A Look Back at Banned Book Week 2008
by Jessenma
Today marks the end of Banned Book Week. This annual event, celebrated at the end of each September since 1982, serves to educate all of us about the nature of censorship and the necessity of protecting our democratic freedoms. With the support of the American Library Association, high schools, colleges and libraries across the county conducted readings, lectures and created displays to promote awareness. At the top of ALA's list of most challenged books of 2007 was the children's picture book And Tango Makes Three. The book is based on the true story of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who raise on orphaned chick as their own. It is often banned for reasons as diverse as: anti-ethnic, sexism, homosexuality, anti-family, religious viewpoint, unsuited to age group. I thought the book was delightful, well written and sensitive to the topic, but others may disagree. I also find it interesting that the book continues to raise controversy despite Roy and Silo's "separation". So, in the spirit of Banned Book Week, check out this and other banned books at the Ann Arbor District Library.
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