So we have now spent a week celebrating the books that made it onto the banned and challenged lists. But it's not over today. The American Library Association estimates that there are many more banned and challenged books out there that haven't made it to the official lists because they haven't received enough media coverage, or have been quietly secreted off a shelf without any publicity at all. Every day, there are challenges issued in each school and library system in the country, sometimes for the most innocuous reasons.
This isn't to say that there isn't a time or place for parents to prevent their child from reading a book they feel he isn't ready for. Indeed, I think parents need to me more involved in what their children are reading, not less. But what I mean by that is that rather than just taking it for granted that a book is inappropriate, offensive, whatever, parents should take the time to research and, dare I suggest, read the book themselves.
Now, as someone who myself doesn't have as much time as I'd like to read without the added time constraints of having kids, I understand that you can't always read every book your child is interested in (especially if your child is a voracious reader like I was). But we live in a day and age where resources are available literally at our fingertips 24-7. Join Goodreads (goodreads.com), which is a free website where you can, among other things, read and post books reviews and engage in book discussions. Email, text, or tweet with friends and fellow parents that you trust. Talk to your child's teacher or librarian. Some public library websites now have links to reviews from places like Booklist and School Library Journal who often specifically list a recommended age range for children's and young adult books, often also listing things parents need to be aware of such as violence and profanity. But take ALL your research into account - if you see one review online that is a one star review, certainly read why that reader ranked the book as one star, but don't stop there and take that as your only decision-making factor.
On the flip side of being aware of what your children reads is being open to the idea that they may not like the same stuff you do. Heaven forbid that I might someday have an 11-year-old daughter who comes to me and wants to read slice-of-life, middle school, 11-year-old girls doing 11-year-old girl things books. I would have nothing to personally recommend, as I never read those sort of books. However, I would know where to look, who to ask, and would maybe have to resign myself to the fact that my daughter had not inherited my taste in pretty much anything other than slice-of-life.
Parents, be open to the fact that what interests you may not interest your children - and that's OK. Talk with them about the books they read. Show an interest in the topics they're interested in. Be a sounding board and a discussion forum for them, and once they accept the idea that they don't have to be embarrassed or guarded about the books they read because you are not going to tell them they can't, they will likely be more open to sharing with you. And even if you do decide that they aren't ready for a book, talk to them about it. If all their friends are reading that cool new book, but you think it's too violent, the language is too strong, there's sex in it, whatever, tell them why you think they aren't ready. Offer alternatives, offer to discuss it with them, maybe even offer to read the book with them if you feel it's something that is a topic you want to work through with them.
With that said, be open to new things yourself. When you hear about a book that has been challenged in your school system, library, or just has caused a regional scandal, look into it. Read reviews, tweets, talk to people about it. Check out your local library's book sale - you'd be surprised how many people anonymously donate books they're done with in the book drop overnight because they're concerned someone will see what they've been reading and give them a hard time about it. (For the record, most librarians are super opened-minded and are more likely to ask you your opinion of the book so they can know what to tell other patrons who ask about it, than to pass any kind of judgement.)
If you like it, (or for a challenged book, even if it's just mediocre, but not bothersome), get the word out. Go back to that group of research resources we've talked about compiling above. Express your opinion. If the book is in serious danger of being removed from a school or library, make sure you speak out against its removal.
And even if you read said challenged book and don't like it, consider the difference between "this book bothers me because of X" and "No one should read this book because of X." You have just as much right to dislike the book as someone else has to read it as the author had to write it. Remember that. You are entitled to your opinion; you are not entitled to take away someone else's right to come to their own opinion. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the whole point of Banned Books Week.
Over and out.