“Twilight” Books New on ‘Challenged' List

Whether you’re with ‘Team Jacob’ or ‘Team Edward,’ chances are you’re reading a book that’s been pulled from a library or school somewhere.

Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight” series of books are now among the classics like “The Catcher in the Rye” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The book hit in at No. 5 on 2009’s list of “challenged books.”

The ALA says a “challenged book” is one with a “formal, written complaint filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness.”

“Vampire novels have been a target for years and the ‘Twilight’ books are so immensely popular that a lot of the concerns people have had about vampires are focused on her books,” said Barbara Jones from the American Library Association.

In with the new and out with the old…while “Twilight” is new to the top 10, missing is “Harry Potter.”

J.K. Rowling’s "Harry Potter" books have appeared for years in the top 10 because of themes of wizardry, which caused Christian groups to protest the novels.

Lauryn Myracle’s “IM” books told through instant messaging topped the list. The book was criticized because of nudity, language, and drug references according to the Associated Press.

At No.2, “And Tango Makes Three,” by Peter Parnell. The book was bumped from the top spot. It was cited because of it’s plot of two male penguins adopting a baby.

Third on the list…Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” It made the list because of complaints of drug, suicide, and homosexual references.

The ALA has seen a drop in complaints. In 2009, challenges dropped from 513 to 460 challenges.

 
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