Here’s how the list of most challenged books is tabulated.
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By KATHRYN CATES MOORE / Lincoln Journal Star
Books are challenged and banned every day. People are offended by language, politics, sex, and, oh yeah, penguins.
Does it take a group of people objecting, or can a single loud voice make a difference?
Here’s how the list of most challenged books is tabulated.
The American Library Association collects information from two sources: newspapers and reports submitted by individuals.
All challenges are compiled into a database.
The ALA’s 10 most challenged books of 2007 were:
1. “And Tango Makes Three,” by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell
Reasons: Anti-ethnic, sexism, homosexuality, anti-family, religious viewpoint, unsuited to age group
2. “The Chocolate War,” by Robert Cormier
Reasons: Sexually explicit, offensive language, violence
3. “Olive’s Ocean,” by Kevin Henkes
Reasons: Sexually explicit and offensive language
4. “The Golden Compass,” by Philip Pullman
Reasons: Religious viewpoint
5. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” by Mark Twain
Reasons: Racism
6. “The Color Purple,” by Alice Walker
Reasons: Homosexuality, sexually explicit, offensive language
7. “TTYL,” by Lauren Myracle
Reasons: Sexually explicit, offensive language, unsuited to age group
8. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” by Maya Angelou
Reasons: Sexually explicit
9. “It’s Perfectly Normal,” by Robie Harris
Reasons: Sex education, sexually explicit
10. “The Perks of Being A Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: Homosexuality, sexually explicit, offensive language, unsuited to age group
Falling off the list were two books by author Toni Morrison — “The Bluest Eye” and “Beloved,” both challenged for sexual content and offensive language.
Top 10 challenged authors 1990-2004
1. Alvin Schwartz
2. Judy Blume
3. Robert Cormier
4. J.K. Rowling
5. Michael Willhoite
6. Katherine Paterson
7. Stephen King
8. Maya Angelou
9. R.L. Stine
10. John Steinbeck
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