ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: Get Ready to Celebrate Banned Books Week
The last week of September is generally the time to celebrate Banned Books Week. Use this lesson plan from ReadWriteThink talk about censorship and why it is important to protect books.
Other
Libraries & First Amendment: Banned Books
This overview of censorship in the United States cites Supreme Court decisions and links to a number of other resources. (Date of Article: Sept. 13, 2002)
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: Censorship in the Classroom
Online lesson that challenges students to examine the past and present practice of censorship in the classroom, in particular the "Banned books," from high school curriculums. Students research reasons for censorship and choose a side of...
US Holocaust Memorial Museum
U.s. Holocaust Memorial Museum: America and Nazi Book Burning
A comprehensive history of the purification of Nazi Germany by burning objectionable books.
Penguin Publishing
Penguin Random House: "Censorship: An Educator's Guide"
Activities, writing prompts, points of discussion and some additional resources are offered here to help with teaching about free speech and censorship.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury
Set in a future where books are outlawed and firemen burn any they find, fireman Guy Montag questions his role in society and joins an organization committed to starting a revolution. Selected (7) reading passages (grades 8-11) to pair...
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Judy Blume on Censorship
Famed children's author Judy Blume discusses censorship in this excerpt from Weekend Edition. Requires RealPlayer.
Other
Carol Polsgrove on Writers' Lives: George Ella Lyon on Books for the Young
This site shares an interview with George Ella Lyon, author and Kentucky Poet Laureate. Lyon provides advice on selecting books for children and young adults. She also shares her personal experiences with having her own books banned...
University of South Florida
Teacher's Guide to the Holocaust: Book Burning
Brief discussion of German book burning with a picture of an SA officer throwing a book on a fire.
Read Works
Read Works: Book Battles
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text debating whether or not some books should be banned from school libraries. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Virginia Tech
The Alan Review: A Bridge Too Far but Why?
If you've wondered why Paterson's "Bridge to Terabithia" is frequently on the banned book lists, this article offers some possible explanations.
Rick Beach
Teaching Literature to Adolescents, 2nd Edition: Activities
The textbook entitled Teaching Literature to Adolescents, 2nd Edition contains activities for Chapter 13 reflection. Intended for teachers, this site contains activities that will extend the content from the Chapter 13. This collection...
PBS
Pbs: The American Novel
Information and analysis on the central concerns, characteristics, and distinguishing features of American literature, presented in timeline format. With synopses of classic works, biographical sketches, overviews of literary movements,...
PBS
Pbs: Culture Shock: Huck Finn in Context
This site features information on themes from Huck Finn. You will find activities and discussion questions to accompany the different sections.