Parents sometimes try to ban books. American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom records books that are challenged.

Two last year were: “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (1990) by Stephen Chbosky and “Drama” (2012) by Raina Telgemeier. 

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (1990) is about an introverted high schooler that befriended two seniors and learned about sex, drugs and mental health. The reason the book was challenged was because it contained drugs, alcohol, smoking, homosexuality, date rape and masturbation.

“Drama” (2012) by Raina Telgemeier is a graphic novel about a middle school theater stage crew and their various crushes and relationship drama. The reason the book was challenged was because it was sexually explicit and it contained homosexuality.

“Huckleberry Finn” (1884) by Gil Kaufman was about a white boy who was friends with and went on a journey with an African American slave. The reason the book was challenged was because it had the N-Word.

According to writer Robin Beery, the reason for wanting to ban books is because they have racial themes, alternative lifestyles, profanity, sex, violence, negativity, witchcraft, unpopular religious views, unpopular political views or any theme judged unsuitable for a particular age group.

Opponents to book banning want intellectual freedom. Intellectual freedom means people can think about what they want.

English teacher Erin Lynn taught 9th grade at a private school. She was teaching “Beloved” by Toni Morrison. She said the book was depressing and her students were immature.

She said, “I didn’t feel as though the content or subject matter would have enough relevance vis a vis the emotional status of the students.”

Librarian Jennifer Agena said she has never not bought a book because a parent might complain.  She said every book the school buys was reviewed by a magazine and is encouraged to have in the school library.