These Kids Books Can't Get A Break
I am once again going to say: just because a book is banned does not mean you can't buy it. It means you can't find it in the library or in schools. Book bans (as of this moment) are mainly used as a scare tactic.
Anyway let's talk about some books.
🐧And Tango Makes 3 By Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell is the true story of two Central Park Zoo penguins who adopted a baby together. This book is frequently challenged and banned for having homosexual animals. The people banning the book feels like the topic is inappropriate for younger audiences.
🇺🇸 Sofia Valdez Future Prez by Andrea Beaty is about a girl named Sofia. Sofia's grandfather gets injured at the local dump so she fights to have the dump replaced with a community park. The book gets banned for Sofia having a trans pin on her bag, her grandfather having a pink triangle on his hat and for a bearded character having their nails painted.
🤢Green Eggs and Ham By Dr Seuss is about Sam I Am and his hatred for green eggs and ham. He would not eat them on a house not even as a mouse. This book was banned in China for being pro capitalism, Sam I Am is definetly a capitalist name, and for having early signs of Marxism.
🐷Charlotte's Web by E.B. White is the story of a pig named Wilbur and his unlikely friendship with a spider named Charlotte. It gets challenged frequently but famously was banned at a Kansas school for talking animals. They said the depiction of talking animals goes against God's plan. There was also an argument that the ending was too hard for kids to understand.
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Honestly the list can go on for basically ever. What are your favorite banned books? Has your school/ county ever banned a book?
🏷️: #lemon8bookclub #lemon8challenge #childrensbookrecommendations #childrensliterature #bannedbooks
After diving into the world of banned children's books, I can't help but reflect on how much these stories shape young minds, and why some people feel the need to restrict them. When I first heard about 'And Tango Makes 3,' the true story of two male penguins raising a chick, I thought it was such a heartwarming tale of family and love. It's truly baffling to me that a story promoting inclusivity and different types of families could be deemed 'inappropriate' for kids. As the OCR on one of the images pointed out, 'CENSORSHIP is so 1984' – it feels so outdated to be banning books that simply reflect the diverse world we live in. It really makes you wonder what message we're sending to children about acceptance. Then there's 'Sofia Valdez, Future Prez,' a book I adore for its message of civic engagement and standing up for your community. It's wild to think that elements like a character wearing a trans pin or someone having painted nails could cause such an uproar. These are just small details that represent the rich tapestry of human experience, and to ban a book for such reasons feels like we're trying to shield children from reality, rather than preparing them for it. I believe it's crucial for kids to see themselves and others reflected in stories, fostering empathy and understanding. These books aren't just stories; they're windows into different lives and perspectives. Speaking of books that broaden perspectives, I also learned that 'Because of Winn-Dixie,' a classic I remember reading as a child, has faced its own share of challenges. This beautiful story about a girl, Opal, and her dog, Winn-Dixie, navigating new friendships and overcoming loneliness, has been challenged for various reasons, including religious objections or perceived 'dark themes.' It makes me wonder: where do we draw the line? Should we only expose children to stories that are perfectly sanitized and devoid of any real-world issues? I personally feel that stories, even for kids, should offer a range of emotions and experiences, helping them develop resilience and compassion. It ties back to the idea of 'READ FOR YOUR RIGHTS,' empowering young readers to explore and question. It's fascinating how the reasons for banning books can vary so widely – from 'homosexual animals' in 'And Tango Makes 3' to 'talking animals' in 'Charlotte's Web' (as mentioned in the article, which I found truly unbelievable!). My takeaway is that these 'banned' labels often highlight books that are actually incredibly important and thought-provoking. They often deal with themes of diversity, critical thinking, and challenging the status quo. So, next time you hear a book is banned, don't shy away! It might just be the most valuable story you and your children could read. It's a reminder that we, as readers, have the power to seek out these stories and ensure they continue to be read and discussed, rather than silenced.
"Talking animals being an insult to God." So we're just going to ignore the talking serpent? great.