Thank you to everyone who entered my Banned Books Week giveaway, commented on posts, and helped spread the word! I used random.org to choose the winner.
Congratulations, #18 Christi the Teen Librarian!
I’ve emailed the winner, and she’ll have 48 hours to claim her prize. Thank you, again, to everyone who participated 
This is my last post for Banned Books Week this year. Reminder: I’m also hosting a banned books giveaway, so I hope you’ll check it out and enter to win a banned book of your choice (ends Saturday).
Banned Book: Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher
Where/Why It’s Been Banned: “The Belleville, Wis. School Board (2011) decided to keep a book that’s required reading for high school freshmen in the curriculum despite a parent’s complaint that the book was “pornography” and its language was “pervasively vulgar.” Published in 1993, the novel has been read by ninth-grade students at Belleville High School for eight years. The book deals with topics of abortion, sexuality, and the power of religion.” (Source–Quote taken from ALA banned books resource page)
My Thoughts: Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes is another staple in YA literature. In my About Me page I mention the Young Adult Lit course I took during my undergrad at Central Michigan with Dr. Steffel. This is one of the novels Dr. Steffel required us to read; it’s also one of my favorites from that class. I haven’t read Crutcher’s book since the summer I took that course, but I still remember it well because it’s a powerful story.
Do some of the characters swear in the novel? Yes. I had a discussion with my freshmen the other day about the use of “vulgar language” in novels. I was impressed when a majority of them said that they can tell when an author is using that language purposefully and when it seems like it’s thrown in for no reason at all. They understood that different characters speak different ways, so some may swear when others won’t, just like real life teenagers. The claim that Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes is pornography is outrageous. There simply isn’t anything pornagraphic in the novel. The characters are in a class where big issues are discussed and debated, so topics like abortion and sexuality do come up and fit with the story.
In my opinion, if you’re a teacher or librarian, it would serve you well to have a copy of Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes in your library. Everything about this novel is purposeful and well-meaning. When I think about this book I think of the power of friendship, overcoming abuse and stereotypes, and self-esteem, just to name a few. Chris Crutcher is a master storyteller and Staying Fat for Sarah Brynes is one of the best examples of his craft.
Student Response: Kayla, one of my Young Adult Lit students, is focusing her trimester project on Chris Crutcher so she recently read Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. “If Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes was banned it would be upsetting. It was a very good book; I could barely put it down. I think this book being banned takes away the opportunity for a good book to be read, but also for people to learn about what happens in this kind of relationships. I loved it.”
It’s Banned Books Week so I’m highlighting a different banned book each day this week. My posts will include the banned book, where/why it’s been banned (or challenged), my opinion, and a student’s opinion. I’m also hosting a banned books giveaway, so I hope you’ll check it out and enter to win a banned book of your choice.
Banned Book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Where/Why It’s Been Banned: “Challenged, but retained, at the Clarkstown, N.Y. North High School (2011) despite a parent’s complaint about the teen coming-of-age novel, which deals graphically with teenage sex, homosexuality, and bestiality.”(Source–Quote taken from ALA banned books resource page)
My Thoughts: The Perks of Being a Wallflower has been around for a while now (since 1999), and even though it’s still considered current, I feel comfortable saying it’s a classic example of YA literature. I read it a couple years ago after a student told me that it’s the one book she’ll read over and over again. I really enjoyed it, especially because it’s an epistolary novel.
The story is about Charlie who is trying to understand his life and get over the loss of a good friend and his aunt. His life hasn’t been perfect; something awful has happened to Charlie which is foreshadowed throughout the novel. Charlie’s going through life and trying to deal with everything that’s going on. He’s a character readers relate to and understand, which is one of the reasons this book is so popular with my students. Not only do readers connect with Charlie, they empathize with him and are shocked at the truth which is revealed at the end of the novel.
