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It's Hard to Keep a Good Book Banned... Freedom to Read 2023

By:

SPL_Robyn

Stratford Public Library

Staff-created list

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. February 19-25, 2023. The following list of books were banned or challenged at schools and libraries across North America, according to the American Library Association, Wikipedia and freedomtoread.ca

By:

SPL_Robyn

Stratford Public Library

1-25 of 81 items

1-25 of 81 items

The Travels of Babar

The Travels of Babar

by Brunhoff, Jean de

Book - 1962

2016—In July, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this children’s story book. Objections—The patron described the illustrations in The Trav...Show more 2016—In July, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this children’s story book. Objections—The patron described the illustrations in The Travels of Babar as racist and insensitive. The patron demanded the book’s removal from the collection. Update—“We explained that this book was written in 1934 and is dated in its portrayal of indigenous peoples of Africa,” a librarian wrote. “It is regarded as a classic, and other libraries have it …” The librarian added that the book provided “opportunities for conversation with the child” and that the library “would be retaining it.” The library resolved the challenge in July and kept The Travels of Babar. - freedomtoread.ca Show less

2016—In July, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this children’s story book. Objections—The patron described the illustrations in The Trav...Show more 2016—In July, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this children’s story book. Objections—The patron described the illustrations in The Travels of Babar as racist and insensitive. The patron demanded the book’s removal from the collection. Update—“We explained that this book was written in 1934 and is dated in its portrayal of indigenous peoples of Africa,” a librarian wrote. “It is regarded as a classic, and other libraries have it …” The librarian added that the book provided “opportunities for conversation with the child” and that the library “would be retaining it.” The library resolved the challenge in July and kept The Travels of Babar. - freedomtoread.ca Show less

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Three Day Road

Three Day Road

A Novel

by Boyden, Joseph

Book - 2005

2016—In September, a parent of a student in a grade school (K–12) in Alberta challenged this best-selling Canadian novel for adults. The student, however,...Show more 2016—In September, a parent of a student in a grade school (K–12) in Alberta challenged this best-selling Canadian novel for adults. The student, however, was not reading the book. Two copies of Three Day Road were affected. Objection—The school administrator thought the novel sexually explicit and sought the removal of all copies from the school. Update—The novel was “partially banned” until the authorities resolved the challenge. The school administrator did not follow the challenged materials policy; the library was not involved in the decision. In the end, access to the novel was restricted. The novel is no longer studied in this school, but students may request the novel as a “free read.” This result “seems to be the outcome that the school administrator wanted,” a librarian wrote. - freedomtoread.ca Show less

2016—In September, a parent of a student in a grade school (K–12) in Alberta challenged this best-selling Canadian novel for adults. The student, however,...Show more 2016—In September, a parent of a student in a grade school (K–12) in Alberta challenged this best-selling Canadian novel for adults. The student, however, was not reading the book. Two copies of Three Day Road were affected. Objection—The school administrator thought the novel sexually explicit and sought the removal of all copies from the school. Update—The novel was “partially banned” until the authorities resolved the challenge. The school administrator did not follow the challenged materials policy; the library was not involved in the decision. In the end, access to the novel was restricted. The novel is no longer studied in this school, but students may request the novel as a “free read.” This result “seems to be the outcome that the school administrator wanted,” a librarian wrote. - freedomtoread.ca Show less

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The Troop

The Troop

by Cutter, Nick

Book - 2014

2017—On October 16, a patron in a public library in British Columbia challenged this adult novel. Objections—The patron objected to portrayals of violence...Show more 2017—On October 16, a patron in a public library in British Columbia challenged this adult novel. Objections—The patron objected to portrayals of violence and sexually explicit depictions. The patron said that “obscene content [is] not appropriate to be out on library shelves.” The patron wanted all copies removed from the collection. Update—On November 10, 2017, the library resolved the challenge and kept the book in its collection. A librarian wrote: “The Board is aware that some materials are controversial and may offend some patrons. While it recognizes the right of any individual to reject material for personal use, it does not accord to an individual or group the right to restrict the freedom of others to make use of the same material.” -freedomtoread.ca Show less

