by Austin Morton, Student Reporter
Being able to read any book is something we take for a luxury. The banned book-reading event brings light to this.
Held in the ranger room, in the student center, and hosted by Sigma Tau Delta, the banned book reading is held annually to let students express their love for more controversial books.
A book enters the banned or challenged list for having controversial topics for the targeted age group. For example, the Harry Potter series was challenged for its use of magic fearing that children would look into black magic.
Sigma Tau Delta Vice President Chris Soto said, “Books are meant to be read and enjoyed, it’s not like kids are going to go join the coven.”
This is just one example of books that have been on the list. Others include “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Catcher in the Rye” and even “Captain Underpants.”
According to the American Library Association, over 11,300 books have been on the banned or challenged list as of 2015.
The most frequently challenged book that has appeared on the list is “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou.
Many teachers who attempt to teach some of the books on the banned list have lost their jobs for teaching what is considered controversial material to students.
The students who participated in the event read short sections of the books of their choosing. Some of this include “James and the Giant Peach,” “The Cask of Amontillado” and “A Wrinkle in Time.”
Many of the students chose to read a book that interested them or had interesting underlying themes.
Chuy Dominguez read the book “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, and the section of the book he read dealt with two friends who were pulled over by a cop. The cop then shot one of the friends for no reason.
This book is one of the better examples of a controversial topic being shown in a more thought-provoking manner. By showing the hate and problems from a different angle that should be discussed.
The ability to read books uncensored is a freedom we need to appreciate, and the Banned Book event each year is a good way to do so.