A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group.
The main reason that books are being challenged and banned is that people are concerned for the influence they have
on their children.
The problem here is that most of these books shine a light on issues we are and should be talking about as a society.
Youth fiction is a main target.
Select Year
Orwell's 1984 is a heavily challenged book. The ALA routinely lists it as one of the most challenged books and it's in the top 10 list of challenged classics. The book warns of totalitarian censorship and chronicles the grim future of a society robbed of free will, privacy and truth.
Ellen Hopkin's Crank has been banned in many locations due to complaints of the book's drug use, language, and sexual themes. Hopkins has stated that she has based the book loosely around the real life addictions of her daughter to crystal meth and that the book is required reading in "many high schools, as well as many drug and drug court programs".
"Not every book is right for each reader, but we should have the right to think for ourselves and allow others to do the same."
- A.L.A. President Roberta Stevens
