Banned Books Week

CELEBRATING BANNED BOOKS 2017
By Meg Fleming

This week Librarians, Teachers, Publishers, Poets, Artists, Writers and Readers of all stripes are going to be gabbing about Banned Books… and we want to be sure that Pleasanton is in on the conversation.

Banned Book Week is an annual event that celebrates the freedom to seek and express ideas—even though they may be unpopular. Of course, over time societal norms and expectations have evolved, so fortunately we can look back on some previously censored books with a bit of a comical lens… and perhaps even ponder those who have been overly critical.

What’s happening with the “banned” around Pleasanton?
To help shine a light on Banned Book Week, I popped over to Amador Valley High School where Director of Bands, Mr. Grantham— and one of his many fine bands— gave me a hand. Check out our video: Banned Books

If you’d like to create your own Banned Books Week video:
1. Take a video of you and/or friends (with parents’ permission if applicable) reading a short excerpt from one of your favorite Banned Books.
2. Add the hashtag #BannedBooksWeek
3. Post on social media and have fun watching other readers around the world participate.
(You can also tag me on Twitter @megosphere. I’d love to see what you’re reading.)

And perhaps you’ve noticed the window display at Towne Center Books. Don’t be shy about your love of reading! Feel free to drop in and read a few Banned Books on display. Also, the Pleasanton Public Library has an enormous bundle of Banned Books at the ready for your reading pleasure. Stop by and check out their selection!

Here’s my What-the-heck(?) list:
5- Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll— for promoting drug use… and much, much more. (Look it up.)
4- Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White—because talking animals can equate to religious insult.
3- The Lorax by Dr. Seuss—for criminalizing deforestation.
2- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl—for embracing “poor philosophy of life.”
1- Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne— again the talking animals’ thing. And also… for not wearing any pants.

Meg Fleming is an award-winning Children’s Book Author and the newly appointed Ambassador of Literary Arts for the City of Pleasanton. Her books I Heart You and Ready, Set, Build! are available anywhere books are sold. More books coming soon! Visit her at megfleming.net