2012 Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop

It’s hard to believe it’s been a full year since the last Banned Books Week. Each year I’m shocked by the lists that are shared through the American Library Association. Books like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Harry Potter by JK Rowling, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey and so many more. Some of these books have been favorites of mine for quite a long time and many more that make the lists each year are ones I’m excited to share with my own children one day.

What’s astounding to me about the concept of actually banning a book, to me at least, is that someone would feel passionate enough against a seemingly innocent enough text, to go through the entire process of trying to prevent an entire generation from having the opportunity to discover it on their own. Take Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey for example…really? What in the world could be so offensive about this series that would cause a person to desire it’s permanent removal? The thought alone seems absurd to me.

Obviously, as a parent myself I understand wanting to protect your children and help them retain their innocence as long as possible, but other people’s children? And to what end? At some point children grow up, we all do sadly. Why not allow them to grow up in a world of discussion, hope and thoughtfulness? A world where you can sit safely together as a parent & child and share thoughts and feelings about characters and situations that may arise in their future. A world where a book could bring comfort after days, weeks and months of loneliness.

There is so much more I could say on the topic, but let me just say that I don’t believe in the public banning of books. What a parent chooses to do in their own home is their choice. As for our family, hopefully our home will be one where these great pieces of literature are part of a larger conversation and fulfilled life.

In celebration of these great books I’m giving away two books, two of my favorites from the past lists of challenged and banned books:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Hopefully everyone will continue to spread the good news of great books and encourage others to continue reading despite the challenges placed in our paths.

Good luck to all entering the giveaway! Be sure to fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter, and it is open Worldwide. Also, be sure to visit I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for more blogs participating in this great event and possibly give yourself the chance to win more great books! Now, enjoy a short video from some wonderful authors talking about their favorite banned books:

a Rafflecopter giveaway