Censorship and Banned Books bibliography ---------------------------------------- compiled by Amanda Bock (abock57@hotmail.com), November 1999 from contributions to PUBYAC Questioning the Freedom to Read An Annotated Bibliography The accompanying bibliography contains books about book banning and censorship in public libraries and schools. While it is a delicate subject that often creates controversy and animosity, it is vital that young adults understand their first amendment right to freedom of the press, which includes the freedom to read. It is also important for students to understand the motives behind those who would like to censor student publications, ban books from school curricula, or place books on restricted shelves in the library. Every attempt has been made to give equal attention to the opposing sides of this issue, careful inspection will reveal that there are significantly fewer pro-censorship books published than anti-censorship books. All of the books on this bibliography have, as part of the plot, a book or newspaper article that some people find offensive or inappropriate for children and therefore should be taken out of the hands of children and young adults. Because of the adult subject matter discussed in them, the majority of the books available are for young adults. They tend to have junior-high or high school protagonists and often address other issues of adolescence. There are only a few books for younger children that discuss censorship, and I have included those as well. Also included is a short list of resource books for teachers, parents, and librarians who would like to discuss the issue of censorship with children or young adults. Fiction for Older Readers (6th grade and up) Blume, Judy, ed. Places I never Meant to Be: Original Stories by Censored Writers. New York: Simon & Schuster for Young Readers, 1999. A combination of fiction and non-fiction, this book contains essays and original stories by writers whose books have been challenged and banned. Authors include: Judy Blume, Norma Fox Mazer, Julius Lester, Rachel Vail, Katherine Paterson, Jacqueline Woodson, Harry Mazer, Walter Dean Myers, Susan Beth Pfeffer, David Klass, Paul Zindel, Chris Lynch, and Norma Klein. It is decidedly anti-censorship. Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New York : Simon and Schuster, 1950. A futuristic novel set in a totalitarian world in which books are suppressed and burned, fireman Montag begins a dangerous quest when he realizes that ^Óbooks are flesh and blood ideas and cry out, silently, when put to the torch.^Ô This book offers a chance to discuss censorship without necessarily bringing in issues of sexuality and racism or dividing communities. It is also anti-censorship. Facklam, Margery. The Trouble With Mothers. New York : Clarion Books, 1989. Eighth-grader Luke Troy finds himself in the middle of a censorship controversy over a book that his mother has written. As the controversy divides the town, the school, and even his swim team, Luke wonders if life can ever return to normal. This novel is anti-censorship. Hentoff, Nat. The Day They Came to Arrest the Book. New York: Delacourt Press, 1982. A town takes sides over whether or not Huckleberry Finn belongs in the high school curriculum. Barney Roth, editor of the school newspaper, gets a crash course in censorship and the politics of high school educators. Racial issues are involved and the sexual content of the book is discussed. While this book has a significant anti-censorship slant, there are convincing arguments for both sides. Kaye, Marilyn. Sisters: Phoebe. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1987. The first in a series, this novel centers on Phoebe, the youngest of four sisters, who struggles to find her place in her family and amongst her friends as they enter adolescence. Her story culminates with her creation of the Right To Read Society in response to a threat to censor the public library. Many readers will recognize Judy Blume in the fictional author Betsy Drake whose books are the center of the controversy. Lasky, Kathryn. Memoirs of a Bookbat. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1994. Harper Jessup^Òs parents are involved in Family Action for Christian Education, and they all travel around the U.S. crusading for moral education. Harper is self-described ^Ñbookbat^Ò and has learned how to keep her books away from her parents. She slowly realizes that her parents^Ò beliefs are at odds with her own feelings and experiences with books, and when she meets Gray, she is encouraged to take a stand against them. This novel comes closest to a pro-censorship viewpoint. Malmgren, Dallin. The Ninth Issue. New York, NY: Delacorte Press, 1989. A group of students fight to publish the high school newspaper despite the administration^Òs objections to the content. With the help of an inspirational teacher, they learn what respectable journalism is about. This is one of the only books in which a book or newspaper is successfully censored. Neufeld, John. A Small Civil War. New York: Fawcett, 1996 A family is divided when a group of parents opposes the use of The Grapes of Wrath in the public school curriculum and library. Young Georgia leads the fight to defend students^Ò right to read while her father is among those who would see the book put on a restricted shelf. This novel offers an even-handed view of censorship, providing convincing arguments for both sides. Incidentally, this book has been significantly rewritten: the original was published in 1986. Peck, Richard. The Last Safe Place on Earth. New York: Delacorte Press, 1995. A boy^Òs calm life in the suburbs is complicated when a group of fundamentalist Christians begin to ^Ñbrainwash^Ò children and challenge the books available to them. Many issues are discussed including censorship, religious intolerance, alcohol abuse, and death. This book has one of the most unflattering portrayal of those who are pro-censorship. Pfeffer, Susan Beth. A Matter of Principle. New York: Delacorte Press, 1982. In response to their advisor dictating what articles they could print in the school newspaper, Becca Holtz and her friends start an underground newspaper. When they are punished for the publication, Becca encourages them to take the school to court. Fueled with lots of teenage angst, Becca survives the loss of friends and boyfriends in her quest to pursue her rights and is ultimately successful. Schami, Rafik. A Hand Full of Stars. New York: Puffin Books, 1992. In diary format, this novel tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy in Syria. Inspired by his uncle to keep a journal, the boy turns his writing talents to creating a subversive underground newspaper with his friends. Ultimately, the newspaper puts all of their lives in danger. This story is a sobering look at censorship by a totalitarian government. Fiction for Younger Readers (3rd ^Ö 5th grades) Clements, Andrew. The Landry News. