From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up–This new edition of a 1990 title includes hot-topic censorship issues from 1990 to 2000. The alphabetical entries cover people, legislation, and titles, including 37 newly challenged literary works such as J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, Michael Willhoite's Daddy's Roommate, Lois Lowry's The Giver, and Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's Alice series. There is no separate entry for Robie Harris's It's Perfectly Normal, one of the most challenged books in the 1990s, but it is discussed briefly under human sexuality education. Fifteen frequently censored authors such as Judy Blume, Katherine Paterson, and Robert Cormier have earned a spot in the book, but other equally challenged writers such as Robert Lipsyte and Chris Crutcher are omitted. The National Coalition against Censorship and the American Library Association are included for their work against censorship, but other than an entry for the Christian Coalition, the volume has little coverage of organizations that have been a threat to free expression. There is an excellent discussion of the Communications Decency Act (CDA), Child Online Protection Act (COPA), and Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) entered under the topic of Internet Legislation (U.S.). A dozen new country entries including Afghanistan, Cuba, Japan, and Zimbabwe explain the global issues related to censorship. The articles are brief, clear, and useful for introductory information. The bibliography has been updated, and the index provides important links. Despite some omissions, this volume is an excellent resource.–Pat Scales, South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.
From Library Journal
The crowded roster of those who have been affected by censorship, as well as the books, films, and other works attacked, are found in these informative pages. Controversies that have arisen over the years are given historical context; highly valuable national wrap-ups treat the culture, law, and predominant trends of diverse lands. The entries, written in factual, declamatory style, are usually less than a page. Bibliographic detail is limited, but the literature is well represented. Green makes little attempt to convey the censor's outlook; he states that in his research he found few writings advocating censorship. Though he details censorship in U.S libraries, he takes little note of the most recent developments. Still, this work should be useful in fielding queries with free-expression angles. Recommended for most libraries.
- William A. Donovan, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- William A. Donovan, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
