There is a fine line that separates our efforts to bring the best and most appropriate books to kids (selection) and our efforts to keep certain topics, words, and issues from kids (censorship). Currently, there is a challenge against WHEN JEFF COMES HOME by Catherine Atkins in the Irving school district. Despite the fact that a reconsideration process was followed and the committee voted to retain the book, the superintendent of the school district has insisted that it be restricted and that kids bring a permission slip from home to check out the book. Here is a link to the Dallas Morning News Story that is posted on Catherine Atkins' blog: http://www.livejournal.com/users/cawriter/14635.html
THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS by Carolyn Mackler is under attack elsewhere. Censors prevent us from placing the right book in the right hands at the right time. It is important for us to be aware of what is being challenged and why. One of our best resources is the AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. You can go directly to the site for Banned Books Week here: http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.htm. For a list of the Top 100 Challenged Books, visit this URL: http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bbwlinks/100mostfrequently.htm