Every year the American Library Association releases a list of the most "challenged books." These are the book that receive the most requests to be banned from libraries sand schools around the country for being offensive in one manner or another. This year, Stephanie Meyers' "Twilight" series made the list at #5. I am no fan of the Twilight series. I believe it sets a bad example for teen girls with sexual content and abusive relationships. I, however, do not think it should be banned. I am all for the first amendment. I believe the best way to keep bad and inappropriate books off the shelves is not to buy them. What amazes me most about the lists is that "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Catcher in the Rye" still make it every year. You would think by now something would have replaced them.
You can check out this and past year's lists here http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/21stcenturychallenged/2009/index.cfm
What do you think of the annual "challenged books" list? Should authors exercise personal responsibility? Should parents be aware of what their children are reading? Should the government protect us from questionable literature? And who decides what is questionable literature?
The American Library Association has really taken to the lists. They have even put together a celebration week.
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm
Let me hear your thoughts.
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