2017—On October 16, a patron in a public library in British Columbia challenged this adult novel. Objections—The patron objected to portrayals of violence...Show more 2017—On October 16, a patron in a public library in British Columbia challenged this adult novel. Objections—The patron objected to portrayals of violence and sexually explicit depictions. The patron said that “obscene content [is] not appropriate to be out on library shelves.” The patron wanted all copies removed from the collection. Update—On November 10, 2017, the library resolved the challenge and kept the book in its collection. A librarian wrote: “The Board is aware that some materials are controversial and may offend some patrons. While it recognizes the right of any individual to reject material for personal use, it does not accord to an individual or group the right to restrict the freedom of others to make use of the same material.” -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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Jumanji

Jumanji

by Van Allsburg, Chris

Book - 1981

2017—In May, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this children’s picture book. Objections—The patron thought that the pictures were inappro...Show more 2017—In May, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this children’s picture book. Objections—The patron thought that the pictures were inappropriate and that the characters were being forced to do something that they did not want to do. The patron apparently wanted the library to remove Jumanji from circulation. Update—The library wrote a formal letter that explained the library’s decision to keep the title in the collection. The library kept Jumanji in its collection. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

2017—In May, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this children’s picture book. Objections—The patron thought that the pictures were inappro...Show more 2017—In May, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this children’s picture book. Objections—The patron thought that the pictures were inappropriate and that the characters were being forced to do something that they did not want to do. The patron apparently wanted the library to remove Jumanji from circulation. Update—The library wrote a formal letter that explained the library’s decision to keep the title in the collection. The library kept Jumanji in its collection. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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Trouble Is A Friend of Mine

Trouble Is A Friend of Mine

by Tromly, Stephanie

Book - 2015

2017—On January 10, a public school teacher commented on this novel for young-adult readers in a school library in Ontario. The teacher objected to the no...Show more 2017—On January 10, a public school teacher commented on this novel for young-adult readers in a school library in Ontario. The teacher objected to the novel’s inclusion on the Ontario Library Association’s list of Red Maple Award winners—that is, books recommended for students in Grades 7 and 8. Objections—The teacher objected to depictions of drugs or drug use. The teacher said that Trouble Is a Friend of Mine is far too mature for Grades 7 and 8. Update—The OLA’s book selection chairs received the teacher’s views in an email. In a letter, they explained why the committee had chosen Trouble Is a Friend of Mine. They said that “the beauty of the writing and the well-defined characters outweigh these issues; moreover, the drug world featured in the novel is never glamorized.” The teacher later thanked them for the letter. On January 27, 2017, the issue was resolved. The title seems to have stayed in the school’s library. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

2017—On January 10, a public school teacher commented on this novel for young-adult readers in a school library in Ontario. The teacher objected to the no...Show more 2017—On January 10, a public school teacher commented on this novel for young-adult readers in a school library in Ontario. The teacher objected to the novel’s inclusion on the Ontario Library Association’s list of Red Maple Award winners—that is, books recommended for students in Grades 7 and 8. Objections—The teacher objected to depictions of drugs or drug use. The teacher said that Trouble Is a Friend of Mine is far too mature for Grades 7 and 8. Update—The OLA’s book selection chairs received the teacher’s views in an email. In a letter, they explained why the committee had chosen Trouble Is a Friend of Mine. They said that “the beauty of the writing and the well-defined characters outweigh these issues; moreover, the drug world featured in the novel is never glamorized.” The teacher later thanked them for the letter. On January 27, 2017, the issue was resolved. The title seems to have stayed in the school’s library. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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Art's Supplies

Art's Supplies

by Tougas, Chris

Book - 2008

2017—In March, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this children’s illustrated story book. Objection—The patron found a joke insensitive an...Show more 2017—In March, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this children’s illustrated story book. Objection—The patron found a joke insensitive and thought it misrepresented the artist’s profession: “What’s the one thing an artist can't draw? A good wage.” The patron wanted the book removed from the library’s collection. Update—The library kept the book. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

2017—In March, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this children’s illustrated story book. Objection—The patron found a joke insensitive an...Show more 2017—In March, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this children’s illustrated story book. Objection—The patron found a joke insensitive and thought it misrepresented the artist’s profession: “What’s the one thing an artist can't draw? A good wage.” The patron wanted the book removed from the library’s collection. Update—The library kept the book. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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Bullied Kids Speak Out

