The controversy about using inappropriate language in children's literature is constantly debated and repeatedly attracts the attention of the public. In Slovenia, this happened when the novel Na zeleno vejo by Andrej Predin was assigned as the text for the Cankar competition, a Slovenian language competition. Several reading mentors and other…

In this study, one current and three former British Columbia (BC) offshore school principals were interviewed to seek their insights on how they contended with being compelled to censor material and disallow topics of conversation while administering a Canadian curriculum in an international context. Using a research design consistent with an…

Research suggests fear of parental backlash is a primary reason why teachers preemptively censor books, yet parents' beliefs about challenged children's books are understudied. This study's purpose was to investigate adults' beliefs about challenged children's literature as expressed through reading and discussing challenged books within an adult…

In this article, the author shares his reactions to angry letters to his books, particularly the one titled "Mr. Granite Is from Another Planet." Nearly all the complaints the author receives inform him that it's his responsibility as an author to promote positive messages and moral lessons in his books. However, the author contends that his books…

Applebaum acknowledges the importance of the questions that Jackson raises and also clarifies some claims that Jackson mistakenly attributes to her. Applebaum queries Jackson's identification of "unreasonableness" with ignorance and cautions that a concern for students becoming "reasonable" must not preclude the possible costs to those who must…

The moral potential of works of art, for good or ill, has been recognised from philosophical antiquity: on the assumption that the moral effects of art are invariably negative, Plato advised the exclusion of artists from any rationally ordered state. Arguably, however, the problem of the moral status of art has become yet more acute in contexts of…

High school teacher Robert C. Mossman asserts that literary magazines reflect and elevate school communities' values. As adviser of his school literary magazine, Mossman encourages students to uphold certain standards for decency, while helping students learn to distinguish between original writing that is specific and thoughtful and writing that…

Briefly discusses the issue on censorship in the schools, citing examples and offering suggestions for what school personnel can do to combat it. (JMB)

Presents a list of books that were protested/attacked/censored at least three times between 1986 and 1995, culled from the American Library Association's "Newsletter on Intellectual Freedom." Discusses the limitations of any survey and standards for censorship. (TB)

This essay focuses on self-censorship as applied to the library book selection process, highlighting librarian practices of selection, library collections, censorship and the publishing industry, and self-defense against censorship. Five controversial titles are included. (EJS)

This discussion of movie censorship outlines federal court cases involving controversial films which led to the development of the Motion Picture Association of America Code and Rating System. The Age-Classification System and the President's Commission on Obscenity and Pornography established in 1968 are described. (EJS)

Includes three articles: Harry Potter's Family Tree; What Could Be Wrong with Harry Potter?; Why Do Children Love Harry? that discuss the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. Highlights include censorship issues; their place in children's literature; relationships to other authors; the appeal to adult readers; characterization; criticism of the…

The author discusses censorship in the field of adolescent literature. He gives a brief history of censorship and discusses why it is increasing. He suggests how practitioners can counter censorship and how to deal with protesters. (CH)

This essay discusses issues raised in Carol Hole's article "Who Me, Censor?" ("Top of the News," Winter 1984) on library material selection and censorship. Balancing a library's book collection, controversial issues and materials, moral judgment, and the mission of librarians are noted. (EJS)

Describes recent cases of high school book banning illustrating patterns of censorship in the United States. The author examines reasons for book banning, the motivations behind this kind of censorship, and the ideological orientation of groups responsible for it. A bibliography of information on censorship is included. (AM)