UnBan a Book Week

There are few fictional characters that are more familiar than Holden Caulfield, the 16-year-old protagonist of THE CATCHER IN THE RYE whose signature voice (“phony,” anyone?) and wry observations of the city around him have captured the minds of readers since 1951. Although the novel has been praised time and time again (it was named one of the 100 best English-Language Novels of the 20th century by Modern Library in 2003), it has also gotten its fair share of push-back. It has been banned in schools time and time again, most often for vulgar language, and was the 10th most challenged book from 1990 to 1999. Below, WHIPPOORWILL author Joseph Monninger and Teen Board member Yasemin B. talk about why they love the book, and exactly what they’d tell those who were trying to ban it.

THE OUTSIDERS by S.E. Hinton is remarkable for many reasons. First, it wasn’t written by an established author; rather, it was written by a 16-year-old girl, which wasn’t exactly a position of power in the 1960’s. Second, this 1967 novel is often credited with being the first YA book out there (when the publisher realized it was being bought by high school teachers to use in classrooms, an entirely new marketplace --- and age category --- was born). Lastly, though, the book is legendary for its hard-hitting themes of gang rivalry, class conflict and honor, its gripping plotline and emotive writing. The book’s unique backstory and powerful content doesn’t protect it from book banners, though --- THE OUTSIDERS has been challenged by numerous schools because of its portrayal of gang violence, smoking and drinking and lens into family dysfunction. Below, YA author Julie Chibbaro (INTO THE DANGEROUS WORLD) and Teen Board members Maggie D. and Harleen K. talk about what THE OUTSIDERS means to them and how they’d respond to those who want to ban it.

John Green is one of the premiere names in the contemporary YA scene; his book THE FAULT IN OUR STARS rose to the bestseller list almost instantaneously, he's chased by hordes of screaming fans and he has film deals for nearly all of his books. His first novel, LOOKING FOR ALASKA, focuses on Miles “Pudge” Halter, a boy attending boarding school for the first time who has just added something new to his list of obsessions (he can’t get enough of famous last words): Alaska Young, the girl down the hall. Although reviewers called it “brilliant,” “compelling” and “beautifully told,” the book has landed on the American Library Association’s list of Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books in both 2012 and 2013. Below, YA author Adi Alsaid (LET’S GET LOST, NEVER ALWAYS SOMETIMES) and Teen Board members Brynn S. and Rachel D. talk about their personal feelings towards the book, and what they would say if they came face to face with a book-banner.

THE CHOCOLATE WAR by Robert Cormier isn’t your typical “feel good” school story --- a group of bullies, together with the vice-principal, determine to make new kid Jerry Renault’s life far less than pleasant because he refuses to participate in the annual chocolate fundraiser. The story explores themes of non-conformity, power and mob mentality --- you’ll find no friendly pick-up games or comic book exchanges, here. Although critically praised as “rich in theme” (New York Times), “compellingly immediate” (Kirkus Reviews) and “superb” (School Library Journal), the book has also faced backlash for its violent scenes and strong language, and has been banned in schools across the country. Below, Jo Knowles (READ BETWEEN THE LINES, JUMPING OFF SWINGS, LESSONS FROM A DEAD GIRL and more) and Teen Board member Chris C. talk about why they love THE CHOCOLATE WAR and why it shouldn’t be banned. Click here to see all of the posts so far!

Everything’s about to change for Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian reservation in THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN by Sherman Alexie --- he’s going to attend high school in all-white farm town. First published in 2007, Alexie’s book has won multiple awards --- including the 2007 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature --- and his been praised for its authentic voice, searing wit and treatment of important issues like race and identity. It is also one of the most frequently banned books, earning the top spot on the American Library Association’s Frequently Challenged Books list this year. Below, Sara Joiner, author of AFTER THE ASHES, and Teen Board members Bryn D. and Pranshu A. talk about why they love THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN --- and exactly what they’d say to the people trying to ban it.