in another reading challenge in the meantime, check out Bibliobabe's blog for a HUGE list. Happy reading!
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 4/30/2010
A challenge to a graphic novel series written for children is ironic because it is so close to Free Comic Book Day. A recent story in the Minnesota Sun explains that parent Ramona DeLay was shocked that Jeff Smith's popular "Bone" graphic novel series has illustrations related to drinking, smoking, and gambling, activities the DARE program taught him not to do. She had filed a request to have the materials reconsidered for inclusion in the library. She objected to the book's portrayal of gambling, alcohol and tobacco use, and "sexual situations between characters" and indicated that she wanted the book "withdrawn from all students."
An interview with author Jeff Smith was held by Publishers Weekly.
JS: [Laughs] I'm laughing because it doesn't seem like you could really find those things. To a degree. In general, the characters in Bone are all adults and there are not a lot of strange activities like that, but there are storylines, some of the unsavory characters will try to pull scams, try to rig bets and things, and it always goes wrong. So no one is rewarded for doing any unsavory behavior in Bone, and it's difficult for me to see how anyone could think Bone would encourage kids to do unsavory things. Also, none of the main characters do these things. My conclusion is that some people aren't smart enough to read comic books.
The smoking in Bone, it's kind of like a time capsule thing. I started Bone in 1991. In 1988 there was a big movie, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and there was a baby smoking a cigar [in that movie]. So a cigar to me was like a Groucho Marx vaudeville prop, it was an anachronism. When I created the dragon, it was not the evil it is now. When I quit smoking in the middle of Bone, the cigarette just disappeared from the dragon's mouth.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 3/31/2010
To date, 20 people have signed up for the Banned Book Challenge with the goal of reading 174 books.
Of interest is a course which is giving extra points to students who take the challenge.
There is still time to sign up. The challenge goes until June 30. Set your own goal and let us know about it. I will publish any reviews, etc. as they are sent to me.
Check out our new look.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 1/8/2010
It is time once more for our Banned Book Challenge. Choose a goal for the number of challenged or banned books you can read between Feb. and June. Let us know about your goal on our form, so we can keep track. Not sure what to read? Check out our suggested reading and the many links on the right side bar.
The Freedom to Read organization has put together a list of challenged or banned books and magazines for Canada.
Robert P Doyle has put together a list of books that have been banned or challenged in 2008-2009 in the US.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 2/4/2009
If you are gearing up for the "Banned Book Challenge" and are looking for ideas on what to read, find excerpts and full text to help you make your choice in 25 Banned Books You Should Read Today.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 6/12/2008
Poster courtesy of American Booksellers Foundation For Free Expression
The deadline to register for this year's "Banned Book Challenge" is June 30. To date, 61 people, including the people below have signed up to read 481 banned or challenged books.
Elana B., Australia, 7 bannedbooksarethebeesknees, USA, 5
Cleo, USA, 2
Please see comments for reviews from people who have submitted their completed titles.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 3/17/2008
Author Derek Finkle has received the Freedom to Read Award for 2008. He has been honoured by the Writers' Union of Canada for defending writers' rights. In his book, No Claim to Mercy, Finkle raised questions about the conviction of Robert Baltovich, who was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend Elizabeth Bain. When a new trial was ordered for Baltovich, Finkle's research into the book was subpoenaed by the Ontario Crown. Finkle, supported by five writer's organizations, successfully challenged the subpoena.
Stated Susan Swan, chair of the Writers' Union,
Derek Finkle showed considerable courage and determination in standing up to the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General and all its resources. Had the Crown succeeded in obtaining that material, it would have cast a chill on writers who are determined to unearth wrongful convictions in the justice system.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 3/12/2008
To date, 40 people have signed up for The Banned Book Challenge and have pledged to read 327 banned or challenged books. From now until June, pick a goal for the number of banned, challenged, or censored books you would like to read. Register by clicking on the logo or the link to The Banned Book Challenge. See the sidebar for lists and for links to other sites.
Bethany C., US, 4
colleen, USA, 10
Tammy R., USA, 20
Lois L., Canada, 15
Geiar, USA, 6
Nessiana, Canada, 5
Faith, USA, 6
aduncan365, Canada, 15
redrobbie, Canada, 15
joanna, Belgium, 6
xXtr3ehu9g3rXx, USA, 10
sgillis, USA, 10
A Little Bit Moore, USA, 10
Veronica C., Canada, 5
Lynsey, New Zealand, 6
Susan, Canada, 5
flyaway123, USA, 10
ad_absurdum, Canada, 7
sandra nieuwenhuijsen, Canada, 5
Tammy, USA, 5
marit freya, USA, 50
Callista, Canada, 4
amethystd, USA, 1
janice, singapore, 4
KaraT, USA, 6
Rich, USA, 4
Lena, USA, 5
Debi, USA, 4
[email protected], USA. 8
Becky, USA, 3
Sharon, USA, 3
3m, USA, 8
Nibbs1_99, USA, 15
The Biblio Brat, USA, 5
Janis Savoie, USA, 3
Jaime Grijalba, Chile, 15
Paul Litterick, New Zealand, 1
Elaine A., Canada, 8
Juli, USA, 5
Last year, we featured posters throughout the years from the Freedom to Read organization in Canada. This year, we feature posters from our friends in the United States.
The Fire Still Burns courtesy ABFFE (American Booksellers For Freedom of Expression).
