We hit on two award-winning books that challenge our thoughts and our way of living, especially when we’re our lives are interrupted.
It’s Banned Books Week, which is an event that brings awareness of the freedom to read. Most bans were because of complaints or outcries from parents and/or some educators, feeling that some of the books were unsuitable for teens or pre-teens.
For each day of Banned Books Week, we’ll be presenting two young adult books that are/have been banned from schools or communities due to its contents – or at the very least, challenged. For Wednesday’s books, we delve with one classic that really challenges, maybe even disturbs, young minds with its storytelling, even in this era. And we deal with a young man stepping out of his comfort zone to better his life.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Why it was banned/challenged: Violence, unsuitable for age group
Why it should be read: Like other books that deal with overcoming oppression from society or government or some kind of dark rule, this deals with finding freedom. Freedom in living how we want, in finding more purpose than just being another cog in the wheel. Freedom in loving who we want, and even feeling the pain of loss and love. It’s reminding us that we are still humans who need to feel in order to really live.
Order The Giver now.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Alexie Sherman
Why it was banned/challenged: Strong language and sexuality
Why it should be read: The concern for many parents is the frequency of sexuality, including masturbation. However, there are deeper issues involved in this book. Many children have had to deal with moving to a new school, which sometimes brings them out of their comfort zone. For the main character, who’s had to deal with a physical disability, that plus his ethnicity comes into play when he starts to attend a school in which he’s the only Indian there.
Many have known what it feels like to be the odd man out, and this relates to those people. The character’s family and personal life are also relatable for many readers.
Order The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian now.