You may not have thought about it, but reading is a privilege and a right. During Banned Books Week, September 29 - October 6, thousands of libraries and bookstores throughout the nation will celebrate a democratic society's most basic freedom -- the freedom to read. "Not every book is right for every reader," said American Library Association (ALA) President Loriene Roy. "Libraries serve users from a variety of backgrounds - that's why libraries need - and have - such a wide range of materials. Individuals must have the right to choose what materials are suitable for themselves and their families." Censorship threatens this basic democratic right.Harry Potter was the most challenged series in 2006. Are your favorites safe? Below are the Top Ten Most Challenged Books Of 2006:
"And Tango Makes Three," by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
"Alice" series, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
"Athletic Shorts," by Chris Crutcher
"Beloved," by Toni Morrison
"The Bluest Eye," by Toni Morrison
"The Chocolate War," by Robert Cormier
"The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things," by Carolyn Mackler
"Gossip Girls," series by Cecily Von Ziegesar
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower," by Stephen Chbosky
"Scary Stories" series, by Alvin Schwartz
Off the list this year, but in years past have often been included, are such classics as "Catcher in the Rye," by J.D. Salinger; "Of Mice and Men," by John Steinbeck; and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," by Mark Twain.
Top 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books:
Most Challenged Books of 21st Century:
Free people read freely. Come by the library today and exercise your right to read!
