Save Waldo!!

Did you know that ever since 1982, the last week in September has been "Banned Book Week"?

A "banned" book is a piece of literature that has been "challenged" and then successfully removed from public libraries or schools. When I read the list of the 100 most frequently challenged books, I was amazed. On that list of the most often "challenged" works are some of the books that made the largest impact on me as a child and young adult. Did you read Judy Blume books as a kid or young teenager? Many of them are on the list. What about "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "Tom Sawyer?" Yep. They are, too.

Even "Where's Waldo?" is on the list! No, you aren't seeing things. There are parents who don't want their children to read "Where's Waldo?". Why? Nudity! Yes, that is right. Naked cartoon characters!! GASP!! The horror!

But seriously, it amazes me that I live in a country where someone would actually challenge "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelo.

So I am sure you are asking..."I wonder...what was the most challenged book of 2004?" (and if you aren't, I am going to tell you anyway). The most challenged book of 2004 was "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier. It is found on school curriculums for 9th and 10th graders. Did you ever read that book? I did. It is a story about a boy who "dares to disturb the universe" when he refuses to participate in a school fundraiser selling chocolates. The reason that this book is challenged so often is because of violent content and objectionable language. At a time in our lives when we most want to fit in and be accepted by our peers, the protagonist of the story, Jerry Renault, shows us that even young people can stand up for what they believe in.

Just look at the list. I'm telling you...you will be blown away.

photo by muckster