Challenged, Censored Banned Books Arouse Love of Reading in Tweens, Teens

Want to teach kids to love reading? Tell them a book has been banned, censored or challenged by adults. Nothing sends a reluctant reader to the bookshelf quicker than thinking he's doing something verboten! Especially tweens and teens who love flouting authority anyway! Often students who most hate reading speak loudest against censorship and in solidarity with authors. God love them for that. So without further ado, my adolescent friends, here are the Most Banned Books? Authors of Teen, Children's Literature. Now get thee to a library!

Best Childrens Literature for Black History Month

February celebrates Black History Month in U.S. history. In schools, students learn about significant people and events in the African American timeline. As a teacher and homeschool mom, I've designed and taught black history throughout the curriculum. Here's my preschool-second grade recommended reading list for Black History Month with free printable lesson plans. Some may disagree with my suggestion for Little Black Sambo to be included. But read on for my defense.  Best Pre-K-Grade 2 Kids' Books for Black History Month

An Apology for Little Black Sambo

I have a confession to make. My oldest daughter's favorite book, when she was two, was "Little Black Sambo," by Helen Bannerman. Initially, I had no idea some people found it racist and offensive, but even when I found out, I didn't stop reading it. Sambo is one of my favorite children in literature. It was also too late. Molly was in love with the story. This is my apology (in the defense sense of the word) for and to Little Black Sambo. I'm connecting it to Black History Month because I think it should be read with pride and joy. An Apology for Little Black Sambo

Banned Books Week- Check out these Children's, Teen Authors and Literature

Most Banned Books? Authors of Teen, Children's Literature This week, Sept. 24 to Oct.1, celebrates the 30th anniversary of the ALA Banned Book Week. BBW celebrates authors who broke convention to write books about touchy subjects. Here are stats about most oft-censored children and teen authors and literature. Would you believe that most of these are required reading in most high schools? Most of these statistics hold true for adult literature as well. Read on...