Banned Books Week

Perhaps you read my post about the A, B, C… children’s book exhibit at the NYC Public Library. In it I posted this pic of the tower of banned books.

This is the week that we celebrate all those brave authors, illustrators, and industry professionals who brought these books into the world and the teachers, librarians, parents and others who championed them. By standing behind these books, these gatekeepers also recognized that their role is not to keep gates closed to children but to swing them wide and trust that children will make a choice that is right for them.

This week I’ll be posting links to Banned Books Week articles. Today:

This 2009 School Library Journal Article, A Dirty Little Secret: Self-Censorship
By School Library Journal Archive Content on February 1, 2009 

and

This School Library Journal Article from just a few days ago: NCAC: School Visits Nixed for Medina, Rowell, By Debra Lau Whelan

Meg Medina’s book, Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, is on my too-tall and ever-wobbly To Be Read list.

I just finished Rowell’s, Eleanor & Park which led me to post this on Twitter.

I’m a parent, and I’ve seen my kiddos make some bad choices in life (throwing sticks at one’s brother who has climbed a tree and can’t get down) but they choose well in books. I’ve also seen them start a book and then hand it back to me saying, “I don’t get this.” or “This isn’t for me.” or “Maybe in a few years.” or “This is scary.” or “Ick. They kiss in this one.” My policy at home? fREADom.