According to the American Library Association, fewer people called on libraries to ban a book last year. In 2013, the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom received 307 reports on attempts to remove or restrict materials from school curricula and library bookshelves. In 2012, there were 464 reports. The office only counts formal written complaints in this statistic. The report does not give any reasons why the numbers dropped.
The American Library Association, once again, published its list of the” Top Ten Most Frequently Challenged Books”. Once again the “Captain Underpants” series by Dav Pilkey topped the list. The reasons given for challenging this series were offensive language unsuited to the age group the book is written for and violence. I checked our collection and circulation of this series is continual. Recently, a parent was “thrilled” to find the series on our shelves. She said she really loved reading them with her child. Number two on the list was Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye.” Interesting contrast of material.
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