Keep the Light On

Banned Books Week (September 22-28) is a yearly event celebrating the freedom to read. It shines a spotlight on current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. The entire book community - librarians, publishers, journalists, teachers, booksellers, readers - is brought together in shared support of the right to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

Top 10 Frequently Challenged Books of 2018 (source: American Library Association) -

1. George by Alex Gino

Reasons: Believed to encourage children to clear browser history and change their bodies using hormones, for mentioning "dirty magazines," describing male anatomy, "creating confusion," and including a transgender character.

2. A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, political and religious viewpoints.

3. Captain Underpants (series) by Dav Pilkey

Reason: Perceived as encouraging disruptive behavior.

4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Reasons: Deemed "anti-cop," and for profanity, drug use, sexual references.

5. Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ characters and themes.

6. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Reason: Addresses teen suicide.

7. This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki

Reasons: Profanity, sexual references, certain illustrations.

8. Skippyjon Jones (series) by Judy Schachner

Reasons: Depicting stereotypes of Mexican culture.

9. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Reasons: Sexual references, profanity, violence, gambling, underage drinking, and religious viewpoint.

10. This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman

Reason: LGBTQIA+ content.