First Draft of Essay

Books are one of the most important tools for learning in existence. They can communicate controversial ideas and issues to those who need a solution or are just curious about them. Book banners may believe that if they can get rid of books that may lend support to those effected by an issue will get rid of the issue. This obviously is incorrect.

Interestingly many worthwhile pieces of classic literature have been challenged and banned this shows that banning might not be wholly on content but be also based on popularity. Jen Doll of the Atlantic Wire said” The list of “most frequently banned books is like a who’s who of great American Young Adult and kid literature.” Also she said that authors take banned as a metaphorical badge of honor. These examples show that book banning is biased on well known books.

Another negative outcome of book banning is that kids can’t learn about issues that have been banned and concern them. Jay Asher, Author of Thirteen Reasons Why claimed that he received an email saying that his book kept her from committing suicide. If a book so commonly banned can save a life why not give all books a chance .Another book that   received challenges was And Tango Makes Three the story of two male penguins hatching an egg. The authors said they were writing it for all the people with families like those in the book .It is always nice to know you aren’t the only one with your problems and that there are other people like you too.

There can’t be really be any consensus what’s appropriate for kids .For example Harry Potter typically seen as a wholesome book was banned by a catholic school. On the other hand Ender’s Game has very violent content like animal abuse and small children killing and beating each other up yet even though it is a very well known book everyone seems to find it suitable for young children to read which just shows all the varying views on whether books should be banned and at that which books.

Even though book banning may seem like it is our responsibility to the children. I agree that many books should not be available to children but book banning of any sort, no matter the intent, is unconstitutional. The first Amendment gives the freedom of speech which the banning of books restricts greatly.