Banned Books Week Celebrates
One book can stir so much trouble.
If someone says you're not allowed to read something, doesn't that just make you want to read it even more? Well pick up a "naughty" book and get at it. This week marks the American Library Association's annual Banned Books Week, an event that highlights the freedom to read whatever we want.
According to the American Library Association's website, Banned Books Week "is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States."
At the site you can also see a cool interactive map that shows all current cases of a book being banned in the United States, along with news and links to updates about book censorship.
Among the books currently being banned across the country are Phillp Pullman's His Dark Materials Trilogy, a Harry Potter-esque fantasy series banned because some think it is critical of organized religion, and Cecily von Ziegesar's Gossip Girl series. So despite the fact that any kid can watch the show starring Blake Lively, many aren't allowed to read the book because adults think it contains offensive language and sexuality.
So head on over to the local library or bookstore and see what books are banned in your neck of the woods. Who knows, maybe the only way you'll find out what you like to read is by reading something you're not supposed to.
Breaking Celebrity News Alerts
Get the hottest daily celebrity headlines sent directly to your mobile phone.
RSS Feed
Everything I Like, Wherever I Am
