Did you know that this is banned book week? A weeks designed to highlight all the works that are being banned.

I looked through the list of the top 100 most challenged books and was surprised.

I was surprised that some books I have read, encouraged my children to read, and had great discussions about were on the list. Then I was even more surprised at some of the books that were on the list, because I was thinking what were they doing in a high school or junior high school classroom setting to begin with?

Though after I looked at the list again, and discussed it with a friend, I realized that the list makes no distinction between books that were challenged in a classroom setting or those that were challenged as being part of a library collection, two very different things in my opinion.

Regardless, I thought I would share a couple books from the list that we have recently enjoyed.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Jess Aarons wants to be the fastest boy in the fifth grade–he wants it so bad he can taste it. He’s been practicing all summer, running in the fields around his farmhouse until he collapses in a sweat. Then a tomboy named Leslie Burke moves into the farmhouse next door and changes his life forever. Not only does Leslie not look or act like any girls Jess knows, but she also turns out to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. After getting over the shock and humiliation of being beaten by a girl, Jess begins to think Leslie might be okay. Despite their superficial differences, it’s clear that Jess and Leslie are soul mates. The two create a secret kingdom in the woods named Terabithia, where the only way to get into the castle is by swinging out over a gully on an enchanted rope. Here they reign as king and queen, fighting off imaginary giants and the walking dead, sharing stories and dreams, and plotting against the schoolmates who tease them. Jess and Leslie find solace in the sanctuary of Terabithia until a tragedy strikes and the two are separated forever. (summary from amazon)

The movie version of this book was just out this past year.  And while I greatly prefer books over movies, I think this movie was great and my children all really enjoyed it.  It also made for a good discussion with my older children about movie making and why certain aspects of a book would be left out due to time constraints or other factors.

My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

All his life, Tim Meeker has looked up to his brother Sam. Sam’s smart and brave — and is now a part of the American Revolution. Not everyone in town wants to be a part of the rebellion. Most are supporters of the British, including Tim and Sam’s father. With the war soon raging, Tim know he’ll have to make a choice, between the Revolutionaries and the Redcoats . . . and between his brother and his father. (summary from amazon)

I just assigned this book to my 12 year old son.  I think reading historical fiction brings history alive for kids in a way that reading text books or primary accounts can not.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

In a world with no poverty, no crime, no sickness and no unemployment, and where every family is happy, 12-year-old Jonas is chosen to be the community’s Receiver of Memories. Under the tutelage of the Elders and an old man known as the Giver, he discovers the disturbing truth about his utopian world and struggles against the weight of its hypocrisy. (summary from amazon)

My oldest son just read this book also.  I loved it and it’s Brave New World feel.  A book that makes you think long after you are done reading it is always a good thing, in my opinion.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

One stormy night a strange visitor comes to the Murry house and beckons Meg, her brother, Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin OKeefe on a most dangerous and fantastic journeya journey that will threaten their lives and our universe. (summary from amazon)

One of my favorite books from my childhood, hands down.  So far none of my children have been excited about this the way that I was.

How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell

The story of Billy who, because of a bet, is in the uncomfortable position of having to eat 15 worms in 15 days. (summary from amazon)

Eewwwwwwwww.  Who can forget being repulsed by this book the first time?  My camp counselor read it to us one rainy afternoon at summer camp.

In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak

The child of the story is depicted floating from panel to panel as he drifts through the fantastic dream world of the bakers’ kitchen. (summary from amazon)

Seriously?  Why?  This one baffles me the most.

Why not head to the library and pick yourself up some banned books today?