I get immense pleasure out of reading frequently challenged books like The Giving Tree, In The Night Kitchen and Sylvester And The Magic Pebble to the unsuspecting toddlers and preschoolers that I am entrusted with each day. I spend a little extra effort encouraging my mini me to read things like Harry Potter, The Golden Compass and Harriet The Spy (though she needs little prompting).
I commonly read challenged books anyway, but I make a little extra effort to pick up something controversial during this time of year. Something like Slaughterhouse Five, To Kill a Mockingbird or The Handmaids Tale makes me feel a deep sense of accomplishment.
Why, though, should those of you who are not consumed by the need to be insubordinate acknowledge Banned books week? Here are a few reasons to consider
- Reading is a great way to encourage yourself to think about things you take for granted as fact when, in fact, they are opinion. "Just because you're taught something's right and everyone believes it's right, it don't make it right." ~Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
- One questionable opinion or scene in a book does not negate the good of the entire book.
- These books can help us teach ourselves to disagree with each other, authors, societies, etc.. without fear or hate. Agreeing to disagree is an important step towards peaceful relations with each other.
- If a book is being challenged or banned it is usually because someone is trying to stop others from considering the validity of an unorthodox opinion. You don't even know these people! Why should they be doing your thinking for you?
- When do you want your kids to think about tough situations? When they or their friends are already in them? Or before that, with you or a teacher after they are handed the book and asked for their thoughts and given the chance to discuss it and hear different opinions/options?
Think about it!
