Did you know the face on the milk carton is one of the most challenged books?
This book is listed at number 80 on the most frequently challenged
books for 1990-1999 and at number 29 on the same list for 2000-2009.
This book is even banned in different states of the U.S.
- Why is this book been challenged and banned? This book has been challenged because of the sexual content,
challenge to authority, inappropriate for age group and psychological theories of crime. - Who is trying to ban this book? Parents who believe their children should not be exposed to questionable material such
as this book. - Where is this book banned? This book is banned in Texas.
- Thoughts of Caroline Cooney on the banning and challenging of her book: "Here’s my view on challenges: they are simply free speech. Of course at any time, any reader may state disapproval of a book. I am respectful of parents who keep up with what their children read and have the guts to announce publicly that they don’t like the title assigned and wish it removed. The fact that I might disagree is irrelevant. We protect free speech..."
Additional assignment 1 (non-compulsory!)
I want you to explain in your own words what the difference is between 'a banning', 'a challenge' and 'to censor'. You can use an online dictionary.
Additional assignment 2 (non-compulsory!)
What is your opinion about the banning and challenging of this book? Do you agree or disagree? Write a short text of 15 lines about your opinion. Try to give at least four reasons why the book should be banned or not. When you are done I want you to discuss this with your neighbour.