You know those books we all loved as kids? The ones that took us on adventures and taught us about friendships? Well, believe it or not, some of those beloved tales have been banned in schools across the country for one reason or another.
Let’s look at why these twelve childhood classics won’t be on the school shelves anymore.
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“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s masterpiece deals with racial injustice and it’s set in the Deep South during the Great Depression. But it’s been banned in some schools because of its racial slurs and the way it tackles racism.
Some people think it’s too much for students.
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain
Mark Twain’s story is another text that explores the issues of racism & slavery in America. However, several school districts have banned it for reasons similar to “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
The book doesn’t shy away from racial slurs and stereotypes, which has led to a lot of debates about whether it’s appropriate for young readers.
“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
You’d think that a picture book would be harmless enough, especially one that deals with the story of Max & his monster friends. But, surprise, surprise, it’s faced bans too.
The concern here is about Max’s naughty behavior and the story’s darker undertones. Some parents are concerned that it could encourage kids to rebel or just scare them.
“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
J.D. Salinger’s story about a teen facing off with the adult world is a classic coming-of-age tale. However, it deals with quite a lot of adult topics & contains many profanities.
If that wasn’t bad enough, the writer’s generally gloomy view of life has led to bans in some schools. Why? Because they think it might be a bad influence on teens.
“Harry Potter” Series by J.K. Rowling
Even though J.K. Rowling’s magical world has captivated millions, not everyone’s a fan. Some schools waved their wands to make the books disappear from shelves because of how the series shows magic.
They’re concerned that the story might lead kids down the path of exploring the occult. According to these people, the book glorifies witchcraft.
“The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein
“The Giving Tree” is a tale of selfless love yet it’s not without its critics. Some schools have shelved it as they believe it sends the wrong idea about relationships and environmental care.
Part of the debate involves the question of whether the tree gives too much without getting anything in return. What kind of message does that send to kids?
“Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson
There’s no denying that this story of friendship and loss is a tearjerker; and that’s exactly why some schools have banned it.
They argue that the way it deals with death and grieving is too heavy for its young audience. As such, they’d rather students read books that won’t upset them anywhere near as much as this one.
“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck
Anyone who’s read Steinbeck’s story about dreams and despair will agree that it’s a classic. Yet since its publication, it has faced controversies.
The book has been banned in various schools because of its strong language and racial slurs; not to mention its violent content. Critics worry about the impact on young minds.
“The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss
Even Dr. Seuss isn’t safe. “The Lorax,” with its environmental message, has been removed from some school libraries because of debates about climate change.
Some parents argue that the book paints certain industries in a negative light. To them, “The Lorax” is the perfect example of a story having too strong of a message.
“If I Ran the Zoo” by Dr. Seuss
This Dr. Seuss classic has also been banned, although the reasons for this are a little clearer.
Some people claim that the text apparently reinforces negative racial stereotypes. It’s one of many Dr. Seuss books that have been banned, including “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street,” and “On Beyond Zebra!”
“A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle
Madeleine L’Engle’s journey through space and time has disappeared from some school shelves for its magical elements and religious themes.
Critics claim the book is unsuitable for children, especially because it clashes with their religious beliefs. In fact, religious groups like the Jerry Falwell ministries argue that it’s “offensive.”
“James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl’s tale of adventure has been taken from some shelves for a number of reasons.
Namely, its references to tobacco and alcohol are quite inappropriate for children. Plus, some parents are worried about the “deviant” behavior of characters like James, which they think is a bit too much for young readers.
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