These are some the books now banned by some Tennessee school boards. As a life long reader of banned books, I have read 7 of the 12 above. I now have five new books on my reading list.
I started reading voraciously at a young age. My parents let me read anything I wanted. I was reading best sellers by sixth grade. Some of the content was not age appropriate, but I learned so much about the experiences of others and history. Reading is how I learned empathy.
I just do not buy that banning Maus, The Color Purple (often quoted on this blog,) Their Eyes Were Watching God (also mentioned on this blog) or Kite Runner is about protecting children. I think is is about hiding history and silencing diverse voices.
The Yoga Cowgirl 
Sarah, I stand with you and will not be quiet by simply “liking ” your post. These decisions are also about white supremacy and “putting people in their places.” Their fear is palpable, and the children will be the ones who lose if they do not have access to these wonderful and important books. Thank you for speaking out.
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Yes! These book bans are a moral panic in reaction to the perceived treats of teaching Critical Race Theory or more accurate history to white children in Tennessee. It might make them feel bad.
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I’m with you on this as I have read five of those banned books. Many of those were part of the college prep curriculum. I hate to see what they are ‘allowing’ children to read now.
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I could make a few guesses considering the political climate in Tennessee.
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Yep, it’s about hiding from the truth and the feelings of discomfort the truth brings with it.
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Yes!
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This is outrageous.
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Yes
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Absolutely. If we cannot talk about difficult stories we ensure history repeats itself.
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And we never change or evolve.
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I so agree with you. It can be uncomfortable to read some books, but our lives would be less enriched if we cannot hear diverse voices.
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Yes, absolutely.
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Good Grief! 1984 Banned? The Kite Runner? The Color Purple? What is wrong with Tennessee? What are they so afraid of that they have banned these books? It must be fear but fear of what?
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In a nutshell, the possibility of Critical Race Theory and a wider view of history has them in a moral panic. They do not want white children to feel bad.
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😥
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Book-banners are repressive, fearful people. They are anti-freedom.
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Yes
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I couldn’t agree more.
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