The Keystone State's not-so-secret stash: Banned Books in Pennsylvania
Ah, Pennsylvania. Land of cheesesteaks, liberty bells, and...banned books? You betcha! Buckle up, bookworms, because we're diving into the curious case of literature under lock and key in the good ol' Keystone State.
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| What Books Are Banned In Pennsylvania |
Why the Drama?
Some folks believe certain books aren't appropriate for young minds. Maybe they contain spicy language, deal with mature themes, or feature characters who don't exactly fit the mold. Now, whether you agree with that or not is a whole other story, but it's the reason some books get yanked from school libraries.
The Usual Suspects: What's Getting Banned?
The list is a curious mix, from coming-of-age tales to historical fiction. Here's a taste:
- The Angst Bunch: "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher and "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" by Jesse Andrews. Teen drama seems to be a big target. Maybe they're worried kids will get inspired to write angsty poetry instead of doing their math homework?
- The Rainbow Reads: Books with LGBTQ+ themes are getting a lot of heat. "This Book is Gay" by Juno Dawson and "Gender Queer: A Memoir" by Maia Kobabe are just a few that have landed on the naughty list.
- The Race Relations Rumble: Books that explore race and racism are also facing challenges. "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie is a prime example. Maybe they think teens shouldn't learn about different perspectives? ♀️
Important Note: It's worth mentioning that these are just some examples, and the list isn't static. New books get challenged all the time.
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
But Wait, There's More! The Fallout of Book Bans
So, what happens when books get banned? Well, for starters, it limits students' access to a variety of viewpoints. Plus, it sends a message that certain stories aren't worth telling. Boo!
But hey, there's a silver lining. Often, book bans backfire. The controversy draws more attention to the books, making them even more desirable. So, thanks to the bannisters (see what I did there?), these books might just become bestsellers!
FAQ: Become a Book Banning Butterfly (but maybe don't)
How to Challenge a Book Ban?
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
Contact your local school board or library. There are also organizations like the American Library Association that can help.
How to Find Out What Books Are Banned in My Area?
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The American Library Association keeps a running list of challenged books. You can also check with your local library or school board.
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
How to Sneak a Banned Book Past the Ban Police? (Just kidding, please don't!)
Libraries are full of amazing books! Talk to a librarian, they can help you find something awesome to read.
How to Start My Own Banned Book Club?
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
Sounds like a rebellious good time! Just remember to be respectful of others' opinions, even if you disagree.
How to Write a Hilarious Blog Post About Book Bans?
Well, that's top secret information, friend. But hey, if you get inspired, send me a copy!
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