Edward Champion's Return of the Reluctant

In tribute to Banned Books Week:

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Why? "Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird should be banned from public high schools because it teaches kids disrespect, introduces bad language, and involves racism and prejudice people. To Kill a Mockingbird teaches kids to disrespect others. Children are taught that there is nothing wrong with lying. In Tom Robinson’s trial, Mayella lied to the judge in the courtroom. She said that Tom Robinson raped her when he really did not. Mayella said this because she wanted to cover up her shame from loving him. To Kill a Mockingbird is telling the reader that if one lies, they get rewarded."

2. King & King & Family by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland

Why? "How can a 'happy' book about a man who marries another man, and then adopts a child, not be an endorsement of homosexuality? I realize the authors live in the Netherlands and homosexuality -- rather, sin -- is accepted in that culture, but to say such a book isn't an endorsement of that lifestyle is ludicrous."

3. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

4. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
6. Places I Never Meant to Be, edited by Judy Blume
7. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
8. Fools Crow by James Welch
9. Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
10. Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi

Posted by DrMabuse at September 28, 2004 05:11 PM | TrackBack