Should we censor what our students read?

Books have been banned since their inception.  There will always be content that is considered offensive or inappropriate by somebody.  Two of the most common reasons to censor a novel are because of sexual content and references to drugs.  Students don’t usually mind reading about these topics, but parents feel that content of that sort is too mature for their children, and sometimes, I agree.  However, after reading a letter written by Laurie Halse Anderson in defense of her book TWISTED, I gained a completely different perspective.  Anderson raises valid points, and maybe it’s time we give teenagers a bit more credit.  Do we really want them to be completely sheltered from this type of content?  It may be difficult or uncomfortable for adults to talk about these types of issues with kids, but perhaps it is necessary.  Below are a few excerpts from Anderson’s letter:

“Here is the root – I suspect – of the parental concern about my book. TWISTED has scenes in which teenagers make stupid, dangerous, and occasionally horrifying decisions.

Why on earth would someone like me put things like that in a book?

Because readers who can experience those decisions – by reading about them – and appreciate the consequences of those actions – by seeing those consequences affect the lives of a book’s characters – are less likely to do the stupid, dangerous and occasionally horrifying things themselves.”

…

“The scenes in TWISTED that some parents might find offensive are reflections of the reality of our nation.  Many of our children are living it.  They are all surrounded by peers who are living it.  They watch Law & Order reruns after school, they read newspapers, they are aware of the latest scandals involving sex and violence.”

…

“Banning books does not protect teenagers.  It condemns them to ignorance and puts them in danger.”

Should school districts have the power to ban books?  If not, who should decide?

To read the entire letter, visit Anderson’s website: http://madwomanintheforest.com/teachers/censorship-book-banning/

Then, click on “Challenges to TWISTED.”