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SEPTEMBER 25, 2006 at 2:08 PM
Posted by GERI
Source: ALA via Yahoo! News
As we enter into the 25th anniversary of Banned Books Week (September 23-30), the American Library Association (ALA) has published a list of the most challenged
books in the last five years and the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling is at the number one spot.
Rounding out the top 10 banned books:
Reader Comments (180)
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Witch
Points: 651
Therin Ennui says:
What's questionable about Captain Underpants?
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 2:18 PM EST
Witch
Points: 828
Elphaba_Thropp says:
Why would people want to ban Harry Potter? I've never read anything in the paper or heard any news about people murdering others because they were copying Harry Potter or whatever.
Harry Potter isn't the reason for any violence going on in the world. All it does is encourage people of all ages to read. And for that it deserves a better reward than people trying to ban it!
Ok rant over, I'm calm.
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 2:20 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1867
Silver_Lining says:
Wow number one! I love Of Mice and Men, however it's not for everyone. I love HP!
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 2:21 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1688
Woodfan says:
i think captain underpants is "questionable" because it's directed toward yound children but it's about underwear and other things that are taboo for five year olds.
I don't think people should be opposed to books in the first place. they're just books, don't read it if you don't want to. Plus a lot of these books were banned from schools/ being taught in schools. By reading these books, students will actually expand their knowledge.
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 2:23 PM EST
Hermione's Twin
Points: 5063
*Miss Hermione Granger* says:
i also don`t get why people ban books...some books up there I dunno WHY they are banned! it`s strange to me, I though they were ok.
But it`s kinda obvious HP would get on top....even though it`s stupid but....If people don`t want to read books, don`t read them!
*Jamie*
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 2:32 PM EST
Auror
(Moderator)
Points: 2484
Since the Start says:
Well no surprise there. I didn't know there was a Banned Book Week though.
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 2:33 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1987
tigerlili_08 says:
Challenged yes, but successful? Yes to that too. In that case, I LOVE the #1 BANNED BOOK!! Ive read Of Mice & Men last year..that list its just a suggestion really.
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 2:47 PM EST
Harry's Lost Brother
Points: 10058
American Harry Potter says:
Wow, had no idea there was such a thing! Well, is that an honor or not? I wonder :-/ More like a dishonor, but cool it's so challenged. That's what makes it so fun!
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 2:50 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1819
zues says:
I haven't read any of the other books. Dose that make me a bad person?
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 2:51 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 427
shadowquill says:
Of all the books to top the Banned Books list, Harry Potter is the most predictable and the least deserving of the spot. I know it is because of the religious hype about the novels but... have any of you read the book Looking for God in Harry Potter by John Granger? Must read for Christian Harry Potter Fans if you doubt Harry's goodness. XD Anyhow... I think banning books is utterly ridiculous. I can understand why people may object, but not why they will deprive others of their freedom of choice. I know what my favorite series is: HARRY POTTER!!!!!!!
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 2:56 PM EST
Princess of Cleverness
Points: 5207
unicorn_purple says:
Cool that Harry Potter was number one.
But why would Harry Potter be banned.
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 2:58 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1251
padfoot'sgirl says:
It is interesting to see which books are banned, it would be nice to see a reason behind them. I can't imagine anyone wanting to ban the books if they took an open mind and actually read one of them!
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:01 PM EST
Auror
Points: 3651
Saint Hedwig says:
Really? I'm surprised His Dark Materials didn't make the list. Isn't it strange how all these books end up being bestsellers and recommended reading anyway?
~
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:01 PM EST
Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 8909
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
Pretty silly really. It seems counter productive to attack it, since it creates more interest. Normally best to just leave it alone. Not sure why anyone has an issue with Harry Potter. I guess they must be insecure.
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:03 PM EST
Witch
Points: 918
Moggiesmom says:
How remarkably and amazingly stupid some people are! As a former librarian we were under constant pressure to "ban" books from our shelves. That would have destroyed the entire reason for libraries. Let's hope that the fools and philistines that are for banning these books might have their eyes opened by actually reading one, but I suppose that they can't read anyway! ^..^
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:04 PM EST
Keeper of the Faeries
Points: 5239
juliebug04 says:
I don't understand the need to ban books either. I think you should put age appropriate stories in school libraries, yes, but most people have read Of Mice and Men. It's a good book, although there are some disturbing moments. But, you are learning the characters.
Personally, if I were to "ban" one, it would be Lord of the Flies...I had nightmares after that one in school. And, we had to watch the film. Blech.... I can't understand how several of those books are listed and Lord of the Flies is NOT. Go figure. Savagery and brutality are ok, but not magic... whatever...
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:13 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1789
Veela~Girl says:
It really bothers me that so many great works are on that list. Books are works of art and every piece of magic, death, and other 'taboo' content, come together to make that work of art. If handled correctly I think any topic should be able to be addressed. After all, what better way to present these materials then in a classroom, with a teacher to explain and guide the kids??? Harry Potter should definitely be on the reading list of every kid!
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:15 PM EST
Squib
Points: 164
SixArmedJesus says:
It's sad that people get all worked up about this series. All because some people feel that others should not be allowed to excercise their imaginations. I wish that people who challengs books such as this would relax a bit.
With that being said, more often than not, the books on banned and challenged lists tend to be the most interesting reads. :)
Also, thank you shadowquill for that book suggestion. I'll be looking for that one.
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:18 PM EST
Witch
Points: 930
lemonlime says:
I guess the point of great books is to make people talk, and that's exactly what the books on that list do. So I guess that makes Harry Potter the best of them all!!! :-D
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:19 PM EST
Witch
Points: 916
aishaishaisha says:
Why have all these good books been banned? It's not like there's anything 'adult' about them?? Argh this is soo annoying when they're banned for some stupid reason and everyone who's actually read the book knows the reason is pure lies!
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:22 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2351
Skitch says:
Wow, I knew it was challenged a lot, but I didn't know it was the most challenged series ever. But we just keep on reading, don't we? They can't keep Harry down.
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:27 PM EST
Wizard
Points: 570
minister of muggles says:
Its cause people think that JKR is actually trying to turn people into witches which is rediculous....we're already witches and wizards..muhahaha...darn, i wasn't supposed to tell you muggles.
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:32 PM EST
Points: 8027
deemz says:
Why would they ban it ... !
Thats ... wrong!!
Peopel cant ban books, espically not HP!
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:33 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2209
Scarlett Kent says:
It's unsurprising to me that the Harry Potter books are the most challenged, because they are also the most successful and they deal with witches and wizards which frightens a lot of people who hold narrow-minded attitudes. To me, when such books are challenged, it just shows how valuable they really are.
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:37 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1771
Patronus** says:
Why would HP be banned?....Or challenged at least?
It's not like it's immoral or tells you how to make illegal substances etc (you know what i'm getting here.....?).....it's just an adventure/fantasy story and nothing in it is taboo......hhhmmmmm some people have funny ideas!
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:38 PM EST
Witch
Points: 622
mount holyoke girl says:
I dont think any books should be banned. I am a liberal and I believe people should have the right to read whatever book they want to read. This banning books business is what puts America in danger of becoming a dictatorship. Like Hitler and Stalin burnt books they didnt like. I mean banning them is not as extreme as burning them but its the first step to it. It is very worrying.
Posted Sep 25, 2006 at 3:41 PM EST
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