“Little House on the Prairie,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “Forever,” “Where’s Waldo” and “The Tale of Huckleberry Finn.” Any idea what these books have in common?
That’s right, they’ve all been banned or challenged at some point in time. But why?
Are we really that sheltered?
Can we not handle what these books have to offer?
Can they really be that bad?
Luckily for us, the era of banned books was primarily in 1980s, but that doesn’t mean it still doesn’t happen.
Yes, some of the books that have been banned over time can be considered inappropriate for certain ages, but should those who feel passionately about that be given the right to ruin it for all of us who are mature enough to handle it?
People who challenge book after book are hurting more than they realize. Children miss out on reading great pieces of literature and the overall learning experience is hindered.
It’s time to celebrate the freedom to read rather than deny it.
Even those of us who don’t necessarily enjoy reading can realize the importance of that freedom.
Sept. 26 to Oct. 3 marks Banned Books Week, which is an event that was designed to help celebrate the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment, and it’s not an event that should be taken lightly.
Some of the most classic pieces of literature of all time have been banned or challenged at one time.
So, this week’s the week.
Grab a book.
Sit down.
And read.
Because it hasn’t always been that easy.
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