Canadian "Literary Hit List"

Freedom to Read Week in Canada begins three weeks from now on February 25th. Watch for upcoming details of the Pelham Public Library's Banned Book Challenge and start to choose the banned and challenged books you will read from February to June. Find a banned book list at many links on the right side or download the Pelham Public Library's list. You can also search Library Thing or the Pelham Public Library's collection of challenged books and information on where and why they were banned by clicking on the LibraryThing button.

The Toronto Star offers the following information on the Canadian "Literary Hit List."

Among books that have come under fire in Canadian schools:

Lynne Reid Banks, The Indian in the Cupboard. Removed temporarily from Kamloops, B.C., school board libraries in 1992 over treatment of native people.

Francesco Lia Block, Baby Be-Bop. Removed from Calgary high school library in 1998 after parents complained about books with gay/lesbian content.

Deborah Ellis, Three Wishes. Public boards in Toronto, York Region, Greater Essex and Ottawa limit access in elementary schools in 2006 after complaints from Canadian Jewish Congress about portrayal of Mideast conflict.

Timothy Findley, The Wars. Lambton County student in 1991 objected to passage describing rape of Canadian officer by fellow soldiers. Board upheld use for senior secondary students.

W.P. Kinsella, Dance Me Outside. Removed from Catholic high school in Barrie after complaints by anti-racism alliance; board, local libraries later decided to keep on shelves.

Margaret Laurence, The Diviners. Challenged repeatedly from 1976-94 over language, sexual content. Removed from curriculum in two provinces.

J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter series. Durham public board in 2000 stopped classroom use but kept them in libraries after complaints about witchcraft. Decision later rescinded.

J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye. Under constant challenge for foul language.

R.L. Stine, Goosebumps, Fear Street series. Halifax board pulled Fear Street series from elementary schools in 1995 after complaints they contain violence and lack of respect for parental authority.

Source: www.freedomtoread.ca and Star archives