Bullied Kids Speak Out

We Survived-- How You Can Too

by Blanco, Jodee

Book - 2015

2017—On August 30, a patron of a public library in Edmonton challenged this nonfiction book. Objection—The patron challenged the book’s location in the li...Show more 2017—On August 30, a patron of a public library in Edmonton challenged this nonfiction book. Objection—The patron challenged the book’s location in the library. Intended for teen readers, Bullied Kids Speak Out was in this library’s children’s section. The patron wanted the book moved to the teen section. Update—A librarian moved the book into the teen section. Corresponding with the patron, a librarian wrote: “The librarian responsible for youth collections has reviewed the title and consulted a variety of library reviewing resources. This resource is well reviewed and addresses an important concern for a variety of ages. That being said, the audience is generally indicated to be Grades 9 to 12; as such, EPL will be moving Bullied Kids Speak Out to the teen nonfiction collection.” This challenge concluded on September 12, 2017 - freedomtoread.ca Show less

2017—On August 30, a patron of a public library in Edmonton challenged this nonfiction book. Objection—The patron challenged the book’s location in the li...Show more 2017—On August 30, a patron of a public library in Edmonton challenged this nonfiction book. Objection—The patron challenged the book’s location in the library. Intended for teen readers, Bullied Kids Speak Out was in this library’s children’s section. The patron wanted the book moved to the teen section. Update—A librarian moved the book into the teen section. Corresponding with the patron, a librarian wrote: “The librarian responsible for youth collections has reviewed the title and consulted a variety of library reviewing resources. This resource is well reviewed and addresses an important concern for a variety of ages. That being said, the audience is generally indicated to be Grades 9 to 12; as such, EPL will be moving Bullied Kids Speak Out to the teen nonfiction collection.” This challenge concluded on September 12, 2017 - freedomtoread.ca Show less

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Debbie Doesn't Do It Anymore

Debbie Doesn't Do It Anymore

A Novel

by Mosley, Walter

Book - 2014

2017—On February 28, a patron of a public library in Edmonton challenged this work of adult fiction. Objection—The patron described the novel as sexually ...Show more 2017—On February 28, a patron of a public library in Edmonton challenged this work of adult fiction. Objection—The patron described the novel as sexually explicit. The patron wanted the library to put a warning label on the book and to lend it only to customers over 18 years of age. Update—The library kept the book. Corresponding with the complainant, a librarian wrote: “I acknowledge your response to this book. The title does fall within the Edmonton Public Library’s guidelines for inclusion in the collection for adults. The policy of the library is to provide customers with access to all of our collections, with the stipulation that parents and guardians are expected to take responsibility for what their children read, view, and listen to. The inclusion of this book in the adult fiction collection alerts customers that the content is intended for adults. We do not place warning labels on our material.” The challenge ended on March 16, 2017. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

2017—On February 28, a patron of a public library in Edmonton challenged this work of adult fiction. Objection—The patron described the novel as sexually ...Show more 2017—On February 28, a patron of a public library in Edmonton challenged this work of adult fiction. Objection—The patron described the novel as sexually explicit. The patron wanted the library to put a warning label on the book and to lend it only to customers over 18 years of age. Update—The library kept the book. Corresponding with the complainant, a librarian wrote: “I acknowledge your response to this book. The title does fall within the Edmonton Public Library’s guidelines for inclusion in the collection for adults. The policy of the library is to provide customers with access to all of our collections, with the stipulation that parents and guardians are expected to take responsibility for what their children read, view, and listen to. The inclusion of this book in the adult fiction collection alerts customers that the content is intended for adults. We do not place warning labels on our material.” The challenge ended on March 16, 2017. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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Rise to Greatness

Rise to Greatness

The History of Canada From the Vikings to the Present

by Black, Conrad

Book - 2014

2017—On August 19, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this work of adult non-fiction. Objection—The patron described the book as racist an...Show more 2017—On August 19, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this work of adult non-fiction. Objection—The patron described the book as racist and demanded its removal from all public libraries in Canada. Update—The library resolved the challenge on September 22, 2017, and retained the book in its collection. - freedomtoread.ca Show less

2017—On August 19, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this work of adult non-fiction. Objection—The patron described the book as racist an...Show more 2017—On August 19, a patron of a public library in Ontario challenged this work of adult non-fiction. Objection—The patron described the book as racist and demanded its removal from all public libraries in Canada. Update—The library resolved the challenge on September 22, 2017, and retained the book in its collection. - freedomtoread.ca Show less

