This past month, I was given the opportunity to try my hand at writing a book review. I was thrilled. Since I work in a library at a local high school, I am surrounded by books on a daily basis and love to hear about all the latest and the greatest things coming out in literature (in addition to my love of the tried-and-true classics). I enjoy discussing different books with the kids at the school (I love it when they get excited about a particular book), as well as discussing books with my own children and people in general. I love to share my thoughts with others on what I glean from the books I read and the enjoyment I get out of them. But when it came time to choose a book to review, I had no idea what to pick – there are so many to choose from.
Then I remembered that last week (Sept. 22nd through the 28th) was National Banned Book Awareness Week. This is an opportunity for librarians to encourage their patrons to read books that have been banned or challenged in the United States and other countries for one reason or another. Perhaps, I thought, I should choose one of those. It is important to encourage others to read books that will expand their minds and give them a greater appreciation for the world at large. Included on the list of books that have been banned in the past are a great many classics (many of which I have read and appreciate), and even a few books that seem silly to have been banned from libraries (the Bible has been one of the most banned books in history). At the same time, there are some books that are truly offensive, especially for a younger audience.
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