When Books Offend

     According to the American Library Association (ALA), there are three main reasons for attempting to remove books from libraries or school curriculums. These reasons, aimed “to protect others, frequently children, from difficult ideas and information” are sex, foul language, and unsuitable content. http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/aboutbannedbooks/index.cfm. Few attempts lead to actual book bans; most remain simply “challenges” as a result of First Amendment rights.

     Fortunately for concerned parents, students, and educators, there’s an ALA list of Frequently Challenged Books. Topping the list for 2009 is a series of Young Adult books by Lauren Myracle: ttyl, ttfn, l8r, and g8r. What did parents not like about these books (approx. 48% of total challenges)? Drugs, nudity, offensive language, and explicit sex. In fact, challengers deemed the series “unsuited for any age group”.

     Lauren Myracle, a Christian mom and best-selling author, claims to reflect real tween/teen life in her books. In this article, she discusses what she sees as “issues surrounding censorship”: http://www.shelf-awareness.com/issue.html?issue=1290#m10366.

     While some would argue that our kids are going to be exposed to “difficult ideas and information” anyway, that doesn’t justify glamorizing and promoting it. It’s one thing to write a book that communicates this message: “Hey, kids, there’s some stuff going on out there that you need to be aware of and guard yourself / your mind against.” It’s another thing altogether to write a book that says: “Hey, kids, here’s some really interesting, taboo stuff that nobody talks about, that’s nothing unusual, and that’s perfectly normal.”

     We, as Christian parents, have been entrusted with raising and caring for our children so that they will become true followers of Christ. Speaking out about books that we believe would lead our children astray with impure thoughts, words, and deeds is one way we can help each other.

     For books you find offensive and would like to challenge, simply fill out ALA’s Online Challenge Reporting Form:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/challengereporting/onlinechallengeform/index.cfm.

     This form can also be used to challenge other offensive works, such as magazines, film, photos, and exhibits.