Email
Print
Feed
Banned or Challenged Books Kids Should Read
These top picks for children and teens for Banned Books Week – happening Sept. 30-Oct. 6, 2012 – carry lots of lessons in life and imagination
Megan Krueger
(page 9 of 10)
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
George and Lennie – a mentally disabled man – take off on a journey to make money working on ranches during the Great Depression, hoping to someday have a farm of their own. Of Mice and Men ranked six on the top-100 banned or challenged books of the 1990s, and was No. 5 from 2000-09.
Reasons it's been challenged: Offensive language, profanity.
Why kids should read it: There are positive messages about the strength of friendship during difficult times and the importance of being loyal to friends. It can be used teach the history of the Great Depression – and of economic hardship.
Suggested reader age group: 13+ years old. There is drinking, strong language and violence in the book.
