100 Banned Books (91-100)

Halle-frickin-lujah!! It’s done. Now, go check out the entire list at https://solonor.com/bannedbooks.php.

Oh, and I got word that NewPages.com is going to feature my snidely commentary tomorrow on their weblog…I’m a legend in me own mind…


91
TITLE: Pillars of the Earth
AUTHOR: Ken Follett
ISBN: 0451166892
Plot Summary: The epic story of the building of a cathedral in 12th century England.
Word from the mouse: This book read rather like the fantasy I’m used to, minus any fancy creatures. There’s adventure, revenge, religion, and a wide variety of protagonists. There’s also rape and torture, love and hatred, joy and hope. There’s also a lot of religion. Full Review
Complaints: Sexual themes, violence, religion
Moved to a new “reserve” section of the Chanute, Kans. school library (1994). The book came under fire because of some use of obscenity and graphic violence.
Solonor Says Ban It Because: For as long as it takes to read this thing, you could have built TWO cathedrals yourself. By hand. No kids need to be subjected to this.
Links:
Ken Follet Library-The Pillars of the Earth

92
TITLE: Running Loose
AUTHOR: Chris Crutcher
ISBN: 0440975700
Plot Summary: Louie, a high school senior in a small Idaho town, learns about sportsmanship, love, and death as he matures into manhood.
Complaints: Sexual themes, violence, offensive language
Solonor Says Ban It Because: I think we already talked about this guy once (see #64). His stuff is so open and honest, it makes me ill.
Links:
Teenreads.com-Running Loose by Chris Crutcher

93
TITLE: Sex Education
AUTHOR: Jenny Davis
ISBN: 053108356X
Plot Summary: David and Livvie are working on their term project together for their sex education class. Their project is to care for someone else for the semester. But when they choose a lonely, pregnant neighbor, they find that caring isn’t as simple as it sounds.
Complaints: Sexual themes, offensive language
Solonor Says Ban It Because: I don’t care if the title doesn’t have much to do with the book. It’s bad enough!
Links:
The Fileroom.org-Bismark, ND, school libraries

94
TITLE: The Drowning of Stephan Jones
AUTHOR: Bette Greene
ISBN: 0440226953
Plot Summary: Carla Wayland’s dream of being with the ‘in’ crowd comes true when she starts dating the popular Andy Harris–a hateful, fearmonger who torments a recently arrived gay couple. When Andy’s harassment leads to the death of one of the men, Carla must choose where she stands.
Complaints: Sexual themes, offensive language, violence, homosexuality
The book was removed from the Barron(Wis.) School District in 1998. Banned from the Mascenic RegionalHigh School in Ipswich (N.H.) in 1995. Removed from the curriculum and school library shelves in Boling (Tex.) in 1993. Pulled from the libraries of Horry County, SC, middle and high schools at the behest of a lone objector. The superintendent of schools banned the book after a resident who had once been expelled from school for writing a profane poem, objected to the noteworthy novel for its “vulgarity and profanity.” Three books (this one, plus “The Education of Harriet Hatfield” by Mary Sarton and “Maurice” by E.M. Forster, which treat homosexuality in various ways, were removed from a regional high school. The novels’ purchase was financed by a grant that teacher Penny Culliton received and was approved by the school superintendent and principal. However, shortly after a local newspaper reported that Culliton was involved with a lesbian and gay support group for young people, the books were found unsuitable and were banned. Maurice and The Education of Harriet Hatfield were seized from the students while they were reading the novels in class. Personal attacks on the teacher and demands for her dismissal have been so vehement that her job is now in jeopardy.
Solonor Says Ban It Because: We’ve met this author before (she’s Jewish, ya know…not that there’s anything wrong with that….) She’s the one that did that “Summer of My German Soldier” thing (#89). This is all just an ACLU plot to make your kids gay.
Links:
What If Good Girls Do?

