During Banned Books Week, September 29 - October 6, 2007, thousands of libraries and bookstores throughout the nation are celebrating the most basic freedom of a democratic society -- the freedom to read. According to the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom, more than a book a day faces removal from free and open public access in American schools and libraries.
"Not every book is right for every reader," said ALA President Loriene Roy. "Libraries serve users from a variety of backgrounds - that's why libraries need - and have - such a wide range of materials. Individuals must have the right to choose what materials are suitable for themselves and their families."
The "10 Most Challenged Books of 2006" reflect a range of themes, and consist of the following titles: And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, the Alice series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher, Beloved by Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye, also by Toni Morrison, The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler, the Gossip Girl series by Cecily Von Ziegesar, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and the Scary Stories series by Alvin Schwartz.