I have two copies of this book in my classroom because I see it as a staple to YA literature. I’m glad that it was retained at N.Y. North High School because the reasons for its challenge are extreme. I know it’s been a while since I’ve read it, but I know I’d remember if there was bestiality in the novel because that’s something that would concern me. I’ve actually had three students interested in reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower, so I had to send one of them to our high school library to borrow a copy. He’s the student I asked to respond to information about the challenge.
Student Response: Michael, one of my freshmen, just finished reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower. “I disagree with what they are saying about the book because it’s about a kid becoming a teenager in high school who doesn’t have any friends because everyone thinks he’s weird and his only friend died. It tells us what could happen in high school and what we could face. I think it’s a very good book. It keeps a person wondering what’s going to happen next, and then you realize things you didn’t expect.”
It’s Banned Books Week so I’m highlighting a different banned book each day this week. My posts will include the banned book, where/why it’s been banned (or challenged), my opinion, and a student’s opinion. I’m also hosting a banned books giveaway, so I hope you’ll check it out and enter to win a banned book of your choice.
Banned Book: Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
Where/Why It’s Been Banned: “Challenged in the Republic, Mo. schools (2010) because it is “soft-pornography” and “glorifies drinking, cursing, and premarital sex.” (Source–Quote taken from ALA banned books resource page)
My Thoughts: I was outraged about this last year when the challenge first came up. It upsets me all over again now reading why it’s been challenged and knowing that Sarah Ockler’s debut novel is still off shelves in that school district. Any person who has read Twenty Boy Summer knows it’s the farthest thing from “soft-pornography.”
I am constantly encouraging my students to read Twenty Boy Summer because it’s an excellent book that handles tough situations very well. Anna and Frankie are suffering greatly over Matt’s sudden death. Anna is suffering privately because she never told Frankie that she and Matt (Frankie’s brother) were dating when he died. Can you imagine not being able to tell your best friend that and have her to console you? Anna and Frankie are helping each other deal with Matt’s death, but it’s not complete for Anna when Frankie doesn’t even know how deeply hurt Anna is. Frankie isn’t handling her brother’s death well at all and is acting out.
What can readers take away from Sarah Ockler’s touching novel? They can take away lessons in maintaining friendships through honesty, understanding and compassion. They can take away a better understanding of how people grieve and how to deal with grief. The best thing? Yes, I’m speaking of “lessons,” but this isn’t a preachy novel. I never felt like Sarah Ockler was trying to hammer a message into my brain, but when I finished reading this novel I know I had a better understanding of the fragility of friendships and love. The focus of this novel is not sex and partying. It’s all about forgiveness, understanding, letting go, and learning to love again.
Student Response: This response comes from one of my YA Lit students, Mackenzie. She’s “new” to reading and recently read Twenty Boy Summer as part of her trimester project. “I don’t see how Twenty Boy Summer is on the banned books list. When I read the book I didn’t think the main point of it was about sex and alcohol. I thought it was more about Anna telling Frankie about her and Matt.”
It’s Banned Books Week so I’m highlighting a different banned book each day this week. My posts will include the banned book, where/why it’s been banned (or challenged), my opinion, and a student’s opinion. I’m also hosting a banned books giveaway, so I hope you’ll check it out and enter to win a banned book of your choice.
Banned Book: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Where/Why It’s Been Banned: “Challenged and presented to the Goffstown, N.H. school board (2010) by a parent claiming that it gave her eleven-year-old nightmares and could numb other students to the effects of violence.” (Source–Quote taken from ALA banned books resource page)
My Thoughts: I can understand the parent being upset about her child having nightmares, but The Hunger Games wasn’t written for her child’s age group. I know 11-12 year-olds that read this trilogy, but they’re obviously mature enough for it, although I question how much they comprehend. It’s a parent’s responsibility to be aware of what her child is reading and whether her child is ready for the book he/she has chosen.
