c

c
c
Harry Potter and Censorship

Reflection 1

Renée Jackson
FREC 7232
Summer 2009
c

c
 Harry Potter and Censorship
British author J.K. Rowling¶s ³Harry Potter´ series of books are among the most popular of the

Modern Fantasy genre today. These books have consistently been on best-seller lists since the

first title ³Harry Potter and the Sorcerer¶s Stone´ was published in the United States in

September 1, 1998. The books have won various book awards and garnered praise from student

and adult readers. At the same time these books have also been consistently on banned and

challenged book lists since their introduction according to the American Library Association

(ALA). This makes them among the most controversial books of all time. This paradox is the

issue surrounding the use of Harry Potter in school libraries. Is the omission of these books from

school libraries legally justified or censorship?

Those that praise the books see the writer¶s uncanny ability to suspend disbelief. J.K.

Rowling¶s detailed descriptions of her fantasy world that includes Hogwart¶s School of

Witchcraft and Wizardry, and her in-depth character development of various wizards, witches

and mortals create a backdrop for themes of universal appeal. The triumph of good over evil,

close friendships, and being true to one¶s own special abilities to solve mysteries or problems are

all recurring themes in the ³Harry Potter´ books and make them wildly popular with readers of

Modern Fantasy worldwide.

The major objections to the books have been based on the belief by some parents and school

boards that the books glorify insubordination and show a disregard for parents and teachers

because Harry Potter and his friends often disobey the rules of their school in their escapades and

adventures, and to the content of the books by religious groups that believe the books advocate

use of the occult and witchcraft. The actions of the characters is seen by these adults as a catalyst
that could lead to corrupting students that read the popular fantasy books. Those that oppose

these books want the books to be either totally banned from school libraries or placed where only

student¶s with written parental permission can have access to them. This battle has been fought

between those that want the books banned and those that find them harmless in numerous courts

across the country.

I believe that reading fantasy is a very important part of child development. Reading books of

this genre opens up the imagination of children and allows them to project themselves into

different situations, places and times. I think reading fantasy can open up a child¶s creativity and

expand their curiosity. It offers the opportunity for children to see life from different

perspectives. I believe the genre of fantasy can help form a child¶s scientific ability by creating a

world of possibilities and wonder that can lead to inventions, explorations, and new technology. I

do not believe that children take fantasy books and stories literally but only gain from the

expansion of their minds and imaginations.

I believe that any attempt to remove any book from a public school library or deny students

access to a book based on someone else¶s prejudice or religious beliefs is a violation of students¶

First Amendment rights. I believe that as long as a book does not present a constitutionally based

reason for removal it is in the best interest of all people to protect the Intellectual Freedom of the

students by allowing it to be in the public school library. I believe that school districts should

follow established, consistent and unbiased policies for inclusion of books in their libraries and

for reconsideration if a book is challenged. I agree with court decisions that uphold a student¶s

right to access information and ideas as being based in the freedom of speech and protected by

the First Amendment of the Constitution. Because one of the charges of public school is to teach
 citizenship, defending a student¶s Intellectual Freedom is one of the best ways to demonstrate

and teach them democracy.

DeMitchell, T., & Carney, J. (2005, October). Harry Potter and the public school library. Y


 
, (2), 159-165. Retrieved June 18, 2009, from Academic Search Complete

database.

cc

c
c

c
c
Picture Books and Controversy

Reflection 2

Renée Jackson
FREC 7232
Summer 2009
c

c
 Picture Books and Controversy
Picture books are books where just as much, and sometimes more, story is communicated

through the use of illustrations as through the use of text. These books are especially attractive to

younger children and are useful in engaging young children in reading early. Picture books are

valuable in teaching vocabulary, the alphabet, counting and stimulating language development.

When picture books are presented to children by an adult there is the opportunity for children to

develop listening, observational and sequencing skills. The illustrations can also stimulate the

appreciation of art and well-written picture books can lead to the appreciation of literary style by

children. Some picture books can communicate effectively without any text at all. Because these

books are primarily aimed at young children, there is often controversy over the vocabulary,

subject matter, and the illustrations used. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community

activists often question whether the subjects, text, and illustrations are actually suitable for young

children.

Since it was first published in 1970, È

 
 
 
by Maurice Sendak has often

been challenged by parents, teachers, and librarians because the little boy in the book was

illustrated in the nude. Sendak¶s book   


 was challenged for having

witchcraft and supernatural components. 

 
Y by William Steig

caused controversy in 1969 because the policemen in the story were portrayed as pigs, and in the

1960¶s Garth William¶s  


was criticized because the groom was a black

rabbit and the bride was a white rabbit which some detractors said represented inter-racial

marriage. Y


  ! by Steven Kellogg was challenged on the basis of violence because

a burglar is portrayed holding a gun pointed in the vicinity of the mom in the book. Many picture

books have been criticized for anti-racial undertones since  "#
 $
written by Helen Bannerman was published in 1899. Violence, witchcraft and race have been

subjects of controversy in picture books for many years. As social issues change, so does the

focus of objections from parents, teachers, religious leaders and community activists. Today,

there are increased objections to sexually related picture books while the controversy still

continues over the other issues.

Picture books are used frequently these days to help explain more adult subjects such as

same sex relationships as in the 1989 book,  %$$
 by Leslea Newman.

Parents and teachers can use these books to introduce subjects they do not feel completely

comfortable bringing up and talking about with young children. With diverse families, especially

those with gay or lesbian parents, becoming more prevalent a book such as $$

by Michael Willhoite and published in 1991 can help to create dialogue. The 2005 book 



  by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell tells the true story of two male

penguins in Central Park Zoo that bonded and who are given a baby penguin to raise together.

This book presents the subject of same-sex couples and adoption in a more child-like manner.

However, this content more often leads to controversy and challenges over whether or not the

books should be allowed on library shelves or used in classrooms.

I believe that picture books can be invaluable not only to entertain, educate, entice, and

for creating enthusiastic readers, but they can be a great source of engagement for the

introduction and discussion of sensitive and controversial topics. Picture books like   by

Eve Bunting can start conversation on serious subjects like the Vietnam War and how the

returning veterans were treated.   &" by Patricia Polacco published in 2000 is a picture

book about children living in France during World War II. It gives the story in pictures and text

of how not only Jewish people, but non-Jewish people lived in fear of the Nazis. There are
picture books like R$
R$ written by Julius Lester in 1999 that tell of

the pain and suffering caused by slavery. These topics seem more easily approached by using a

picture book to convey the message and issues related to controversial and traumatic historical

events.

I believe that as long as they are selected for their literary quality, picture books on most

subject matter can overcome controversy and challenges by parents and others because they are

invaluable to educate children on difficult subjects. The subjects of controversy in picture books

do change to some degree with the times in which we live but the same issues of sex, violence,

race, and witchcraft also stay with us. The old adage ³the more things change, the more they stay

the same´ seems to hold true here. Conservative groups and individuals will always be able to

find something objectionable as new books are published and society becomes more liberal, and

diverse groups will become more vocal as society changes.

ccccc