Emily Gray Junior High Tanque Verde High School

BANNED BOOKS ONLINE SCAVENGER HUNT

Your Name: ______

Language Arts Teacher: ______

The number in parenthesis in the book’s number on the “1990-2000 Most Frequently Challenged Books List” published by the American Library Association.

Question Answer URL Where did you find the answer? The Stupid’s Die (#26) has no profanity, sexual references, or use of illegal substances. So why has it been banned? And Tango Makes Three, one of the most frequently challenged books in 2006, is based on a true story about two male penguins that raised a baby penguin. So why has it been challenged? The novel Gossip Girls series was one of the most frequently challenged in 2006. The book talks about teenagers and the challenges they face with growing up. So why is this book challenged if it was written for teenage youth from 13 through 19?

1 Question Answer URL Where did you find the answer? Heather Has Two Mommies (#11) is a children’s book about how families are different and unique. It doesn’t matter if you have two moms or two dads; every family is special. So why is this one challenged?

To Kill a Mocking Bird (#41) is novel is about racism and growing up in the South. Why is this book challenged?

Lord of the Flies (#70) is a book is about a group of boys stranded on a remote island. This book was challenged because of excessive violence. How did Piggy die?

The Giver (#14) is about a young boy living in a “utopian” society and is commonly read in upper elementary classrooms and middle schools. Why have some people referred to this book as “the suicide” book?

The Outsiders (#43) is a novel about a 14-year-old boy’s harrowing experience after he is orphaned. Why has this book been challenged?

2 Question Answer URL Where did you find the answer? The Perks of Being a Wallflower (#8) was one of the most challenged books of 2006. Part of the reason why this book connects with so many kids is because it's real. It deals with actual problems that teenagers face today. Why has it been challenged?

Daddy’s Roommate (#2) is about a young boy whose parents go through a divorce and his dad gets a new roommate, a boyfriend. This book has no sexual content, or profanity so why is it banned?

It’s Perfectly Normal (#15) explains a lot of things that young adults deal with at some point in their lifetime and answers many questions teens might have. Why was this book one of the top challenged books of 2005?

The Chocolate War (#10) is about a boy that gets involved with a fundraiser at his school but ends up getting into a fight with the school bully. Why was this book placed on the 2004 most challenged book list?

3 Bonus Question: In 2001, a publisher held up a book that was scheduled for release just after 9/11 because it was unflattering to President George Bush. The publisher requested that the author re-write the book. He refused. After librarians deluged the publisher with emails, phone calls, and letters to the press, the book was released with its original content. What was the name of the book? Who was the author?