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The Theban Plays

The Theban Plays

by Sophocles

Book - 1994

2011 — In Saskatchewan, Chief Dwayne Antoine and members of the band council of the Poundmaker Cree Nation tried to ban a live performance of an adaptatio...Show more 2011 — In Saskatchewan, Chief Dwayne Antoine and members of the band council of the Poundmaker Cree Nation tried to ban a live performance of an adaptation of Antigone on their reserve. Objection — Antigone — which was originally written by Sophocles in Greece in the 5th century B.C. — tells the story of a woman who gives her brother a proper burial in defiance of a tyrant’s edict. Deanne Kasokeo’s adaptation of Antigone is set on a Canadian aboriginal reserve and features a character who is a corrupt band chief. The band’s council members provided no public explanation for banning the play. Update — The actors defied the ban and performed Antigone in a school on the reserve. Approximately 60 people saw the performance. In press reports, Kasokeo said that the corrupt chief in the play was not a depiction of Chief Antoine. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

2011 — In Saskatchewan, Chief Dwayne Antoine and members of the band council of the Poundmaker Cree Nation tried to ban a live performance of an adaptatio...Show more 2011 — In Saskatchewan, Chief Dwayne Antoine and members of the band council of the Poundmaker Cree Nation tried to ban a live performance of an adaptation of Antigone on their reserve. Objection — Antigone — which was originally written by Sophocles in Greece in the 5th century B.C. — tells the story of a woman who gives her brother a proper burial in defiance of a tyrant’s edict. Deanne Kasokeo’s adaptation of Antigone is set on a Canadian aboriginal reserve and features a character who is a corrupt band chief. The band’s council members provided no public explanation for banning the play. Update — The actors defied the ban and performed Antigone in a school on the reserve. Approximately 60 people saw the performance. In press reports, Kasokeo said that the corrupt chief in the play was not a depiction of Chief Antoine. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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A Little Piece of Ground

A Little Piece of Ground

by Laird, Elizabeth

eBook - 2006

2003—A Canadian bookseller wrote to the British publisher of this novel about a 12-year-old Palestinian boy living in an Israeli-occupied area and asked t...Show more 2003—A Canadian bookseller wrote to the British publisher of this novel about a 12-year-old Palestinian boy living in an Israeli-occupied area and asked that the firm consider not releasing the book. Objection—The bookseller said the novel, intended for teenage readers, was “a racist, inflammatory, and a totally one-sided piece of propaganda.” Update—The book was released by the Canadian distributor. Publicity about the Canadian objection and others in the United Kingdom pushed the novel to a sales ranking of 161 on www.amazon.co.uk. - - freedomoread.ca Show less

2003—A Canadian bookseller wrote to the British publisher of this novel about a 12-year-old Palestinian boy living in an Israeli-occupied area and asked t...Show more 2003—A Canadian bookseller wrote to the British publisher of this novel about a 12-year-old Palestinian boy living in an Israeli-occupied area and asked that the firm consider not releasing the book. Objection—The bookseller said the novel, intended for teenage readers, was “a racist, inflammatory, and a totally one-sided piece of propaganda.” Update—The book was released by the Canadian distributor. Publicity about the Canadian objection and others in the United Kingdom pushed the novel to a sales ranking of 161 on www.amazon.co.uk. - - freedomoread.ca Show less

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Freedom to Listen: a list of banned music, on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/55DnaXSiEpknmi3zHXQGfV

Web Resource

A playlist featuring Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, Oscar Peterson, and others A playlist featuring Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, Oscar Peterson, and others Show less

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

by Steinbeck, John

Book - 2006

In 1994, in Alberta’s legislature, Victor Doerksen called for the removal of profane, irreligious books from Alberta’s schools. He cited Steinbeck’s nove...Show more In 1994, in Alberta’s legislature, Victor Doerksen called for the removal of profane, irreligious books from Alberta’s schools. He cited Steinbeck’s novel, which describes the hardships of migrant workers in California during the Great Depression, as an example. Doerksen had a petition that bore the signatures of 811 Albertans who wanted schools to withdraw books that “demean or profane the name of God and Jesus Christ.” -freedomtoread.ca Show less

In 1994, in Alberta’s legislature, Victor Doerksen called for the removal of profane, irreligious books from Alberta’s schools. He cited Steinbeck’s nove...Show more In 1994, in Alberta’s legislature, Victor Doerksen called for the removal of profane, irreligious books from Alberta’s schools. He cited Steinbeck’s novel, which describes the hardships of migrant workers in California during the Great Depression, as an example. Doerksen had a petition that bore the signatures of 811 Albertans who wanted schools to withdraw books that “demean or profane the name of God and Jesus Christ.” -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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Persepolis

