Censorship: Authors on Challenged Books

"Frequently censored author, Judy Blume, discusses the effect that book censorship has on children."

"In honor of Banned Books Week, the Association of American Publishers (AAP) asked highly acclaimed authors what banned book they are reading. Authors include (in order of appearance): Deborah Harness, Lisa Genova, William Joyce, Jen Lancaster, James Meek, Adriana Trigiani, Molly Ringwald, Kitty Kelley, Catherynne Valente, James Patterson, John Green, Jenny Han, Junot Diaz."

"Children's books often are banned because people feel that the vulnerability of childhood gives them the right and responsibility to protect children. They see books that touch on certain topics as dangerous. Although the motivations of these adults are understandable, Napoli argues that the top 12 reasons why books are banned are actually reasons why books should be read. She will discuss the unprotected child and the protected child and what these books do for each. Professor of Linguistics Donna Jo Napoli's teaching areas include syntax, morphology, and the structure of American Sign Language. She also is a prolific and award-winning author of books for children and young adults, including Mama Miti (2010) and A Treasury of Greek Mythology (2011)."

"Dav Pilkey explains how you can express concern about a book without undermining the freedom to read of those around you by making a simple change."

"Markus Zusak, author of THE BOOK THIEF, on books as an important art form, the importance of the freedom to read what we want, and on protecting the freedom to read what we want."