September 26 to October 2 is Banned Books Week

I forgot to include Banned Book Week in yesterday's post, but the week is still new.  Here are the top ten most banned books:

1. George ~ by Alex Gino.  Challenged, banned, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content, conflicting with a religious viewpoint, and not reflecting "the values of our community."
2. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You ~ by Ibram X. Kendi and
   Jason Reynolds.  Banned and challenged because of the author’s public statements and because of claims that the book contains “selective storytelling incidents” and does not encompass racism against all people.
3. All American Boys ~ by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely.  Banned and challenged for profanity, drug use, and alcoholism and because it was thought to promote antipolice views, contain divisive topics, and be "too much of a sensitive matter right now."
4. Speak ~ by Laurie Halse Anderson.  Banned, challenged, and restricted because it was thought to contain a political viewpoint, it was claimed to be biased against male students, and it included rape and profanity.
5. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian ~ by Sherman Alexie.  Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and allegations of sexual misconduct on the part of the author.
6. Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story about Racial Injustice ~ by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin.  Challenged for "divisive language" and because it was thought to promote anti-police views.
7. To Kill a Mockingbird ~ by Harper Lee.  Banned and challenged for racial slurs and their negative effect on students, featuring a "white savior" character, and its perception of the Black experience.
8. Of Mice and Men ~ by John Steinbeck.  Banned and challenged for racial slurs and racist stereotypes and their negative effect on students.
9. The Bluest Eye ~ by Toni Morrison.  Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and depicts child sexual abuse.
10. The Hate U Give ~ by Angie Thomas.  Challenged for profanity, and because it was thought to promote an anti-police message.

Helen of Helen's Book Blog wrote:  "If you're really into lists, check out the 100 most challenged books by decade (1990-1999, 2000-2009, and 2010-2019).  When I scan the list, I am stunned by the incredible literature that is included."  Thanks, Helen, for reminding me that it's Banned Books Week.