Controversial Books in K–12 Classrooms and Libraries

This book analyzes the history of book banning in K-12 classrooms and school libraries in the United States from the 1950s to the present. The author argues for the inclusion of controversial books in order to teach children to discover and debate values that are inconsistent with their own, rather than eliminating exposure to sensitive subjects.

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Afraid of the Light: Censorship of Books in K-12 Classrooms and Libraries analyzes the history of controversy surrounding assigned reading in K-12 classrooms and books available in school libraries. Randy Bobbitt outlines the history of book banning and controversy in the United States, stemming from 1950s conservative Cold War values of patriotism and respect for authority and ramping up through the 1960s and onward as media coverage and parental intervention into the inner workings of schools increased. The author claims that sensitive topics, including sexuality, suicide, and drug use, do not automatically imply the glorification of deviant behavior, but can be used constructively to educate students about the reality of life. Bobbitt argues that in an effort to shield children from the dangers of controversial issues, parents and administrators are depriving them of the ability to discover and debate values that are inconsistent with their own and those around them, teaching instead that avoidance of different viewpoints is the solution. Scholars of education, communication, literature, and policy will find this book especially useful.