Persepolis

by Satrapi, Marjane

Book - 2003

In 2013, Persepolis was removed from classrooms in Chicago Public Schools. Objections: Scenes of torture and Islamic content. In 2014, the book was challe...Show more In 2013, Persepolis was removed from classrooms in Chicago Public Schools. Objections: Scenes of torture and Islamic content. In 2014, the book was challenged three more times: In Oregon, Illinois and Texas. Persepolis eventually landed at #2 on the American Library Association’s top 10 list of frequently challenged books in 2014. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

In 2013, Persepolis was removed from classrooms in Chicago Public Schools. Objections: Scenes of torture and Islamic content. In 2014, the book was challe...Show more In 2013, Persepolis was removed from classrooms in Chicago Public Schools. Objections: Scenes of torture and Islamic content. In 2014, the book was challenged three more times: In Oregon, Illinois and Texas. Persepolis eventually landed at #2 on the American Library Association’s top 10 list of frequently challenged books in 2014. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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The Bible

The Bible

King James Edition

by Random House (Firm)

eBook - 2015

1997-Three men complained to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission after they saw an anti-gay advertisement published in Saskatoon’s StarPhoenix. The a...Show more 1997-Three men complained to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission after they saw an anti-gay advertisement published in Saskatoon’s StarPhoenix. The ads, paid for by Hugh Owens, cited four Biblical verses that condemn homosexual conduct and displayed a drawing of two stick-men holding hands surrounded by a circle with a diagonal slash through it. A similar ad ran in Regina’s LeaderPost. Objection—The Biblical citations, combined with the drawing, tended to expose homosexuals to hatred and ridicule. Update—In 2001, a one-woman board of inquiry of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission ruled that The StarPhoenix’s ad tended to expose homosexuals to hatred and ridicule. The newspaper and Owens were each ordered to pay $4,500 to the three complainants; Owens was forbidden from publishing similar messages in the future. In 2006, however, Saskatchewan’s Court of Appeal overturned the ruling. Justice Bob Richards declared that Owens’s ad, although “bluntly presented and doubtlessly upsetting to many,” did not violate the province’s human rights code. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

1997-Three men complained to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission after they saw an anti-gay advertisement published in Saskatoon’s StarPhoenix. The a...Show more 1997-Three men complained to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission after they saw an anti-gay advertisement published in Saskatoon’s StarPhoenix. The ads, paid for by Hugh Owens, cited four Biblical verses that condemn homosexual conduct and displayed a drawing of two stick-men holding hands surrounded by a circle with a diagonal slash through it. A similar ad ran in Regina’s LeaderPost. Objection—The Biblical citations, combined with the drawing, tended to expose homosexuals to hatred and ridicule. Update—In 2001, a one-woman board of inquiry of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission ruled that The StarPhoenix’s ad tended to expose homosexuals to hatred and ridicule. The newspaper and Owens were each ordered to pay $4,500 to the three complainants; Owens was forbidden from publishing similar messages in the future. In 2006, however, Saskatchewan’s Court of Appeal overturned the ruling. Justice Bob Richards declared that Owens’s ad, although “bluntly presented and doubtlessly upsetting to many,” did not violate the province’s human rights code. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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Wild Fire

Wild Fire

A Novel

by DeMille, Nelson

Book - 2006

2007—A patron of the Edmonton Public Library complained about this thriller. In the novel, which is set in 2002, a group of powerful Americans secretly pl...Show more 2007—A patron of the Edmonton Public Library complained about this thriller. In the novel, which is set in 2002, a group of powerful Americans secretly plot to provoke a nuclear attack on the Middle East in retaliation for the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., in 2001. Objection—The complainant said Wild Fire was “just another hate-promoting novel.” Update—The library retained the book in its collection. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

2007—A patron of the Edmonton Public Library complained about this thriller. In the novel, which is set in 2002, a group of powerful Americans secretly pl...Show more 2007—A patron of the Edmonton Public Library complained about this thriller. In the novel, which is set in 2002, a group of powerful Americans secretly plot to provoke a nuclear attack on the Middle East in retaliation for the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., in 2001. Objection—The complainant said Wild Fire was “just another hate-promoting novel.” Update—The library retained the book in its collection. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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The Wars