95
TITLE: Girls and Sex
AUTHOR: Wardell Pomeroy
ISBN: 0385302517
Plot Summary: A girl’s guide to sex, including the physical, emotional and ethical aspects. It includes detailed information about anatomy, reproductive systems and the consequences of sexual relationships.
Complaints: Sexual themes
A parent of a child in a Prince George, Canada, school challenged “Boys and Sex” due to its content of “deviant sexual activity.” The book was removed from the school library in April 1984, but was later returned. “Girls and Sex” was also challenged in June 1984.
Solonor Says Ban It Because: Another repeat. Makes ya wonder, though. Why’s “Boys and Sex” #58, while “Girls and Sex” is only #95? Less sex? Less offensive? Or just ’cause it’s girls?
Links:
Homewood Public Library Parents Booklists–Sex Education

96
TITLE: How to Eat Fried Worms
AUTHOR: Thomas Rockwell
ISBN: 0440445450
Plot Summary: A kids book about two boys that make a silly bet about eating 15 worms in 15 days.
Complaints: Inappropriate to age
Solonor Says Ban It Because: To quote Bill the Cat: “Oop! Ack! Phtew!”
Links:
How to Eat Fried Worms–A 10-year-old’s Perspective
Iowa State University’s Tasty Insect Recipes

97
TITLE: The View From the Cherry Tree
AUTHOR: Willo Davis Roberts
ISBN: 0689717849
Plot Summary: A thriller for kids. From his favorite cherry tree, Rob sees a murder. But when he tries to tell his family, no one believes him.
Complaints: Violence, Inappropriate to age
Solonor Says Ban It Because: It’s too scary. I hope everyone always believes everything I tell them!
Links:
Unlocking the Doors to Motivation

98
TITLE: The Headless Cupid
AUTHOR: Zilpha Keatley Snyder
ISBN: 0440435072
Plot Summary: David and his three younger siblings are introduced to the world of the occult when they meet their new step-sister.
Complaints: Occult themes
Retained in the Grand Haven, MA, school libraries in 1990 after a parent objected to the books because they “introduce children to the occult and fantasy about immoral acts. Challenged at the Hays, Kans. Public Library (1989) because the book “could lead young readers to embrace satanism.” Retained in the Grand Haven, Mich. School libraries (1990) after a parent objected to the book because it “introduces children to the occult and fantasy about immoral acts.” The Newbery Award-winning book was retained on the approved reading list at Matthew Henson Middle School in Waldorf, Md. (1991) despite objections to its references to witchcraft. Challenged in the Escondido, Calif. School (1992) because it contains references to the occult.
Solonor Says Ban It Because: I’m running out of logical arguments for you people, so I’ll just say “Monkeys”. Monkeys. Monkeys. Monkeys. Did that work? (That’s got to be as good an argument as the complaining parents made, eh?)
Links:
Zilpha Keatley Snyder

99
TITLE: The Terrorist
AUTHOR: Caroline Cooney
ISBN: 0590228544
Plot Summary: 16-year-old Laura, an American living in London, tries to find the people responsible for her brother’s death in a terrorist bombing.
Word from the mouse: Barely forty pages in and I already had tears in my eyes. The characters barely had time to introduce themselves and already I felt the pain. The endearing memories of items and words. Full Review
Complaints: Violence, offensive language, occult themes, racism
Challenged Coppell, TX, for religious content. It was retained.
Solonor Says Ban It Because: Let’s be sensitive now. Just because people are blowing up other people, it doesn’t mean we need to read about it.
Links:
Teenreads.org-The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney

100
TITLE: Jump Ship to Freedom
AUTHOR: James Lincoln Collier and Christoper Collier
ISBN: 0440443237
Plot Summary: Daniel Arabus and his mother are slaves in the house of Captain Ivers of Connecticut. Since Daniel’s father fought in the Revolution and saved up enough money, by law, the Arabus family should be free. But Daniel’s father is dead, and Mrs. Ivers has stolen the money. When Daniel steals it back, a furious Captain Ivers puts him on the next ship bound for the West Indies–and certain slavery. Does he dare jump ship in New York? And then what?
Complaints: Violence, offensive language, racism
Challenged at the Nathan Hale Middle School in Crestwood, IL (1996) because it “was damaging to the self-esteem of young black students”.
Solonor Says Ban It Because: Yeah, having a strong, young black hero fight his way out of slavery has to be tough on the old self-esteem.
Links:
Profiles in Connecticut Black History

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3 Responses to 100 Banned Books (91-100)

  1. Vanessa says:

    It’s 1:00am and I’m wired on coffee, trying to do research for an english paper, and you’re making me laugh! NOW STOP IT!!

  2. William Robinson says:

    Where there any other areas, which Jump Ship to Freedom was banned? If so, for what reasons?

  3. Solonor says:

    Removed from the Fairfax Country, Va. elementary school libraries (1993) because its young black hero, a slave, questions his own intelligence, refers to himself as a “nigger” and is called that by other characters.

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