I won’t deny that The Hunger Games is a violent book. But do we really want to make that argument when there’s so much violence in TV, movies, and video games? And besides arguing which is more violent, we need to think about the reason behind the violence in Collins’ novel. Many of my students who read this trilogy comment on how they can see something like the Reaping or the Hunger Games really happening. We have conversations about violence in the media today and how shocking this story is. This trilogy hooks my most reluctant readers and drives thoughtful discussion. If there’s violence in the media that will make our students numb, it’s not the violence in The Hunger Games.
Student Response: One of my former students, Caroline, wrote this response for me because she’s awesome and knew that I procrastinated and didn’t have a current student write one in time. “I don’t understand why a teenager would have nightmares over this novel at all. This is one I could not put down. I felt super-glued to the pages. If your eleven-year-old is having nightmares over this, you may have over-sheltered them. Watch what your sensitive kid reads, but don’t tell others what to read. I suggested this book to my ten-year-old sister, and if I had a copy I know she would read it without the effects of nightmares. There are definitely worse books out there.”
It’s Banned Books Week so I’m highlighting a different banned book each day this week. My posts will include the banned book, where/why it’s been banned (or challenged), my opinion, and a student’s opinion. I’m also hosting a banned books giveaway, so I hope you’ll check it out and enter to win a banned book of your choice.
Banned Book: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Where/Why It’s Been Banned: “Removed from a spring break elective course at the Bedford, N.H. School District (2010) after a parent complained about the novel’s sexual content. The complainant further suggested that the school only allow “youth versions” of particular books or organize a parental review system over the summer that would look at books that students need parental permission to read. A checklist has been proposed that Bedford school officials would use to rate books and other instructional materials.” (Source–Quote taken from ALA banned books resource page)
My Thoughts: I chose to highlight this book first for a couple reasons. First, I didn’t know until a couple days ago when I was getting these posts ready that Water for Elephants had been banned. Second, this book wasn’t published as a YA novel. I read it this past spring after one of my high school students handed me her copy and told me I had to read it. I was surprised by the mature, sexual scenes but that’s because I’ve been reading YA almost exclusively and had to remind myself that this novel wasn’t published YA. It did make me wonder what my student thought of those scenes, which we discussed when I gave her book back at the end of spring break.
Despite the maturity of the novel, there are quite a few positive messages in the novel which I think outweigh those scenes. Jacob, the main character, suddenly becomes an orphan just as he’s about to graduate from college and become a veterinarian. As a last resort he hops a circus train and is thrown into a bizarre and often dangerous life. Water for Elephants is historical fiction and Sara Gruen did a wonderful job researching the time period and the circus culture when writing her novel. Her story focuses on Jacob and how he learns to survive this new life, but also how he shows compassion for both people and animals, learns to stand up for himself, and finds his first love.
I have a copy of this book in my classroom library, because I know my mature readers will enjoy it. I made sure to buy a copy with the original cover (the movie cover has Robert Pattison and Reese Witherspoon) because I think my boys in class will be more likely to pick it up than they would if I had the movie cover edition. If you’re looking for a rationale for Water for Elephants, it’s listed as a Scholastic Reading Counts book **side note: I’m not an advocate of boxed reading programs like this, but I know many schools use them.** and it’s a 2007 Alex Award winner. The Alex Award is given to books that are written for adults but appeal to teen readers.
Student Response: This quote is from Tristan, my student who let me borrow her copy over spring break. “The book is an adult book to begin with, so why would the author have to worry about sexual content? As far as having it in a high school, I think that teens can handle it. And if a parent has a problem, THEN THEY DON’T NEED TO LET THEIR CHILD READ IT! But they don’t need to drag other students into it. I do agree this book does contain a lot of sexual content, so I wouldn’t want my middle school sister reading this. But teens can handle it, and parents shouldn’t be naive enough to think this isn’t something their children are oblivious about.”
