Happy Banned Books Week! 🎉 Banned Book Week takes place from October 5-11 this year, but of course, any day is a good day to read a banned book. October 11 is also Let Freedom Read Day, and you can take action by 📖 checking out a banned book from the library, ✍🏽writing a letter to your favorite banned author, or 🗳️registering to vote!
While book banning has taken off in the last decade, it certainly isn’t new. In fact, the first book to be banned in the US happened in 1637! The book in question was “New English Canaan” by Thomas Morton, aka “Lord of Misrule.” With a nickname like that, his book would be banned. Before he wrote the offending book, Morton established his own colony, where they celebrated May Day and other pagan festivals. The Puritans tried to shut down his partying, but Morton sued them and then wrote a book comparing the Puritan leadership to crustaceans🦀!
Over the summer 🌞, local teens read and reviewed books and here are a few that have been on the banned books list. We’ve included the reason they’ve been banned along with a book resume that includes responses to challenges. Have you read a book that has been banned? Then fill out our Teen Book Reviews form and let us know what you think!
“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
5/5 Stars ★★★★★
Why did you like or dislike this book? I liked Tolkien’s writing style and his character development, especially contrasting between timid Bilbo and aggressive dwarves.
Three words that describe this book: Fun, Exciting, Adventure
Pick up this book if: you like fantasy adventure books, but are looking for something deeper than the generic teen adventure books.
Reason: witchcraft and satanic themes
“Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson
5/5 Stars ★★★★★
Why did you like or dislike this book? ‘Speak’ is the perfect coming-of-age novel. It introduces the harsh reality of rape culture, all while showcasing the troubles high schoolers may face on a day-to-day basis. The protagonist is easily relatable and as you read, you feel and experience each one of her struggles alongside her. Laurie Halse Anderson’s writing is rhythmic and poetic, all while being very clear and easy to understand. ‘Speak’ is a novel that acts as a voice for all high schoolers.
Three words that describe this book: Deep, inspiring, raw.
Pick up this book if: You need a novel that will speak the truth to you.
Reason: glorifies drinking, cursing and premarital sex
“1984” by George Orwell
3/5 Stars ★★★
Why did you like or dislike this book? The classic dystopian novel ‘1984’ reveals the complex and corrupt layers of our society. After finishing the novel, readers can come away with a sense of awareness for the flaws in our world that they may have not recognized before; however, the reader must get through the novel first. ‘1984’ definitely is a book that has its dry areas that feel useless to the plot. Sometimes these areas can be used to understand the characters more however, there wasn’t much to understand when it came to the characters, as they felt like 2 dimensional figures only there to get Orwell’s points across. Though Orwell’s characters may be fictional, his messages are not. ‘1984’ showcases how civilians are constantly being controlled and manipulated by those in power. Mankind must dodge the traps set out by the government, for if he gets caught, he may never return.
Three words that describe this book: Reflective, eerie, truthful.
Pick up this book if: you want a deeper understanding of the world we live in.
Reason: violent, sexually charged language
“New Kid” by Jerry Craft
5/5 Stars ★★★★★
Why did you like or dislike this book? The part where Jordan stands up for his friend who was on financial aid.
Three words that describe this book: Exciting, inspiring, funny
Pick up this book if: You are a person who enjoys comic books and drawing
Reason: teaching of critical race theory
