Thursday, July 2, 2009

banned books

Many of the books we have read so far have been banned for one reason or another. This in no way means they aren't quality books. For example, the dictionary has been banned from schools in several states. Totally Joe happens to be a book that is frequently banned. Why do you think this is? Do you think that schools, communities, and governments have the right to tell others what they can and can't read?

7 comments:

larry said...

Inside school, yes, because the topics may not be appropriate for school, but out of school, You should have the freedom to read whatever you want.

Advisor said...

So who do you think has the right to tell others what they can and can't read?

SarBear said...

obama... wait actually no he doesn't either so no one because it's a free country (not in a way where you can do anything you feel like doing or "free" stuff at walmart) NO! It's our RIGHT!!!!!!!!! AND WHAT IS TOTALLY JOE?!?!?!?!

Lucy said...

I feel that books like Totally Joe probably should be banned from elementary school or just be banned from kids in kindergarten to about third grade. They probably would not understand the content and the level of the book would be to hard for them to understand. For middle school libraries, I think they should not ban the book. Middle schoolers are mature enough to read the book and understand what the author's message and meaning of the book. Middle schoolers should be taught about this because this can happen to them. If they don't learn about being gay or straight they would never understand it when they grow up and might feel its wrong and disgusting. I don't think the government should tell what you can and cannot read. I would leave that to what your parents decide.

aliu said...

I think books are banned because parents complain it hurts their child's mind.

larry said...

very true.

larry said...

I REALLY don't believe that middle-schoolers are mature enough to handle the book totally Joe, but at least not at my school, that is.