I recently read the children's novel Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes for the 2009 Banned Book Challenge. Some people found the book to be offensive due to language and because they felt it was "sexually explicit." I think there were a few "damn it" moments (from the mouth of the father if memory serves). But it is a book for older children (bordering on the young adult genre). You hear the same (and sometimes worse) in PG movies and PG-13 movies. The protaganist is, if I recall correctly, 12 going on 13. So I don't think it's a big deal. At any rate, it is realistic (who's never ever heard their mom or dad swear?). As for being "sexually explicit," puh-leeze! A first kiss experience is a main plot point. Aside from that there's this:

More kissing. Martha's parents were standing by the sink--kissing and smiling and kissing and laughing and kissing. If Vince had been around he would have said that his parents were exhibiting MSB. Morning Sex Behavior.

"When they do it in the morning," Vince had informed Martha earlier that summer during one of their nightly chats, "they're all giggly and kissy and weird for at least an hour afterward. It's unmistakable."

If that's "explicit" then there are 13 year old kids the world over reading books that are downright pornographic (Twilight series anybody?). Come on folks. You really find it offensive that puberty-aged youth are aware that their parents have sex? Do the people who find this objectionable wait until their kids are 18 to tell them where babies come from?

My official opinion? This book is harmless, completely unobjectionable (unless you're the most uptight person in the world). And it's pretty good.

"The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame." - Oscar Wilde

If you're a bibliophile like me then you've likely read a banned book or two or three or four...and so on. If you don't think you've ever read a banned (or challenged) book, think again. I bet you've read them without even knowing it (peruse lists here, or here - you might be surprised). Often it is the best books that are banned, the books with the most potential to make us think and to change the world. That's why I've decided to launch the 2009 Banned Book Challenge. To participate read and follow the rules below. If you successfully complete the challenge by the end of the year I'll have a winner's badge for you to put on your blog.

Rules:

1. Read at least 5 of the 10 Most Challenged Books of 2007.

• And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell
• The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
• Olive’s Ocean, by Kevin Henkes
• The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman
• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
• The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
• TTYL, by Lauren Myracle
• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
• It’s Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris
• The Perks of Being A Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky

2. Read a book by 5 of the Most Frequently Challenged Authors of 2007.

• Robert Cormier
• Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
• Mark Twain
• Toni Morrison
• Philip Pullman
• Kevin Henkes
• Lois Lowry
• Chris Crutcher
• Lauren Myracle
• Joann Sfar

3. Read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

4. Read any other four banned books of your choosing.

5. To accept the challenge comment on this post.

6. When you've completed the challenge comment again and provide a way for me to contact you so I can send you the winner's badge.

Extra Credit: Post the Challenge banner on your blog. Blog about the challenge and the books you're reading. Encourage friends and family to participate. Read this list of quotes about censorship.

FAQ:

What if I don't have a blog?

Then don't worry about the extra credit (though I still recommend reading the quotes and encouraging your friends/family to join in).

How do I put the challenge banner on my blog?

Copy and paste the code underneath the banner (to the right) into a HTML widget.

Do I get anything for doing the extra credit?

Yes, you will get a different winner's badge.

Will there be any "real" prizes?

Perhaps. But, as cheesy as it sounds, reading these books is its own reward.

Can I double up on requirements (i.e. read The Golden Compass to fulfill one of my five authors and one of my five from the 2007 Most Challenged list)?

No. 15 books may seem like a lot to those with busy schedules but it really isn't, especially since plenty of these banned books are childrens books/YA novels and won't take that long to read.

What if I've already read some of the books?

That's OK. You can read them again. But you can't count them unless you do, in fact, reread them.

Do audio books count?

Heck, yes!

Do movies of the books count?

No way!

How will you know if I really completed the challenge?

We're using the honor system. I'll take you at your word.

What if I can't find any banned books I'm willing to read because they're all offensive?

Then I'm afraid I can't help you. But you might want to try re-evaluating your world view.

What if I have a question you haven't answered here?

E-mail me at hollyvangogh at gmail dot com.