Banned Book Week

Books that are kept out of Libraries, Schools, and Young People's Minds

For this assignment, we were asked to choose a book off the banned and challenged book list. I was absolutely astounded by the amount of books found on this list- everything from Crank and Twilight to The Hunger Games and The Bridge to Terabithia. For some reason or another, these books are deemed inappropriate or unqualified for students and their libraries and classrooms. I think the claim that certain themes or contexts are inappropriate is absolutely ridiculous. As we all know teachers wear about 45938247 different "hats" on any given day. One of our many jobs is to prepare our students from the future and the "real world". In doing so, students must be exposed to elements of the world... and let's be honest- what better way to do this than to expose children to great literature, full of deep themes, perplexing story lines, and wondrous worlds?

As I was reading over the list, I stumbled across an ever familiar title: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I couldn't believe why anyone, in his or her right mind, would challenge or ban this book. It's the classic representation of the dangers and implications of racism. It prompts an endless amount of interpretation, dissection, and deeper understanding. Why would someone take such a treasure away from students? 

I decided to revisit this book for this assignment- paying close attention to detail that could possibly be considered ban-worthy. 

Though I'm almost certain everyone has read this book at some point in his or her life, I am going to briefly summarize the plot:

Scout, the main character of the book, lives with her brother (Jem) and father, Atticus. Her mother has died before the story takes place. The three family members live in Maycomb Alabama. The story takes place in the 1930s- during the Great Depression. Despite the hard economic times, the Finches are doing well for themselves, because Atticus is a well-known lawyer. During one summer, Jem and Scout discover a run down house with one of their friends, Dill. This house is known as Radley Place- the only inhabitant is Boo Radley, and he never comes outside of the house. 

The following fall, Scout attends school for the first time. She feels as though school is not the place for her. During this time, Scout and Jem find little presents inside the knothole of a tree on the Radley property. Scout believes these gifts are left for them intentionally. The following summer, their friend, Dill, returns for the summer. With his pushing, the three try to figure out the story of Boo Radley, being unintentionally discriminatory and mean. Scout's father find out and tells the children to put themselves in Boo's shoes. He also tells them to not be judgmental. The children don't listen at first, and they return to the house. Nathan Radley (Boo's brother) shoots at the children in their attempt to escape. Jem loses his pants after tearing them on a fence. When he returns for them later, they are mended and folded neatly over the fence. Eventually, Nathan Radley plugs the hole in the tree in which the children had continuously found gifts left by Boo.  

At the same time, a man in the community has been accused of raping a woman. The key to this is that the man is Black and the woman is White. Atticus agrees to represent the African American man, Tom Robinson. Everyone in the community is pretty much outraged. How could such a prominent lawyer stoop so low as to represent an African American rapist? Because of his gallant decision, Scout and Jem are made fun of by the other children. 

After many threats and mobs, the actual trial finally begins. Scout and Jem sit with the African American community during the trial. Atticus certainly proves that Tom Robinson is telling the truth- he did not rape Mayella. Instead, Mayella solicited Tom Robinson. Her father caught her, and he hit Mayella. Although everyone in the courtroom knows the truth, the jury (made up of all White people) convict Tom Robinson. He is shot after trying to escape from prison. 

Mayella's father vows for revenge because he is so embarrassed- even though he "won" the trial. He tries to hurt Tom Robinson's wife. He also tries to harm Scout and Jem one night, but Boo Radley saves the children, but kills Mayella's father in the process. Boo carries the children back to the Finch house, prepared for his punishment. However, the sheriff insists that Mayella's father tripped and fell on his own weapon. 

At the end of the book, Scout has learned many lessons. She has learned to empathize with those whom she is not familiar. She has learned to put herself in the shoes of another, attempting to understand them from a different perspective. She has learned that life is not always fair. She has learned the cruelty and brutality of people as well as  the kindness and acceptance of people. Most of all, she has learned the importance of standing up for what is right- even if that mean she is standing alone. 

This book is challenged because of its mature themes including rape and violence. It is also challenges because of offensive language and racism. I take issue with these reasons. Children are NOT stupid- they know of the dark elements of this world. Presenting these elements in a classic novel should be  frowned upon encouraged. it allows for reflection and critical thinking in a safe school environment. I certainly I don't think I would use this book in elementary school, but middle school aged children are certainly old enough to read this book. I think it is a crime to take it away from them honestly. Children must be sheltered know of the hate out in the world- and it still happens today; racism is not obsolete. The lessons learned in this book are so deep and important for students to understand- especially the lesson about standing for what is right no matter what. Other books do not contain such imperative lessons or thought-worthy topics. I believe this book allows for deep discussion- especially in a school that is "only-white". These children most likely have not thought about some of the lessons learned in this book.

To Kill a Mockingbird does not go  into the details of the apparent rape. It does not include unreadable, gory details. I'm a squeamish person, and I did not feel uncomfortable while reading some of the descriptions. I did, however, feel uneasy while reading of Tom's unfair treatment as well as the outrageous discrimination. It actually made me cry, reading it this time. I think that's shameful  perfectly okay. Some might say such uneasy feelings should not be brought upon middle school students. Why not? It's important to feel uncomfortable when talking about unfairness, discrimination, and racism. We wouldn't be human if we didn't have these feelings... Reading this book might provide children with their first sense of uncomfortable, uneasy feelings they have from themes such as these. There is nothing wrong with exposure. Kids need to feel this way in order to become the adults we want them to be. We don't want them to be ignorant of reality or ignorant of history. This book is fiction, but events in the book really took place- we all know it.

Exposure to mature themes is not bad. It is necessary. Middle school is supposed to prepare our students to become responsible citizens and knowledgeable young adults. How can this happen unless they are aware of the evils in the world? 

Lee, H. (1982). To kill a mockingbird. New York: Warner Books.

The Banned and Challenged Book List can be found here!