Banned Books Week 2014

Monday kicks off Banned Books Week, 2014.  Banned Books are any titles that have been challenged in a school or public library as inappropriate for children and teens.  Just because a book has been banned in one school or town, it does not mean it is banned across the country.  However, citizens at any time can challenge any book they deem inappropriate.  It is your job to make sure you know exactly what you're reading and determine if it is appropriate for you.  I would suggest sitting down and talking with your parents to understand their perspective.  Why are they worried about you reading The Hunger Games and Harry Potter?  Discuss topics your parents may be hesitant to read and come up with ways to analyze the literature without being sucked into it.  Communication is key!

I have learned this about teens...you are NOT what you read.  You read books for enjoyment, intelligent thinking, and to analyze and evaluate literature.  In my opinion, you will NOT become a vampire or stab people in the heart with wooden stakes because you read Vampire Academy.  However, it is up to us to respect those who disagree with those views.  Ultimately, remain aware of literature out there. There COULD be literature you shouldn't be reading.

In the meantime, here's a look at what I just did in the teen section!