Banned Book #7: In the Night Kitchen

Sendak, Maurice.
In the Night Kitchen.
1970.
Harper & Row, Publishers.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

The story of Mickey's nighttime adventure in the baker's kitchen is "a highly original dream fantasy (with) deliciously playful illustrations (and a) chantable, easily remembered text.

Reason(s) for Banning:

• Challenged for nudity and offensive language (Reader's Advisory - Banned Book List 2008)

My Thoughts:

• Due to the nudity, I wouldn't be able to use this book in a classroom... The nudity though, is somewhat discreet... nothing that a child wouldn't expect... it's not drawn 100% anatomically correct, and there is a chance that children wouldn't even pick up on it.
  
• I personally didn't find any offensive language in the book... if you did, please enlighten me!

Again, as a read aloud in your own home, I see no reason as to why this book shouldn't be available for checking out from a public library. Like I mentioned previously, parents are the ones that are ultimately responsible for checking out what their kids are reading... if they are approving the books, they'll have the final say as to whether or not this one makes it to their child's TBR pile! It does make for a cute bedtime story, but short of that, I see no real educational purpose to it... however, not all books need to be educational in content... reading for fun is just as important!

Your Job - Share your thoughts on the following topics on this post!

• Should the book be on the banned book list?
  
• Is it okay to be found on a library or book store shelf?
  
• How would you share this book with your child/children?
• If you are not familiar with the book, based on my post and the discussion of others, would you consider allowing your child to read/be read this book? Why? Why not?

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.

Banned Book #6: James and the Giant Peach

Dahl, Roald.
James and the Giant Peach.
1996.
Random House Children's Books.
Guided Reading Level: Q

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

A little magic can take you a long way - When James Henry Trotter accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree, strange things start to happen. The peach at the top of the tree begins to grow, and before long it's as big as a house. Then James discovers a secret entranceway into the fruit, and when he crawls inside, he meets a bunch of marvelous oversized friends — Old Green-Grasshopper, Centipede, Ladybug, Miss Spider, and more. After years of feeling like an outsider in the house of his despicable Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, James has finally found a place where he belongs. With a snip of the stem, the peach starts rolling away, and the exciting adventure begins!

Reason(s) for Banning:

• Violence towards adults
  
• Encouragement of children to lead "unhealthy lifestyles"
  

My Thoughts:

• I used this book with a group of 4th grade students in 2005. I can honestly say I have never seen such enthusiasm with a group of 9 and 10- year olds about reading! I created a whole wealth of activities to use in collaboration with the reading and it was a huge success.
  
• The book is written in fantasy styles - readers must expect some aspect of fantasy to take place (violence towards adults as it is portrayed in this novel) - if you discuss the genre with children, as well as the genre characteristics, children will realize that fantasy is just that... (see Elements of Fantasy website)

I can't justify any banning on this book at all... any book that has the power to get children that enthusiastic about reading is worthy of being on a shelf... as long as children understand that fantasy and reality shouldn't be mixed. As a teacher, I know I would be emphasizing that, making this book 100% appropriate in a classroom of [almost] any age group. Parents should also be taking the steps to be sure that children know and understand the types of books they're reading!

Your Job - Share your thoughts on the following topics on this post!

• Should the book be on the banned book list?
  
• Is it okay to be found on a library or book store shelf?
  
• How would you share this book with your child/children?
• If you are not familiar with the book, based on my post and the discussion of others, would you consider allowing your child to read/be read this book? Why? Why not?

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.

Banned Book #5: And Tango Makes Three

Richardson, Justin and Peter Parnell.
And Tango Makes Three.
2005.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Guided Reading Level: Q

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

At New York City's Central Park Zoo, two male penguins fall in love and start a family by taking turns sitting on an abandoned egg until it hatches.

Reason(s) for Banning:

• "Homosexual Undertones"
  

My Thoughts:

This is another one of those books that I raved about on an earlier post. My review from Gay and Lesbian Pride Month is shown below:

Based on a true story about two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo, And Tango Makes Three is a very sweet story that shows children that it is okay to be accepting of diversity and situations different from your own. That central theme, coupled with the all of the recent legislation regarding same-sex marriages and civil unions, which are making these new family dynamics a reality in many districts, this is definitely a book to include in a classroom library!

We follow different families at the zoo - monkey families, red panda bear families, toad families, toucan families and cotton-top tamarind families and even penguin families. However, one penguin family at the zoo is different than the other families... at an age when the boy penguins typically started to show an interest in the girl penguins, Roy and Silo stand out from the other penguins. Instead of liking girls, these two boy penguins begin showing an interest in each other. We watch as their relationship develops (in child-friendly ways, of course) and as they eventually are able to start a family of their own. Children will be shown to be accepting of these differing families by the positive way in which the public reacts as they stream into the zoo to visit baby Tango and her two daddies, Roy and Silo.

