Celebrate your freedom to read: choose a banned book!

September 26-October 3 is Banned Books Week, sponsored by the American Library Association. Although the majority of book challenges go unreported, bans and challenges occur all over the United States, a fact which surprises many.

If you check out these lists of the most frequently banned and challenged books arranged by year, author, type, etc. you are likely to find some beloved favorites. In fact the list of top ten most challenged authors of the past 8 years includes such stellar talents as J.K. Rowling, Kevin Henkes, Katherine Paterson, Gary Paulsen, Maurice Sendak, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor and Philip Pullman.

So, take this opportunity to talk with your family about first amendment rights and what they mean. Then head over to the library and pick up a great banned book to read!