Banned Books Week has officially started, so I’m bringing back my week of posts about banned books. I always put up a display in my classroom during this week so I can discuss censorship with my students. It’s an excellent time to talk about how they feel about books, what they find questionable, and how we should deal with censorship in our school. I also have a banned books project choice in my Young Adult Lit class that involves my students reading and researching banned books before putting together a presentation about those books and whether they agree with the action taken. Many of my students will read some of the books that I have on display and can’t understand why they were banned.
During Banned Books Week I’ll be posting about a handful of books that are listed on the ALA website as banned or censored from 2010-2011. Because my students often have so much to say about these books and the issue of censorship, I’ll be including their thoughts in each of my posts. I hope you’ll come back to my blog this week to learn more
To kick off the week, I’m holding a banned books giveaway. The winner will be picked randomly, emailed and allowed to pick a banned book that I’ll purchase and mail to them.
Giveaway Guidelines:
* Must be 13 or older to enter
* U.S. residents only
* Giveaway begins Sunday, Sept. 25th and runs through Saturday, Oct. 1st
* No extra entries are required, but spreading the news is always appreciated
* Only one entry per person
Me with the uber-fabulous Ellen Hopkins! (Notice my Speak Loudly pin)
Since my last year at Central Michigan, I’ve regularly attended the Michigan Council of Teachers of English conference (MCTE). This year, I went out on a limb and requested to attend the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Annual Convention in Orlando, FL. To my surprise and excitement my request was approved! I was nervous about attending because 1. this was my first time attending and 2. I was going by myself. I couldn’t be more thrilled about going.
The first day (Thursday) was overwhelming considering the flight and all. I must say, I was able to avoid the horrible TSA body scanner. I guess I don’t look “suspicious.” The flight wasn’t bad, but I had to wait almost an hour for my hotel shuttle. Once I showered and grabbed some lunch, I only had time to listen to Lois Duncan speak. Holy cow! She is a fascinating woman. I loved her stories about growing up and becoming an author. My favorite part was when she spoke about not being able to sew a skirt because she was more focused on writing a story. She turned her story into a contest, won $50, and bought herself a skirt! I loved her books growing up, and now many of the covers have been re-vamped for a new audience. We were even given signed copies of her books; I received Don’t Look Behind You.
Friday was one of the best professional development experiences of my short career! I’m still bummed that I couldn’t stay longer and attend the sessions on Saturday and Sunday. The day began with Erin Gruwell of Freedom Writers as our keynote speaker. Oh my goodness, she was phenomenal! We were told what most of us know of her story, but it was the added detail she provided and the eloquent way she told her story. Multiple times I found myself tearing up. Her story is heartwarming, but more than anything, it was reassuring that I am doing the right thing in my teaching. I can’t explain how many times I am left feeling like I’m not teaching the “right” way. That I’m not teaching the “right” materials. That I’m not teaching the “right” habits. Erin mentioned that she teaches in an authentic way that her students need. She wants them writing about their personal experiences, their stories. She set up a read-a-thon because she knows they need more than just the “dead white guys.” This is the best quote of her speech: “We teach for that aha! moment. The moment the student finally gets it.”
Signed copies of Will Grayson, Will Grayson & Black Hole Sun (P.S. This was taken in my hotel- no crazy carpet at my house lol)
I’m not trying to sound like I’m some top-notch teacher who knows all. I have plenty to learn and plenty that I want to learn. But I refuse to become lazy and say things like “We don’t need to teach that material to them (reluctant learners) because they aren’t going to college anyway.” I teach knowing that even the students who drive us nuts truly want a chance and want to learn. They need someone who will reach out and listen to them.
I teach “out of the box.” I don’t want to hand out stack upon stack of grammar worksheets. I’d rather teach grammar and figurative language using the texts we’re reading in class. Erin talked about using music in her lessons. On my way home I heard Alannis Morisette’s song “Ironic” and immediately thought of how much trouble my students have understanding irony. I’m going to use that song the next time we discuss irony in class. I promote the importance of reading every day. We have SSR, we have book talks, we write and blog about what we’re reading. When I mention doing things like this, I often hear excuses about why it can’t be done. “Giving tests are easier.” “How will we know if they read it without giving them a test?”
