Five Banned Books to Read

All week long, the will be displaying some of the books that have come under fire from churches, parents and concerned citizens in the past, sometimes causing them to be banned from bookselves and schools in celebration of banned book week.

"Many classic novels are being challenged every year and newer books such as Twilight and The Hunger Games are following their lead," said Port Jefferson librarian Colleen Cheshire.

According to Cheshire, libraries all around Long Island will create similar displays, highlighting books in their collections that have been banned and challenged.

"The Port Jefferson Free Library purchases books that fit the need of the community and we do not discriminate against anyone's taste or genre of books," she said. "Many banned books can be found in our collections and are pulled from the shelves and put on display during Banned Books Week."

The Teen Center is creating buttons and lists of books that been challenged over the years. Cheshire said that the Young Adult librarians "can help a teen find the perfect book for them."

Below are Cheshire's five picks from the list of books that have been banned over the years.

The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Cheshire said that this book was challenged due to language and sexual references. It was challenged in 1987 in Charleston, SC.

"This classic book should be read by all high school students," she said. "The content and depth of the writing will be loved by all readers."

The Catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger

According to Cheshire, this novel was banned from many school required reading lists due to the novel expressing "anti-white" and "obscene" language.

The Perks of Being A Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky

The book is challenged and banned in many schools because of anti-family issues, drugs, homosexuality, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit, suicide, and parents believe it is unsuited to the teen age group.

"High school students will be able to relate to this book and put themselves in the characters' shoes," Cheshire said.

The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier

Reasons for this book being banned/challenged include, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit, being unsuited to age group, violence.

Crank, by Ellen Hopkins

Reasons for being banned: drugs, offensive language, and sexually explicit. This novel which is written in verse dives into the life of a drug addicted teen.

"Taking books away from teens will make them want to read them more," Cheshire said. "Many young adult books help to educate youth and allow them to explore variety and themes."