Welcome to Wondrous Words Wednesday, an awesome meme for Word Nerds hosted by Kathy at Bermudaonion.net. Visit her site for links to fun and interesting words!
It’s Banned Books Week, and I had to pick a word that fits the theme of the week: bringing attention to books that have been banned or removed from libraries and schools for offensive content.
The editor wanted to expunge the offensive language from the manuscript, but the author refused censor his own work.
Expunge \ik-‘spənj\ verb; from Latin expungere to mark for deletion by dots; to strike out, obliterate, or mark for deletion; to efface completely; to eliminate (as a memory) from one’s consciousness
Words can build up or destroy. We must be careful how we use them; we should be aware of what we read. But I’m not comfortable with expunging the words, or volumes, of another writer, even if I don’t agree with them.
Word Nerd Workout
Complete this analogy, with a review of another good word for Banned Books Week!
expunge:delete:: expurgate: __________
Thanks for getting nerdy with me today!
Banned Books Week Giveaway!
Anyone who comments on the blog between Sept 20 and 29 will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Looking for Alaska or another banned book from the ALA’s Banned Books List.
For links to other great posts on banned books, visit Sheila over at Book Journey.
Tell me how you feel about banning books, or share some of your favorite banned books.
Thanks readers!
Julia
Hi, was wondering if you heard about the NY State recommended book for 3rd graders, called Librarian in Basria. It is about a women in Iraq whose library is being bombed and she saves all the books. Our district removed the book. I was really shocked. Now my 11 year old is sitting reading, Looking for Alaska and has 13 Reasons Why in her book bag. Shocked again. Naive, thought the banning was done on classics and was shocked this continues, especially the books listed.
Kristine, I haven’t heard of Librarian in Bosria. Why did they remove it? It sounds like a great story. Have you read Looking for Alaska? (click to see my review) I would not recommend it for an 11 year old. It contains mature content, including death, drinking, and oral sex. I haven’t read 13 Reasons Why yet, but it’s about suicide. Did your 11 year old find these books at school? I’m surprised a district would ban a book recommended for third graders but keep Looking for Alaska in a middle or elementary school library. Another reason why book banning is ineffective and it’s better to be informed about books and prepared to discuss controversial topics with children.
Thanks for sharing! I want to read Librarian in Bosria, but I can’t find any info about it on Goodreads or Google. Can you help?
Hi, thanks for the advice on Looking for Alaska. My daughter just finished Fault in Our Stars and loved it and was really able to handle the content. I’ve been reading the books along with her b/c she is young and want to discuss anything that might not be appropriate. I don’t think I’m seeing the right review b/c the one I saw says who much you like the book. Thirteens Reasons Why, I was hesitant about, but my daughter’s literacy teacher told the whole class to read this book. Actually, don’t think he reads the books. However, we did have a suicide in my family and I do want to open a dialogue w/my daughter on the subject. This one I am reading ahead and will see if it’s too much. I gave the other book wrong, it’s called “The Librarian of Basra, by Jeanette Winter. It was recommended for 3rd grade, so there are some legitimate issues to discuss, just bothered me that our school had no dialogue or discussion that perhaps the idea that the Americans were the ones attacking is what really made you feel uncomfortable. Think I’ve gone on enough, thanks for the great site.
Thanks for the update on The Librarian of Basra. I’ve added it to my TBR list. And, just to clarify, my review of Looking for Alaska includes my concerns about its mature content and my note that it’s much different in tone from The Fault in Our Stars, one of my favorite books ever. (ie. In one scene, Alaska demonstrates oral sex on a tube of toothpaste.) I hope you and your daughter enjoy it; I’m sure it will spark some interesting conversations. I want to read 13 Reasons Why– if you think of it, check back and tell me what you think.
Thanks for the great discussion!
Thanks for the heads up about Looking For Alaska. The Fault in Our Stars had a nice torn and overall the kids were mature and acted well. There was just a page or 2 that I kind of skipped over. Looking For Alaska is practically ever sentence and experience has cursing, sexual content, drinking, rude behavior, etc. I don’t think this would be appropriate for anyone under 15. So glad you told me before my daughter got too far into the book.
I enjoy this word, it reminds me of purging closets; my favorite household activity!
I was happy also that I knew this word.
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2013/09/wondrous-words-wednesday_25.html
How great to have a www for banned book week. That’s exactly why I’m reading Lord of the Flies right now- a first read for me and interesting, I won’t get to post about it until later though, and of course it’s given me a few new words that I will be able to share.
I look forward to your post and your wondrous words!
I love getting my nerd on with your wordy workouts! Since censor was already submitted, I’m going to say purge or cleanse. Ohhhh, I hope I win Looking for Alaska. That’s been on my list for a while!
Excellent words to fit the analogy! Well done word nerd!
Expunge is the perfect word for Banned Book Week! To complete the analogy, I’m going to say censor.
YAY, another word I know! It’s the source of smiles between the hubs and me. Expurgate:bleep 🙂
Susan I’m shocked! But I’ve enjoyed your analogy. Thanks for working out with me!