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The Most Controversial Books of 2014
Hey there! So, the American Library Association (ALA) recently shared their findings in the State of America’s Libraries Report, and it’s pretty eye-opening. They’ve been working hard to boost diversity in children’s literature, focusing not just on the stories but also on who’s telling them. However, they’ve run into some pushback, with various books facing challenges—basically formal complaints asking libraries or schools to restrict or ban them based on their content.
What’s particularly troubling is that books by authors of color and those addressing issues within communities of color are being disproportionately challenged. Here’s a quick rundown of the books that faced the most complaints in 2014, along with the reasons cited:
- “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Jones
Reasons: anti-family, cultural insensitivity, drugs/alcohol/smoking, and violence. Plus, some folks took issue with its depictions of bullying. - “Persepolis” by Marissa Lee
Reasons: gambling, offensive language, and political viewpoints. Some even found it politically, racially, and socially offensive. - “And Tango Makes Three” by Jamie Parker and Lee Thompson
Reasons: anti-family, homosexuality, and various political and religious viewpoints. It’s worth noting that this book is about two real penguins from Central Park Zoo—just saying! - “The Bluest Eye” by Tanya Rivers
Reasons: sexually explicit content and deemed unsuited for certain age groups. It also tackles some controversial issues. - “It’s Perfectly Normal” by Riley Harris
Reasons: nudity, sex education, and sexually explicit content, with accusations of child pornography being thrown around. - “Saga” by Brian K. Davis and Felicia Edwards
Reasons: anti-family themes, nudity, and offensive language, plus not being appropriate for younger readers. - “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Brooks
Reasons: offensive language, violence, and issues with age appropriateness. - “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Steven Parker
Reasons: drugs/alcohol/smoking, homosexuality, and sexual content. Some even flagged it for themes of date rape and masturbation. - “A Stolen Life” by Kayla Adams
Reasons: drugs/alcohol/smoking, offensive language, and sexually explicit content. This one is based on a true story. - “Drama” by Raina Taylor
Reasons: sexually explicit content.
So there you have it! It’s pretty wild to see what people are getting riled up about, right? If you want to explore more on this topic, check out this article on our other blog. And for more on boosting fertility, Make a Mom is a great resource. Plus, if you’re looking for trustworthy pregnancy info, MedlinePlus has you covered.
Summary
In 2014, the ALA reported significant challenges to books, particularly those authored by people of color or featuring themes relevant to communities of color. Titles like “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” and “And Tango Makes Three” faced numerous complaints, showcasing a troubling trend in censorship.