The Wars

by Findley, Timothy

Book - 2014

2011— The parent of an Ontario high school student complained to the Bluewater District School Board about the use of this novel in Grade 12 English liter...Show more 2011— The parent of an Ontario high school student complained to the Bluewater District School Board about the use of this novel in Grade 12 English literature classes. Objection — Speaking on behalf of a small delegation of parents, the parent objected to depictions of sex and violence in the novel. She especially objected to a character’s visit to a whorehouse and depictions of a homosexual gang rape. She said the novel was “inappropriate to be presented to a class of young people,” worried about the book’s effect on the minds of students and asked the board to review the novel. The parent denied that she was asking for censorship. Update — Students and other people in the community defended the novel’s literary value and argued for the book’s continued use in English classes. The school board referred the issue to a textbook review committee which consisted of secondary school teachers, student senators and other staff. Later in the year, the committee recommended that The Wars be kept in the secondary school curriculum. 1991 — In Lambton County (ON), a high school student asked that the novel be removed from the English curriculum. Objection — A passage describes the rape of a Canadian soldier by his fellow officers during World War I. The book was said to pressure students to accept homosexuality. Update — The school board upheld use of the book at the OAC (formerly Grade 13) level. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

2011— The parent of an Ontario high school student complained to the Bluewater District School Board about the use of this novel in Grade 12 English liter...Show more 2011— The parent of an Ontario high school student complained to the Bluewater District School Board about the use of this novel in Grade 12 English literature classes. Objection — Speaking on behalf of a small delegation of parents, the parent objected to depictions of sex and violence in the novel. She especially objected to a character’s visit to a whorehouse and depictions of a homosexual gang rape. She said the novel was “inappropriate to be presented to a class of young people,” worried about the book’s effect on the minds of students and asked the board to review the novel. The parent denied that she was asking for censorship. Update — Students and other people in the community defended the novel’s literary value and argued for the book’s continued use in English classes. The school board referred the issue to a textbook review committee which consisted of secondary school teachers, student senators and other staff. Later in the year, the committee recommended that The Wars be kept in the secondary school curriculum. 1991 — In Lambton County (ON), a high school student asked that the novel be removed from the English curriculum. Objection — A passage describes the rape of a Canadian soldier by his fellow officers during World War I. The book was said to pressure students to accept homosexuality. Update — The school board upheld use of the book at the OAC (formerly Grade 13) level. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

by Rowling, J. K.

Book - 2014

In 2000, a religious parent in Corner Book, Nfld., complained about the presence of these popular fantasy novels in an elementary school. The parent objec...Show more In 2000, a religious parent in Corner Book, Nfld., complained about the presence of these popular fantasy novels in an elementary school. The parent objected to the depiction of wizardry and magic, and the school principal ordered the books’ removal. The parent and the principal had not bothered to read the novels. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

In 2000, a religious parent in Corner Book, Nfld., complained about the presence of these popular fantasy novels in an elementary school. The parent objec...Show more In 2000, a religious parent in Corner Book, Nfld., complained about the presence of these popular fantasy novels in an elementary school. The parent objected to the depiction of wizardry and magic, and the school principal ordered the books’ removal. The parent and the principal had not bothered to read the novels. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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Who's in Maxine's Tree?

Who's in Maxine's Tree?

by Léger, Diane Carmel

Book - 2006

In 1992, an official of the woodworkers’ trade union asked for the removal of this children’s book from elementary school libraries in Sechelt, B.C. He sa...Show more In 1992, an official of the woodworkers’ trade union asked for the removal of this children’s book from elementary school libraries in Sechelt, B.C. He said the book promoted an anti-logging viewpoint. The school board rejected his request. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

In 1992, an official of the woodworkers’ trade union asked for the removal of this children’s book from elementary school libraries in Sechelt, B.C. He sa...Show more In 1992, an official of the woodworkers’ trade union asked for the removal of this children’s book from elementary school libraries in Sechelt, B.C. He said the book promoted an anti-logging viewpoint. The school board rejected his request. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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The Autobiography of Malcolm X

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

by X, Malcolm

Book - 1999

Objectors have called this seminal work a “how-to-manual” for crime and decried because of “anti-white statements” present in the book. The book presents ...Show more Objectors have called this seminal work a “how-to-manual” for crime and decried because of “anti-white statements” present in the book. The book presents the life story of Malcolm Little, also known as Malcolm X, who was a human rights activist and who has been called one of the most influential Americans in recent history. http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/censorship/bannedbooksthatshapedamerica Show less

