Did you know that there are still books that are banned in the United States? Not just books that we’re not old enough to understand, but books that some group or committee decided that NO ONE should read.

Check this out: ALA banned books

This is the 25th anniversary of Banned Books Week, when the librarians remind us ” not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted.”

Most Challenged Books of 21st Century (2000-2005)In anticipation of the 25th anniversary of Banned Books Week (September 23-30, 2006), the American Library Association (ALA) compiled the top 10 most challenged books from 2000-2005, with the Harry Potter series of books leading the pack. The 10 most challenged books of the 21st Century (2000-2005) are:

1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

2. “The Chocolate War” by Robert Cormier

3. Alice series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

4. “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck

5. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou

6. “Fallen Angels” by Walter Dean Myers

7. “It’s Perfectly Normal” by Robie Harris

8. Scary Stories series by Alvin Schwartz

9. Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey

10. “Forever” by Judy Blume


Vote for your favorite banned book here: VOTE

I go to a really great school where we are encouraged to read a book that is banned somewhere in the United States this week. I am half way through Catcher in the Rye. What will you read this week from the list? What have you already read? What will you do to make sure that books like these will always be available where you live?


—Freckles