I will definitely share this book with my own children someday. I have a brother who is gay and I want my future children to be very accepting of this way of life, rather than looking at it as a negative way of life. In using the book in a classroom, I'd have to take a slightly different approach. Sadly, not all parents would be open to their children listening to a story that features this topic. The book could not solely be used as a read-aloud in a classroom unless perhaps a gay or lesbian couple had a child in the class and wanted the classmates to understand and accept their child. The book would also fit into a unit on families.

What I enjoyed the most about this book was that it showed that gay penguins were no different from the other penguins in their zoo pen. It's definitely worthy of a spot on the bookshelf, awaiting the perfect teachable moment!

-Katie's Literature Lounge, Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, June 23, 2009

I do want to make mention of an article I saw a few months back about a pair of gay penguins "splitting." These penguins are not the same penguins that are the center of focus in And Tango Makes Three. The penguins in "Tango" are from the Central Park Zoo... the penguins that split are from the San Francisco Zoo and the article relating to this news can be found here.

I'm pretty sure my review, posted above, sums up exactly what I think about this book being banned... there's absolutely no reason for banning this book. If it's a book that you're not comfortable sharing with your child(ren), don't share it... however, keep in mind that we live in an ever-changing society, and that gay marriages are slowly becoming a norm. Shouldn't we all want to be open with our children and instill in them the value of acceptance (even if you don't agree with a lifestyle, accept people for who they are) and everyone having equal rights?

Your Job - Share your thoughts on the following topics on this post!

• Should the book be on the banned book list?
  
• Is it okay to be found on a library or book store shelf?
  
• How would you share this book with your child/children?
• If you are not familiar with the book, based on my post and the discussion of others, would you consider allowing your child to read/be read this book? Why? Why not?

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.

Banned Books # 3 and 4: Appropriate for Non-Fiction Monday

Two books for today's banned book post. Both focus on the similar topics and are appropriate for a Non-Fiction Monday posting!

Cole, Babette.
Mommy Laid An Egg: Or Where Do Babies Come From?
1993.
Chronicle Books.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

In this hilarious twist on one of the most difficult discussions in a child's development, award-winning author Cole illustrates the one question all children are bound to ask--where do babies come from?

Reason(s) for Banning:

• There is no reason listed on the ALA Banned Book list as to why this book is banned... I'll allow us to make our own assumptions after reading.

My Thoughts:

• As a teacher, this is not a book that I would ever consider using in a classroom! I don't necessarily find it offensive, but rather it includes material that, with an elementary school aged child, it must be used when parents feel is the right time to share material on such a topic. The book does do a wonderfully job in accurately describing how babies are made - in many cases parents will find this too blunt for a child.
  
• However, if parents do decide to use a book to educate their children about the details when the topic of "Where do babies come from?" is brought up, I found that this book would likely make for an enjoyable read-aloud at home, while being 100% accurate.
  

Based on my reading and reviewing of this book several times, I think that the book is certainly appropriate for children, with parental discretion and only when read with parents. It is accurate in the description of how babies are made and therefore parents won't feel as though they have to make up some kind of sugar-coated version of where babies come from. My only complaint in the book was

Here are some ways...
... mommies and daddies fit together.

I don't think it was necessary to expand on different sexual positions that will likely all result in a baby being conceived! Otherwise, I would think that as a parent, this book should definitely be available to you for consideration in discussing the topic... you can use this at your own discretion, share as little or as much with your child as you feel appropriate that they can handle maturely... It's ultimately up to you and that's why I feel banning isn't necessary.

Harris, Robie H.
It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex & Sexual Health.
1994.
Candlewick Press.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

When young people have questions about sex, real answers can be hard to find. Providing accurate, unbiased answers to nearly every imaginable question, from conception and puberty to birth control and AIDS, IT'S PERFECTLY NORMAL offers young people the information they need — now more than ever — to make responsible decisions and to stay healthy.

Reason(s) for Banning:

• Again, no specifics were provided - I guess we'll have to use our own imaginations upon reading!
  

My Thoughts:

• As a teacher, I would probably not use this book in an elementary educational setting... I would however make this book available in a middle/high school health class, provided parents sign a release waiver, allowing their child(ren) access to such materials. Teacher should be available to support children in any situation that may arise in elementary school, but I do not think they should be providing children with information regarding sexual health, unless asked by parents for resources in which they (the parents) might use at home with their child(ren).
  
