Take a Stand Against Censorship: BANNED in the Bookhenge
March 26, 2008
As if you don’t already have a tough time getting students to read, schools keep banning the books kids actually like. Young adult literature is a frequently challenged genre, probably due to the fact that the teenaged protagonists often act like, you know, teenagers.
If you’re passionate about kids being able to access books they love, you’ll want to check out BANNED in the Bookhenge on Monday, March 31. In the young adult lit corner will be Frances Bradburn, Chair of the American Library Association’s first Printz Committee. She’ll speak about censorship, intellectual freedom, and how to advocate for banned and challenged young adult books.
BANNED in the Bookhenge is a virtual conference that will take place in NC State University’s Bookhenge in Second Life (if you’re unfamiliar with Second Life, it’s a 3D online virtual world that’s both cool and well beyond the scope of this article). If you’re not ready to jump into Second Life’s virtual playground, you can still listen in via Internet radio.
Getting kids excited about books is part of a teacher’s job. Help make sure they’ll be able to read the books they enjoy. -BILL FERRIS
Related Stuff:
Banned Books Week Roundup
Photo credit: Thomas Hawk on flickr