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1999. Fourth-grader Cara Landry always reports the truth. When she and her classmates start a newspaper that addresses some serious issues, the futures of both the paper and their teacher are threatened. What follows is an invaluable lesson in the first-amendment rights of the press. This novel is an excellent introduction to censorship issues and also makes a great read-aloud. Krensky, Stephen. Arthur and the Scare-Your-Pants-Off Club. Boston: Little, Brown, & Co., 1998. In this chapter version of Marc Brown^Òs Arthur books, Arthur and his friends are shocked to find that their favorite series has been banned. Clever readers may recognize the plight of Goosebumps in this story of a father who is quick to censor though he hasn^Òt read the books. Miles, Betty. Maudie and Me and the Dirty Book. New York : Knopf, 1980. Eleven-year old Kate unwittingly stirs up controversy when she participates in an inter-school reading project with first graders. With the support of teachers, she chooses to read a book that, in the course of a story, describes how puppies are born. Parents are outraged and discussions about censorship ensue. This novel serves as an introduction to censorship for middle-school readers. Non-Fiction for Older Readers (6th grade and up) Beahm, George, ed. War of Words: The Censorship Debate. Kansas City: Andrews and McMeel, 1993. An extensive look at censorship and all its forms, this book contains essays by those arguing both sides of the issues. At over 400 pages, this is the most even-handed and comprehensive discussion of censorship in literature, music, art, and journalism. It is a must for all libraries and classrooms. Bender, David and Bruno Leone, ed. Censorship: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 1997. Often quoted in War of Words, this is a more succinct, but no less important, version of the censorship debate. Similarly formatted with opposing viewpoints printed opposite each other, this focuses on the impact of censorship on schools and children. Foerstel, Herbert N. Banned in the U.S.A.: A Reference Guide to Book Censorship in Schools and Public Libraries. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1994. Anti-censorship in its orientation, this book gives voice to authors who are frequently banned in schools and libraries as well as summaries of banned books and the reasons they have been challenged. Also included is a short history of book banning incidents in the U.S. and an introduction to differing interpretations of the first amendment. Fuller, Sarah Betsy. Hazelwood Vs. Kuhlmeier: Censorship in School Newspapers. (Landmark Supreme Court Cases) Springfield, NJ: Enslow, 1998. For those with little understanding of the court system, this book chronicles the 1983 court case that set a precedent for school newspapers across the country. Fuller presents both sides of the case in ways that will inspire careful thought and discussion. A great book to compliment The Ninth Issue, A Matter of Principle, or The Landry News. Lang, Susan S. and Paul. Censorship. New York: F. Watts, 1993. This books looks at censorship in television, journalism, literature, and music as it tries to expose censorship in today^Òs society. Lang and Lang explore the moving line between censorship and freedom throughout history. Monroe, Judy. Censorship. New York: Crestwood House, 1990. A very basic look at censorship, this book explores book banning and censorship of music, textbooks, and movies. While it is a good introduction to the issues, some readers may find the examples a bit dated. Rogers, Donald. Banned! Book Censorship in the Schools. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1988. This book describes nine major cases of book banning that were brought to court in the 1970^Òs and 1980^Òs. While the examples may seem dated, there is valuable in-depth discussion of each case and the consequences of each decision. Sherrow, Victoria. Censorship In Schools. Springfield, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 1996. Sherrow explores the history of censorship and particularly the role of censorship in schools in this general overview. It is a thorough and concise presentation of the issues, however the pro-censorship views are not well presented. Resources for Teachers, Librarians, and Parents It would be unfair to expect parents, teachers, and librarians to address the issue of censorship without giving them appropriate resources for their own knowledge. The following books give background information, history, and lists of banned books. There are many books for adults that address censorship. A keyword search in any library will yield numerous results. These books specifically address censorship in schools and censorship for children. While much effort has been made to include multiple viewpoints on this list, these are overwhelmingly anti-censorship. You may not be surprised to find that there are no books describing to parents and teachers how to most effectively censor books from their children and students. The following books contain lists of books banned in public libraries and schools and the grounds on which each was challenged. Most are reprinted each year, so look for the most recent edition. Many also have activities and ideas for action against censorship. Doyle, Robert. Banned Books^Å Resource Guide. Chicago: American Library Association, 1998. People For the American Way. Attacks on the Freedom to Learn. Washington, DC: People For the American Way, 1993. The following books contain historical and factual information about censorship and/or freedom of the press, specifically in relation to public schools and libraries. Adams, Thelma, ed. Censorship and First Amendment Rights: A Primer. Tarrytown, NY: American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, 1992 Burress, Lee. Battle of the Books: Literary Censorship in the Public Schools, 1950-1985. Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1989. Lehr, Susan, ed. Battling Dragons: Issues and Controversy in Children^Òs Literature. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1995. Reichman, Henry. Censorship and Selection: Issues and Answers for Schools. Chicago: American Library Association, 1993. West, Mark I. Trust Your Children: Voices Against Censorship in Children^Òs Literature. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 1988. 1988.