
Here are just some of the fantastic children’s books that have been banned or challenged for ridiculous reasons:
1. Witches by Roald Dahl – gives children a false idea about how the world works and it has a negative portrayal of women.
2. The Captain Underpants series by Dave Pilkey – encourages children to disobey authority.
3. In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak – objections to nudity (some librarians have even drawn pants on Mickey).
4. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson – gives negative views of life and promotes witchcraft.
5. A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein – includes poems about disobeying children, dying children and there is a presence of supernatural forces in the poetry.
We have a display in the Centre for the Child in Central Library of some books that have been banned or challenged so come in and take one home. You can also have a look at the list of the top 100 banned or challenged books between 1990 and 2000. Be warned though – these books could be bad for your health so read them at your own risk!