Shelia of Book Journey is hosting this event.
While looking over the (many) lists of banned and/or challenged books two caught my attention due to the fact that I am enjoying sharing the love of reading with my 15 month old grandson.
Do not take my stick or my books!
The two that caught my attention:
Geisel, Theodor Seuss
Hop on Pop: The Simplest Seuss for Youngest Use
Random House
Challenged, but retained at the Toronto, Canada, Public Library (2014) despite a patron’s concern that the book “encourages children to use violence against their fathers.” The patron requested that the library apologize to local fathers and pay damages resulting from the book’s message. Written in 1963, the classic children’s picture book ranked sixteenth on Publishers Weekly's 2001 list of the all-time best-selling hardcover books for children. Based on a 2007 online poll, the National Education Association named the book one of its “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children.”
Source: AL Direct, April 30, 2014.
This book was read many time to my kids while growing up. This is a fun, quick rhyming read. that kids of all ages will enjoy. The concern is quite ridiculous, and I would not hesitate to read it to my grandson. What are your thoughts on the concern?
Geisel, Theodor Seuss
If I Ran the Zoo
Random House
Challenged, but retained at the Vancouver, Canada, Public Library (2014) despite a line in the poem about helpers who “all wear their eyes at a slant,” accompanied by illustrations that are racial stereotypes of Asians. The book is often credited with the first printed modern English use of the word “nerd” in a sentence. The library will no longer read it at storytime or promote it other than as resource material in a study of how the portrayal of other cultures has changed over time.
Source: AL Direct, May 14, 2014.
My thoughts:
I do not own this book, and don't remember reading it much to/with my kids. The line that is challenged is very understandable, however it should be used as an opportunity to talk with kids about why the line is objectionable instead of getting rid of the book. Let's admit our wrong attitudes/thinking of the past and talk about how to respect everyone different than us.
Everyone has their own limits of what they will or will not read or what may be offensive to them. This is an individual choice and they should not be harassed because of those choices. But those said limits/choices should not be forced on others.
Do the books on the challenged/banned lists make you want to read them?
"A book banning is the removal of those materials that someone protested. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, or stores, thereby restricting the access of others."
10 comments:
I've read Hop on Pop and never noticed possible inciting of violence towards fathers! I think we are far too PC! Some want to read far more into something, just read and enjoy!
If someone objects to a book they shouldn't read it but they need to leave everyone else alone! The objection to Hop on Pop is nothing short of ridiculous.
YEAH! What Kathy said!
Sigh. Dr. Seuss is my hero. He had such a way of communicating important life lessons in rhyme and fun. No one should be forced to read books that they find uncomfortable or offensive. Nor should anyone try to define what 'uncomfortable' or 'offensive' is for others. If you don't wish to read a book or you don't wish for your children to read it, fine. But stay off my grass - figuratively speaking. LOL
My favorite Dr. Seuss - Green Eggs and Ham. I have a 'Sam I am'.
I read Hop on Pop, just the other day to my 2 yo great grandson. I loves it. To challenge it??? you gotta be kidding!
Love the Dr. Seuss books, and read them to my children and grandchildren. Thanks for the post, Nise.
I love Hop on Pop, and had to chuckle at the reason behind the challenge! Funny, but I don't remember reading If I Ran theZoo to my kids either. Great post!
Hop on Pop is so much fun and that challenge ... ludicrous, made me laugh out loud *snort*. The cover for If I Ran the Zoo looks familiar but not sure whether I've ever read it ... I agree with you Nise, it's an opportunity to talk about respect and acceptance. I wonder if the line was changed in the newer release version?? (2003)
It's wonderful to share a love of books with our grandchildren, I bet Cole loves story time.
My eldest daughter had trouble learning to read until I found a yard sale that was selling a big stack of Dr. Seuss books, and we brought them home and got started. I credit them with getting her on the road to reading.
The complaint about violence towards fathers is pretty funny, actually. Don't people have better things to do with their time than nitpick their way through books looking for problems? I don't like the illustrations demeaning other cultures in Day at the Zoo, a book I've never seen though. But I still don't like censorship. I just wouldn't pick this out for my grandchild.
Thanks for doing Banned Books Week. I missed my opportunity this year.
I agree with you on both. Cannot believe someone would be offended by Hop on Pop!!!
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