Being at NCTE and surrounded by people who think like I do was beyond refreshing. There were other teachers excited about reading and that look at authors like they’re celebrities (I stand by the fact that they are!). I met teachers with fabulous lesson ideas for book trailers and more. At a session with David Levithan and Ellen Hopkins speaking about censorship, I sat behind the YA goddess Teri Lesesne! I swear I’ll be her in the future; I’m a YA goddess in training I left the conference reassured that I’m a good teacher and that I’m only going to get better; it was exactly what I needed.
I could barely think of something smart to say when I met David Levithan...
Now, the exciting part… I met authors! I took pictures with authors! I had books signed by authors! Does life as a teacher and fangirl get any more exciting?! I left a session early to wait outside the room where Neal Shusterman and Brandon Mull were going to present. I’m glad I did because I snagged a seat up front I haven’t read any of Brandon’s books, but I’ve heard of his Fablehaven series. If his books are anything like him, I need to read all of his books, like, yesterday. He was hilarious and inspiring. This is a fabulous quote and it’s going up on the wall in my classroom: “Write what you love because passion is contagious.”
Neal Shusterman reading from BRUISER
Neal Shusterman was A-MAZING. I’m still regretting eating lunch and missing out on his signing of Bruiser. Who needs food anyway? He told us that he hated reading in third grade, until his teacher forced him to go to the library every day as punishment. The librarian gave him a book every day until he found “the one.” After that he was allowed to open up all the new shipments of books and pick from the pile first. He started telling stories when he was a camp counselor; it was the only way to get the younger kids to calm down. His professor forced him to write outside of his comfort zone and explore all genres. He majored in psychology to learn the inner-workings, and drama to learn how we act out. I was taking furious notes because I learned so much from him. Again, I’m still bummed I didn’t get a signed book even though I did get a picture with him.
Signed copy of Fallout and "Manifesto" by Ellen Hopkins
As I said earlier, I attended a session about censorship featuring David Levithan and Ellen Hopkins. Oh my gosh I was so excited that I got a front seat. I was talking to my mom on the phone when Ellen Hopkins walked in (no I wasn’t on the phone during the session, she came in early) and I about squealed with delight. I had to let my mom go… Anyway, David has a wonderful way with words; he’s so poignant, especially when speaking about his passion. He is a strong and important voice for LGBT teens and he’s correct when he says “Witholding books is taking books away that could save kids’ lives… We need to defend the books AND the kids.” Ellen was, of course, fantastic. Her stance on her books is that “One bad choice can ruin your life.” Reading her books helps students avoid making life-ruining choices because they’ll learn from the characters’ experiences. The “good kids” will learn to be empathetic and understanding of those who are experiencing problems like her characters. She told us that she keeps all of the letters she receives from people thanking her for her books and telling her how they saved their lives. She’ll be happy to send us copies if we need them to fight the censorship of her books. I bought a new copy of Fallout to be signed by her and she was giving away posters of her poem “Manifesto.” She signed one and addressed it to my class 
It’s proudly hanging up behind my desk.
Besides all the cool books I had signed (Will Grayson, Will Grayson, Black Hole Sun, Fallout), I also received some awesome ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies). Copies of Clarity by Kim Harrington were just sitting out under a sign saying “Take One.” I was happy to! One of my boys in class already borrowed my copy I was about to leave, but told myself I should walk around the exhibits one more time. I went past the Penguin booth and saw Across the Universe by Beth Revis sitting on a shelf. I asked one of the reps if they were giving copies away. She had a sly smile and said “Only to those who specifically ask.” I made sure to ask! While she was looking for a copy I noticed Gayle Forman’s ARC of Where She Went. She gave me one of those as well! I was GIDDY. My problem was figuring out how to get all of the books home. I had to throw clothes and a pair of flip flops away. I mean, I can buy more clothes, but ARCs and signed books don’t come around too often. Wouldn’t you do the same?