• I found that this book to be very resourceful. It will definitely answer a whole wealth of questions that children may willingly ask or hesitate to ask for fear of embarrassment. Some of the topics are geared toward older children (teenagers) and parents should examine the book before freely placing it in the hands of children.
  

Based on my reading and reviewing of this book several times, I think that the book is certainly appropriate for older children - tweens and teens alike. While many adults may find the topics inappropriate, we must realize that like all humans, children have questions that they want answers to. If, as a parent this isn't something you're 100% comfortable discussing with your child, perhaps giving them a good resource book will answer some of their questions without causing embarrassment for either of you. I don't see anything wrong with using this book as long as children receive it from their guardian and use it in an appropriate manner!

Your Job - Share your thoughts on the following topics on this post!

• Should the book be on the banned book list?
  
• Is it okay to be found on a library or book store shelf?
  
• How would you share this book with your child/children?
• If you are not familiar with the book, based on my post and the discussion of others, would you consider allowing your child to read/be read this book? Why? Why not?

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.

Banned Book #2: The Library Dragon

Deedy, Carmen.
The Library Dragon.
1994.
Peachtree Publishers
Guided Reading Level: M

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Miss Lotta Scales is a dragon who believes her job is to protect the school's library books from the children, but when she finally realizes that books are meant to be read, the dragon turns into Miss Lotty, librarian and storyteller.

Reason(s) for Banning:

• The parent objected to frequent references to fire (Reader's Advisory: Banned Book List 2008)
  

My Thoughts:

I raved about this book on an earlier post. Below, you will find my review!

Uh-oh! There's a new librarian at Sunrise Elementary - Miss Lotta Scales. Let's just say Miss Lotta Scales really does have lots of scales, she's a dragon! She takes her job too seriously though, thinking she's there to protect the books from the students and ends up turning the whole school anti-library. However, one daring little girl enters the library unknowingly and Miss Lotta Scales finally realizes what the library is really there for - to provide students with pleasure in reading! At the end of the story Miss Lotta Scales turns from the Library Dragon to Miss Lotty, the librarian and storyteller. This was an incredible story! There's even a Library Dragon Flip Doll to complement the story!

-Katie's Literature Lounge, Library Lover's Month, February 11, 2009

I don't see any reason for banning the book from public or school libraries. If anything, this book will instill in children an appreciation for caring for other people's property and books! I find no reason as to why this book would be banned... the use of fire is not being used in a negative way!

Your Job - Share your thoughts on the following topics on this post!

• Should the book be on the banned book list?
  
• Is it okay to be found on a library or book store shelf?
  
• How would you share this book with your child/children?
• If you are not familiar with the book, based on my post and the discussion of others, would you consider allowing your child to read/be read this book? Why? Why not?

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.

Banned Book #1: Walter the Farting Dog

Kotzwinkle, William.
Murray, Glenn.
Walter the Farting Dog.
2001.
Frog, Ltd.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Warning: This book may cause flatulence. Walter is a fine dog, except for one small problem: he has gas. He can't help it; it's just the way he is. Fortunately, the kids Billy and Betty love him regardless, but Father says he's got to go! Poor Walter, he's going to the dog pound tomorrow. And then, in the night, burglars strike. Walter has his chance to be a hero.

Reason(s) for Banning:

• Use of the word "fart" and "farting" 24 times (Reader's Advisory: Banned Book List 2008)

My Thoughts:

• As a teacher, I would probably not use this book in an educational setting... some parents many find it offensive. However, that being said, flatulence (or farting) is a normal bodily function. While we can, in many cases control ourselves, we can certainly excuse ourselves if the action takes place in public.
• I found that this book would likely make for an enjoyable read-aloud at home. For whatever reason, kids seem to get the chuckles around "farts." There's nothing wrong with a funny read-aloud, as long as it isn't taken out of proportions.
  

Based on my reading and reviewing of this book several times, I think that the book is certainly appropriate for children. While many adults may find the topic of farting inappropriate, I don't see anything wrong with using this book as a read-aloud within the walls of your own home. Perhaps you could even use it as a springboard for a discussion about how to handle yourself when you need to fart or if you are around someone who is farting...

I don't see any reason for banning the book from public libraries. In almost all cases, parents have to be available in order for children under a certain age to check out books... If you're a parent and don't want your child reading a book of this nature, that's for you to decide based on the welfare of your own child. Do so at your own consideration, but don't ruin someone else's reading pleasures!

Your Job - Share your thoughts on the following topics on this post!

• Should the book be on the banned book list?
  
• Is it okay to be found on a library or book store shelf?
  
• How would you share this book with your child/children?
• If you are not familiar with the book, based on my post and the discussion of others, would you consider allowing your child to read/be read this book? Why? Why not?

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.