Mel's Own Place

September 27 - October 4, 2008 FREADOM According to the American Library Association, more than 400 books were challenged in 2007. (An exerpt from the website) Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read. It was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than a thousand books have been challenged since 1982. The challenges have occurred in every state and in hundreds of communities. People challenge books that they say are too sexual or too violent. They object to profanity and slang, and protest against offensive portrayals of racial or religious groups--or positive portrayals of homosexuals. Their targets range from books that explore the latest problems to classic and beloved works of American literature. "Not every book will be right for every person, but the right to choose what we read is a freedom we cannot afford to take for granted." -- Judith Platt, Director Association of American Publishers Freedom to Read program. Young readers benefit from guidance, not censorship. · Spark open and honest discussion · Understand and debate real-life issues · Learn to function in a changing society · Nurture intellectual growth · Encourage creative and critical thinking · Recognize and accept cultural differences · Value literature of all genres