Banned and challenged books...

Today I came across Delete Censorship.org, a website dedicated to our First Amendment right of freedom of the press and the implied freedom thereof of the right to read. Don't be shocked, but four of the five books on my Favorites List are listed among those books which have been most challenged or banned. Two such lists can be found at the above named website. On one hand I feel a bit subversive for having read not only those four books but many others on the list. On the other hand I feel proud that my open-mindedness has led me to be a well-rounded well-read individual.

From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwilerby E L. Konigsburg

I don't remember exactly when I first read this book, sometime during my elementary school years is as near as I can guess. I do know that this tale of two runaway children who solve a mystery after sneakily living in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has had a definite impact on my life. I can trace my appreciation of art and museums both to this book and the trips my grade school classes would take to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. My interest in research and mysteries were ignited by this story. I take pride in my own mixed-up sense of organization. And last but not least, I always knew my violin case had multiple uses if ever needed. Thus this 1968 Newbery Medal book is first on my list of most favorite books.

The Favorites List

This my list of favorites in order of when they reached favored status. I will write separately about each at another time.

1. From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler by E L. Konigsburg
2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
3. Brave new world by Aldous Huxley
4. Pillars of the earth by Ken Follett
5. The Giver by Lois Lowry

Favorites

I've done a lot of thinking regarding my favorite books of all time lately. This is for two reasons: 1) I've had a lot of extra time to read due to an injury and 2) I've been to a funeral and those always get me thinking of what might be said at my own and what objects, books, ideas, and such might used to help define my life. Pondering on my favorite books has caused me to start this blog. The purpose of which will be to share ideas regarding books and librarianship, particularly school librarianship. Please feel free to share your comments. I will be moderating the comments as I intend to use this blog towards one of my professional goals for the year and my boss may be looking....