Objectors have called this seminal work a “how-to-manual” for crime and decried because of “anti-white statements” present in the book. The book presents ...Show more Objectors have called this seminal work a “how-to-manual” for crime and decried because of “anti-white statements” present in the book. The book presents the life story of Malcolm Little, also known as Malcolm X, who was a human rights activist and who has been called one of the most influential Americans in recent history. http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/censorship/bannedbooksthatshapedamerica Show less

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The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass

by Pullman, Philip

Book - 2001

In 2007, Ontario’s Halton Catholic District School Board voted to ban Philip Pullman’s trilogy of fantasy novels—The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and ...Show more In 2007, Ontario’s Halton Catholic District School Board voted to ban Philip Pullman’s trilogy of fantasy novels—The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass—from its schools. The board objected to “atheist” themes in the British author’s books. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

In 2007, Ontario’s Halton Catholic District School Board voted to ban Philip Pullman’s trilogy of fantasy novels—The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and ...Show more In 2007, Ontario’s Halton Catholic District School Board voted to ban Philip Pullman’s trilogy of fantasy novels—The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass—from its schools. The board objected to “atheist” themes in the British author’s books. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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Underground to Canada

Underground to Canada

by Smucker, Barbara

Book - 2013

In 2002, Afro-Canadians lobbied the Tri-County District School Board in Nova Scotia to remove Underground to Canada, John Ball’s In the Heat of the Night ...Show more In 2002, Afro-Canadians lobbied the Tri-County District School Board in Nova Scotia to remove Underground to Canada, John Ball’s In the Heat of the Night and Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird from classrooms. The complainants objected to the depictions of black people and the use of the word “nigger” in these anti-racist novels. The school board rejected their request. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

In 2002, Afro-Canadians lobbied the Tri-County District School Board in Nova Scotia to remove Underground to Canada, John Ball’s In the Heat of the Night ...Show more In 2002, Afro-Canadians lobbied the Tri-County District School Board in Nova Scotia to remove Underground to Canada, John Ball’s In the Heat of the Night and Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird from classrooms. The complainants objected to the depictions of black people and the use of the word “nigger” in these anti-racist novels. The school board rejected their request. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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The Three Musketeers

The Three Musketeers

by Weissman, Alan

Book - 1994

2015: Challenged for age inappropriate and sexually explicit. -freedomtoread.ca 2015: Challenged for age inappropriate and sexually explicit. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

2015: Challenged for age inappropriate and sexually explicit. -freedomtoread.ca 2015: Challenged for age inappropriate and sexually explicit. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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The Indian in the Cupboard

The Indian in the Cupboard

by Reid Banks, Lynne

Book - 1980

1992—Kamloops (BC) School Board removed this title temporarily from its libraries. Objection—Potentially offensive treatment of native peoples. Update—T...Show more 1992—Kamloops (BC) School Board removed this title temporarily from its libraries. Objection—Potentially offensive treatment of native peoples. Update—The books were replaced, but the title is included on a roster of challenged materials for teacher information. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

1992—Kamloops (BC) School Board removed this title temporarily from its libraries. Objection—Potentially offensive treatment of native peoples. Update—T...Show more 1992—Kamloops (BC) School Board removed this title temporarily from its libraries. Objection—Potentially offensive treatment of native peoples. Update—The books were replaced, but the title is included on a roster of challenged materials for teacher information. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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The Giver

The Giver

by Lowry, Lois

Book - 1993

1998—A parent in Simcoe County (ON) complained about the presence of this book and Robert Cormier’s novel We All Fall Down in two elementary school librar...Show more 1998—A parent in Simcoe County (ON) complained about the presence of this book and Robert Cormier’s novel We All Fall Down in two elementary school libraries. Objection—The parent said that teaching this book would be more appropriate at the Grade 11 level. The book is aimed at children aged 10 to 13. Update—The board considered the objection but decided to leave The Giver in school libraries for Grade 6, 7, and 8 students. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

1998—A parent in Simcoe County (ON) complained about the presence of this book and Robert Cormier’s novel We All Fall Down in two elementary school librar...Show more 1998—A parent in Simcoe County (ON) complained about the presence of this book and Robert Cormier’s novel We All Fall Down in two elementary school libraries. Objection—The parent said that teaching this book would be more appropriate at the Grade 11 level. The book is aimed at children aged 10 to 13. Update—The board considered the objection but decided to leave The Giver in school libraries for Grade 6, 7, and 8 students. -freedomtoread.ca Show less

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