Why ban a book?

Lots of reasons, I guess. Here’s a list of books folks have tried to yank from Corridor libraries and the results of their challenges (from the American Library Association):

“The Stupids Have a Ball” by Harry Alard and James Marshall

Challenged in the Iowa City elementary school libraries in 1993 because it reinforces negative behavior and low self-esteem, since the Stupids rejoice in their children’s behavior.

 

“My Darling, My Hamburger” by Paul Zindel

Removed from the Hiawatha Public Library in 1979. No reason listed, but it was banned in South Dakota because the school board thought it contained offensive language and vulgarity.

 

 

“The Band” by Carmen Adams

Challenged, but retained, at the Madison Elementary School in Cedar Rapids in 1998.

 

“Forever” by Judy Blume

Challenged at the Cedar Rapids Public Library in 1984 because it is “pornography and explores areas God didn’t intend to explore outside of marriage.”

 

“The Terrorist” by Caroline Cooney

Challenged, but retained at the Franklin Middle School in Cedar Rapids in 2000 despite objections that the book negatively portrays the Islamic religion and Arabs.  The book is on the Iowa Teen Award list.

 

“Sport” by Louise Fitzhugh

Challenged at the Madison Elementary School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1998 due to “cuss words” and other harsh language.

 

“The Fear Place” by Phillis Reynolds Naylor

Also challenged at the Madison Elementary School in 1998.  A review committee asked that the book carry a warning about objectionable language and that teachers consider notifying parents if they are going to use the book in class.

 

“Through the Window” by Charles Keeping

Challenged at the Cedar Rapids Public Library in 1985 because “the harsh realities of life it depicts are not suitable for young readers.”

 

“The Devil in Vienna” by Doris Orgel

Challenged but retained at the Grant Wood Elementary School media center in Cedar Rapids in 2000 despite objections to the book’s inclusion of a brief incident of an old man exposing himself to a 6-year-old girl.

 

“Doktor Bey’s Suicide Guidebook” by Derek Pell

Placed “on reserve” at the Prairie High School library 1986 because the book “could push a classmate contemplating suicide over the edge.”

 

“Secrets of Voodoo” by Milo Rigaud

Challenged but retained at the Madison Elementary School in 1998.

 

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling

Challenged in the Cedar Rapids school libraries in 2000 because the book romantically portrays witches, warlocks, wizards, goblins, and sorcerers.

 

 

The ALA didn’t have records of any challenges from Coralville, North Liberty or Marion, but they say they only receive reports of about one in five challenges. For more information: www.ala.org/bbooks.