More than 460 books have been challenged in just 2012. Many people ban books for different reasons. One reason why is because many parents find some books inappropriate for their children. Instead of just preventing their kid from reading it, they ban it so no one can. One book that is frequently challenged is The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Some reasons why parents ban these books is because of cursing, sexual content, violence, and racism. Even though The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie has sexual content, and cursing it still teaches an important message about how bad racism is.
There are several examples of sexual content, violence, and cursing throughout the book. These things will give middle-schoolers the wrong message. One example of sexual content in the book is when the main character, Junior says he's the "King of masturbation." Some kids might not know what that is and find it inappropriate and don't want to read about it. Also, parents don't want their kids to know about that stuff or read about it anyway. Another example is, throughout the book curses such as retard, and faggot are used. Parents don't want their kids cursing and think that making them unable to read it will prevent them from doing it. They also find that it's a bad influence. In the article "Librarians Lead Fight Against Banned Books" by Karoline Kallweit, it says, "Some local parents felt it violated the community's values because of its rough language and sexual depictions." That is one example of when the book was banned. In the article "Banned Books" by Christopher Finan and Joan Bertin it says, "Sherman Alexie, author of 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian' which had been one of the most frequently challenged books of several years." That shows that many parents and people think it's inappropriate.
Eventhough many parents don't like kids reading stuff like this, it's going to come up one day. Although Junior saying he's the "King of masturbation is inappropriate. Most kids have already heard about it or will. Kids will always find out about stuff like this, whether parents like it or not. Also the curses such as retard, and faggot are heard all the time in school and on TV. Some are even heard at home or said by the kid themselves. In the article "Banned Books" by Christopher Finan and Joan Bertin it says, "Sherman Alexie, author of 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian‘.. also responded 'I write for teenagers because I vividly remember what it felt like to be a teen facing everyday and epic dangers. That shows that the book is meant for teenagers in the first place. The article also says, "Two school board members.. who had voted to ban 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian' reversed their vote after reading the book, returning it to the classroom." This shows that many people don't even bother to read the book before judging it.
Although some parents don’t want their kids reading this, they need to watch their kids instead of taking away the book from everyone. Banning books has been considered "unconstitutional." This book alone teaches a very important message about how bad racism is. It also teaches that you don't have to do what society tells you to do. "From Sept. 30- Oct. 6, libraries, schools, and bookstores… battle censorship and celebrate the freedom to read during Banned Books Week, an annual event highlighting the importance of the 1st amendment." says the article, "Celebrating the Power of Literature and Read a Banned Book." by the ALA news. That's a great way for people to be able to read what they want. "460 book challenges were reported to the ALA." Said the article, "Librarians Lead Fight Against Banned Books" by Karoline Kallweit. That is an insane amount of books that are waiting to be removed. It is not fair to other people or kids.
In conclusion, many books are being banned everywhere for various reasons. Some of these books have important messages. Parents should never vote to ban a book without reading it first. It takes away the opportunity for other kids to read it. If you don’t want your kid to read something it don’t mean that no one else can read it. Some books teach important messages, you won't know that they do it you don’t bother to read it. Don’t judge a book by its cover!