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 2/25/2008
Yesterday marked the beginning of Freedom to Read Week. Today the Pelham Public Library welcomes author Pearce Carefoote who will speak on censorship issues. Carefoote is the author of Forbidden Fruit: Banned, Censored, and Challenged Books from Dante to Harry Potter.
Don't forget to check out the "Banned Book Challenge."
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 1/24/2008
Due to the success of last year's challenge, the Pelham Public Library is once again issuing the "Banned Book Challenge." Set a challenge for yourself to read x number of challenged or banned books between February 24 (Freedom to Read Week in Canada) and June 30. If you are not sure what to read, check our list for 2008. These are books that have faced challenges that are available in the Pelham Public Library. Check LibraryThing for other titles or check any of the links on the sidebar to find even more books. Register using the form below. I will keep running totals beginning in February.
(If you have any problems with the form, feel free to send me an email with your goal.)
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 1/15/2008
Freedom to Read Week is February 24 to March 1, 2008. The Pelham Public Library in Fonthill, Ontario, Canada welcomes Pearce Carefoote, archivist at the University of Toronto Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library and author of Forbidden Fruit: Banned, Censored, and Challenged Books from Dante to Harry Potter. Carefoote appears at the Fonthill Branch, 43 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill on Monday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Due to the overwhelming response of readers around the world, the Banned Book Challenge will be issued once again. Watch for the sign-up form soon. Readers are encouraged to set a goal for themselves for the number of challenged or banned books they would like to read between February 24 and June 30. Let us know on the soon-to-be-posted form, then let us know how you did. If you are not sure what to choose from, visit our LibraryThing by clicking on the logo or check out any number of sites listed on the sidebar.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 6/28/2007
There are two days left to read for the "Banned Book Challenge." I will continue to publish your submitted titles under comments for as long as they come in.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 6/27/2007
Three days remain in the "Banned Book Challenge." While I have reached my goal of 6 books, I was hoping to finish the Grapes of Wrath. Remember to submit your titles and let us know how you did.
169 people, including the person listed below have pledged to read over 1714 books.
smirk, philippines, more than 25
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 6/20/2007
Take the "Banned Book Challenge" along with another 168 people, including the people listed below, who have pledged to read over 1689 books. June 30 is the end date for this challenge, so there is still a little time for one or two quick reads. Check our lists on the right sidebar for book suggestions.
countrygl22, USA, 2
Ali, USA, 1
geoffwickersham, USA, 2
nlgmcr69, USA, 6
sokol71688, USA, 4
PAR1138, Canada, 2
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 6/17/2007
Register to read a banned or challenged book up until June 30.
Register completed titles.
Let us know if you completed the challenge.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 6/15/2007
For anyone who has taken on the "Banned Book Challenge," this is a reminder that the countdown to June 30th has started. There are two weeks left for anyone who wants to sign up for a marathon read or to read one or two books.
Participants can
submit their titles and drop a line to us to let us know you have completed the challenge.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 5/23/2007
Take the "Banned Book Challenge" along with another 162 people, including the people listed below, who have pledged to read over 1672 books in the Banned Book Challenge.
Erin OFarrell, Canada, 3
Erin French, USA, 5
Anna OHara, Canada, 6
Michelle Smith, USA, 2
Big Orange, USA, 4
Take the "Banned Book Challenge" yourself. Register and set your goal, submit a completed title, and let us know when you have completed the challenge. The challenge runs until June 30, 2007.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 5/10/2007
Many of this blog's readers are taking part in our Banned Book Challenge and a number of people have completed their reading. For the rest of you, don't worry, you have until June 30.
What is it about Dystopian books that gets them banned so frequently? Are we disturbed by a worldview that is a little too close for comfort? Anyway, if you are looking for the next challenge, check out the Dystopian Challenge blog. Not all of the books are necessary challenged or banned but the lists do cross.
Happy reading.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 5/7/2007
Take the "Banned Book Challenge" along with another 157 people, including the people listed below, who have pledged to read over 1652 books in the Banned Book Challenge.
Andria, Canada, 20
kbernard2010, USA, 10
Celticifsh, Canada, 1
Mr Human, Singapore, 5
Take the "Banned Book Challenge" yourself. Register and set your goal, submit a completed title, and let us know when you have completed the challenge. The challenge runs until June 30, 2007.
See the comments below for titles that have been submitted.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 4/23/2007
Take the "Banned Book Challenge" along with another 149 people, including the people listed below, who have pledged to read over 1562 books in the Banned Book Challenge.
Freedom to Read Poster 2006
dlm12, Canada, 2
regansmith, USA, 10
spacecadet08, USA, more than 25
AGhra, Sweden, more than 25
Take the "Banned Book Challenge" yourself. Register and set your goal, submit a completed title, and let us know when you have completed the challenge. The challenge runs until June 20, 2007.
See the comments below for titles that have been submitted.
By: Elaine Anderson,
on 4/16/2007
Take the "Banned Book Challenge" along with another 145 people, including the people listed below, who have pledged to read over 1500 books in the Banned Book Challenge.
Freedom to Read Poster 2005
aichaku, Singapore, 3
Judi Repman, USA, 1
VasilisaSage, USA, 2
See the comments below for titles that have been submitted.
The last book banning in the USA occurred about half a century ago: http://tinyurl.com/Sowell
While that may be, challenges to books continue to be mounted throughout the world.