Herbert N. Foerstel

This review of books that have been challenged and banned in public school libraries and public libraries is a valuable resource for any parent, school board memeber, and (especially) librarian who wants to know the history of book banning and the rights of students and parents. It is a call to rational activism to make sure that excellent sources of literature and works that can expand and inflame a child's love of reading aren't banned because of ridiculous charges by fanatics and fundies who haven't even bothered to read the books they want to ban so badly. It includes a history of famous cases, the applicable legal cases, statements by authors, and a list (with reviews) of the 50 most challenged books. This is well-researched and amply cited, which makes it a great reference resource for further study.

As an academic librarian, I am mercifully rarely faced with issues of censorship or book banning because of "inappropriate" materials. However, as a mother, this emphisizes my desire to make sure I'm always on the PTA, reading what he's reading, so I can be there to help quell the fires if anything like this should happen in his district. (However, we're in Texas, and reading this book makes me weep for the state of Texas's education system with respect to bannings.)… (mere)