For more unformation and updates on the topic, you may want to read these articles.  They’re only a few of those circulating in print and online publications.

Congress Orders Up a Beatrix Potter Bonfire

The Death of Vintage Kids’ Books

Toxic Chemical Law Takes Effect

Law Jeopardizes Libraries’ Children’s Books

Going Too Far in Banning Books

Post from: Blisstree

Banning Children’s Books Somewhat in Limbo

Now strict standards are being applied to those manufactured in the United States, as well as those coming from foreign countries.  This affects the large manufacturers as well as small businesses, home businesses, and craftspeople.

Books aimed for children 12 and under apparently are grouped among these “toys,” and book publishers are scrambling to adhere to the new child safety law.  This will apply to self-publishers, too.  Confusion reigns regarding whether and how much resellers, thrift shops, and e-book sellers of used books and the like are affected.

Then the question arises, “Will libraries and schools have to have their books tested or get rid of them?” Interpretation of the new law isn’t entirely clear. 

Is this a new way to censor and ban books?  How will you be affected by it?

For more details, read Book Printing Hits Child Safety Scramble.

Post from: Blisstree

Will Children’s Books Disappear Under the New Law?

This is certainly not the first time that a film or television show based on a children’s book has caused controversy. Many of the Harry Potter books (and movies) were said to promote witchcraft, demons and evil. The Gossip Girl book series lead to calls for banning of the book because of racy themes including sexuality, homosexuality and drug use; the television series has cause similar outcries. Other books to the big or small screen that have been criticized include Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear and Twelfth Night for their use of adult language, sex, violence; Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn for racial slurs; Of Mice and Men for inappropriate language and Charlotte’s Web for its themes related to death and the fact that it has been deemed potentially offensive to Muslims (in the UK, it was prohibited in certain schools).

In today’s society, I think most people agree that books for adults should not be banned. However, when it comes to children, it’s a tricky concept. Many adults feel that it is their duty to protect children from harm – can reading ever be harmful?

And if you believe that banning books is not appropriate, what about a boycott for works based on potentially offensive books? Are boycotts appropriate? Do they work?

A quick Google of The Golden Compass seems to suggest that it might. There is quite an internet buzz bad-mouthing the film and encouraging folks not to go see it. I’ve even received emails encouraging me to avoid the film because it promotes “evil and atheism.” Word about the film is definitely out because of the boycott – that might work against the Catholic League.

I am curious as to your thoughts – and remember, this is specifically about children’s books and the wider media. As grown ups, how far should we go to protect children?

Post from: Blisstree

Boycotts and Banning: Is Either Ever Appropriate?