Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Reading: It's Subversive


Ask an English or reading teacher which he or she looks forward to the most: Banned Books Week or spring break. The answer may surprise you.

When dinosaurs roamed the earth and I ruled the classroom, Banned Books Week was my secret weapon. The most reluctant reader wants to know why A SEPARATE PEACE was deemed dangerous for teenagers in certain school districts. Nowadays, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD may be required reading in schools across the country, but it made the American Library Association's list of Top Ten Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2011. Who doesn't enjoy a whiff of the illicit?

It's Banned Books Week. Pick up a book in Suzanne Collins' HUNGER GAMES series or Sherman Alexie's THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN. Share a book written by Judy Blume, an author beloved of girls everywhere yet reviled by many school boards.

Reading challenges us to slip into the shoes and mindsets of others. We try on different attitudes and face mental and physical tests. In the end, we may come to respect those we should hate and see the weaknesses in those we should revere. Reading empowers us, which is why it's dangerous.

I offer you a video in support of Banned Books Week:

Happy reading!

12 comments:

Lark Howard said...

Great post, Pat! I wish I could say I was reading a banned book when I missed posting yesterday.

Love the video! It's hard to believe in this day and age so many communities still want to ban books for being subversive or risque.

Jennette Marie Powell said...

Gotta love those banned books - definitely food for thought! Judy Blume was tremendously popular when I was in elementary school and Jr. High. I don't think they were banned, but the next group of popular books - VC Andrews' first trilogy - probably was, and EVERYONE was reading them!

LynNerdKelley said...

I loved The True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and Judy Blume's books. That's an awesome video, Pat! That Shel Silverstein poem is one of my favorites. I love to read that to kids when I do a classroom visit. Hooray for Banned Book Week, and Happy Happy WANA 1011 Birthday!

Louise Behiel said...

it's always amazing to me how often we as a society want to control other people. somehow we 'know' better. LOL and of course as soon as I ban something, everyone wants it. booze, books and drugs. hopefully we'll learn one day.

Coleen Patrick said...

This topic is a source of conversation in one of my stories. I was surprised by most of the titles that have been banned/censoried, like Harriet the Spy! I think your last line about reading being dangerous because it is empowering--spot on. Great post Pat.

Sheila Seabrook said...

Books widen our view of life and introduce us to new ideas. It's a pity that a few closed minded people have enough pull to decide on which books should be banned. And yes, I said that out loud. :)

Pat O'Dea Rosen said...

I would like to say I was reading a banned book instead of replying to comments here, Lark, but that would be a lie. I'd like to to think I'm writing a book that will be banned somewhere, but that may be wishful thinking.

Glad you like the video!

Pat O'Dea Rosen said...

Hi, Lynn! Happy WANA 1011 Birthday and Banned Books Week to you, too. How cool that the two came together this year.

I'm envious of the kids whose classrooms you visit. You're the master at making books come alive!

Pat O'Dea Rosen said...

Hi, Jennette! I was too chicken to read the VC Andrews' trilogy but agree it was wildly popular. Blume's a favorite author of mine, too.

I'll bet certain communities look askance at time traveling heroes. Their loss.

Pat O'Dea Rosen said...

I hear you, Louise! As a teacher, I knew I could get students' attention by telling them this book or that had been banned somewhere. Ban a book, gain a readership.

Pat O'Dea Rosen said...

Harriet the Spy was banned? Say it ain't so, Coleen!

Pat O'Dea Rosen said...

Out loud? I heard you in Texas, Sheila. Good one!