Look at all of those glorious ARCs!!
If you can’t tell by this lengthy, honest post, I’ll be attending NCTE 2011 in Chicago. This time I plan on staying longer, and **fingers crossed** I’ll get to stay for ALAN and meet some fab authors!
Before I announce the winner of the Censorship Causes Blindness: Banned Books Giveaway, I want to thank everyone for their comments. The Harry Potter series and To Kill a Mockingbird were definitely the most popular choices, and rightfully so. I enjoyed the other books named as well, like Speak and The Lord of the Flies. Even though Banned Books Week is over, I hope everyone continues to speak up for banned books throughout the year. If you haven’t already, check out the Twitter thread #SpeakLoudly and the incredible website in honor of this thread.
I used random.org to choose the winner. Congratulations to Amanda West @ talesandtreats.blogspot.com! I will be contacting you through email to find out what two banned books you’d like. I’ll update this post with pictures of the banned books Amanda chooses along with the picture of the signed copy of Unwind once it arrives.
FYI- During the week of October 25th, I’ll be participating in the Spooktacular Book Blog Giveaway Hop, so check back to enter to win some goodies
In honor of Banned Books Week I am highlighting a different banned book each day of the event (maybe even more!) here on my blog. I’m also hosting a Banned Books Week giveaway. Included in this giveaway is a signed copy of Unwind so make sure to enter! FINAL DAY TO ENTER!
Banned Book:
The House of Night series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Where/Why It’s Been Banned: “Banned at Henderson Junior High School in the Stephenville, Tex. Independent School District (2009). The entire teen vampire series was banned for sexual content and nudity. Since the series has not been completed, “Stephenville ISD actually banned books that have not yet been published and perhaps even books that have yet to be written. There is no way the district could know the content of these books, and yet they have been banned.” Source: Nov. 2009, pp. 197–98, 225.” (Taken from ala.org)
Why It Should Be Read: My best friend, a fellow teacher, recommended reading this series while we eagerly awaited the release of Breaking Dawn. I was instantly hooked and read the first books in a matter of days. This was over the summer, so when the school year started I told my students all about this series. It didn’t take long for these book to become popular.
What I like best about this series is that not only do my female students enjoy this series, but many of my male students as well. They’re fun and easy to read, so many of my more reluctant readers have advanced to series like The Mortal Instruments after reading The House of Night books.
Sure the series revolves around teenage vampires, but all of the characters are dealing with normal high school issues. They learn how to handle bullying, rumors, becoming a leader, relationship issues, and making and maintaining friendships. P.C. Cast is a high school English teacher, so she understands the dynamics at play in the world of teenagers. She’s writing the series with her daughter, Kristin Cast, who is in college now so she hasn’t forgotten the first-hand experiences of high school. They’re a winning combination writing books that hook readers and help them in the process.
Student Response: This response comes from one of my students, Ellie, that graduated last year (Isn’t it cool that my kids are still participating even after high school?!)- “The House of Night series should be read because, aside from the whole vampire thing, there are a lot of normal teen problems, like discrimination, juggling guys and fitting in. It shows that just because a problem is your own doesn’t mean you have to handle it by yourself. I honestly don’t understand why the whole series is banned seeing as not all of the books in the series even exist at this point in time. If the content hasn’t been written yet how do you know it will contain sexual material? You don’t.”
If you'd like Y.A. Love to review a book, host a giveaway or hold an interview, please read my Review Policy page and contact me (Sarah) at: lovingyalit [at] gmail [dot] com
<div align="center"><a href="http://addicted2reading.wordpress.com/" title="YA Love"><img src="http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n601/Careohlion/2f.jpg" alt="YA Love" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
