Banned Books Week Hop And Giveaway

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Today I'm post-poning the creature feature to take part in a very important blogfest honoring banned books. It was brought to my attention by the fantastic I Am A Reader Not A Writer blog.

Nearly every one of the great Ellen Hopkins's novels has been banned somewhere. She writes about things that challenge kids today, sex, drugs, prostitution, terrible things for sure, but things kids are dealing with whether we like it or not. Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, about a girl who is raped, is banned in many places. Others may surprise you such as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, The House of Night novels by P.C. Cast, The Golden Compass novels by Philip Pullman, and the Vampire Academy novels by Richelle Mead. There are so many more that it saddens me to go on. I've recently learned that my own novel, The Secret of Spruce Knoll, will not be carried in my most local bookstore because of an intense scene in it.

I understand parents reluctance to have their children read about certain subjects, and their desire to teach them about it themselves. But there are kids who don't have parents who can or will teach them and often the solace of books is the only place they can find answers to tough questions, feel a sense of connection, or understand they aren't alone, or that they have a choice. Banned books have helped me know I wasn't alone when I was a kid and I have no doubt they'll continue to help others.

In support of banned books week I'll be giving away the winner's choice of any one of the books pictured on the left (or any book by an author who has a book pictured below). The contest is open to followers of this blog and all you have to do to enter is leave a comment below. For extra points you can tweet or post on Facebook about the giveaway (+1), place a link on your sidebar (+2), or blog about the contest and link back to me (+2). This giveaway is open from September 24th~October 1st. Be sure to click on all the other links below and enter their giveaways as well!


Comments

  1. Karlene PetittSeptember 23, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Heather, you have so many blogger friends! I'm going to spend all weekend meeting them all. Okay... between baby naps that is.

    What a great cause. I think that banned books is perfect for the Creature Feature because those people who ban books are creatures.

    We should have the right to read what we want, and protect our children. But to take away others rights, tell other parents what their kids should read, and or prevent the scary truth or reality, as dark as it may be, from being known and learned about... is awful.

    Am I'm being opinionated here? :) This is a great cause. Thank you for your support.

    Excellent post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Karen StrongSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    The one things that always amazes me about banned books is that sometimes the banner hasn't even read the book!

    Thanks for the links! I'll be sure to spread the word on Twitter. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sarah TokeleySeptember 23, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    When I have some more time, I'll check these other entries out. I can't believe that in the 21st century, this is still happening.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kittie HowardSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    Through no fault but my own, I missed signing up, if only to support efforts to stop this maddening mentality that thinks books should be banned. CNN starts a two-part series Sunday night about young girls being sold into prostitution. A blogger I follow tackled public sentiment for a gang who raped a girl for five hours in Nigeria (and videoed and posted much). I know parents here in the U.S. who turn a blind eye to sexting but explode about books in the library.

    Banning books is really bad!

    Thank you for this much-needed post!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Linda GraySeptember 23, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Such an important cause! Thank you so much for this post, and all the great links!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Roland D. YeomansSeptember 23, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    Heather, you have so many blog friends. More than me and that is for sure! I wish you well, Roland

    ReplyDelete
  7. Shannon O'DonnellSeptember 23, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    Grrr...don't even get me started! What I really hate is when people speak out against or ban a book they haven't read!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. HeatherSeptember 23, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    Thank you so much for supporting banned books everyone! I'm going to keep my responses to a minimum to free the comments up for entries. But just know that I appreciate each and every one of your comments and support. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Christa DesirSeptember 23, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Great giveaway Heather. This is really going to be a fun giveaway hop.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lori M. LeeSeptember 23, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    I really can't believe that, in the Information Age, books are still getting banned. It's infuriating when someone hears that a book might have something they don't think is "appropriate" in it, and immediately blacklists it without ever giving it a chance.

    ReplyDelete
  11. RuthSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    gfc follower (Ruth)
    ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
    tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/#!/ruthhill74/status/117448575805440000

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sophia ChangSeptember 24, 2011 at 2:09 AM

    LOVE the banned books week - this is like my favorite time of year, not because they're censored (booo) but because we can draw attention to these books and support them!

    tweeted for extra entry:
    http://twitter.com/#!/sophthewriter/status/117525223812759552

    ReplyDelete
  13. I Heart YA BooksSeptember 24, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    Hi Heather,
    I love THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL I want to thank you Heather that you write real,this is what teens face today! <3u!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Library LadySeptember 24, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Sorry to hear that your book is being banned in some places.
    GFC follower Library Lady
    adsanders77 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Tina MossSeptember 24, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    I'm shocked that your book was banned from your bookstore. It's great and you should be proud of it.

    Tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/Tina_Moss/status/117714013470732288

    Blogged about it here: http://tinamoss.blogspot.com/2011/09/banned-books-week-sept-24-oct-1.html

    ReplyDelete
  16. Lindsay Cummings authorSeptember 24, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    thank you!! i'd love to read speak

    americangirlie1991 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ms Saba (aka Teacher007.5)September 24, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    ooo, I'd love to read the golden compass book! :)
    tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/worddiaries/status/117729385875906560

    ReplyDelete
  18. AmyS.September 24, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    I was surprised to see the books on the banned/challenged list. I saw some and i was like, why is that one here.
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    Follower:Amy@Amy's Book World

    amys_book_world AT rock DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jessica E. SubjectSeptember 24, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    I've read or own many of the books on the list, including yours. I agree that a lot can be learned from these books. All the best!

    ReplyDelete
  20. The RomanceaholicSeptember 24, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    If only parents would take some bleedin' responsibility with their own children, books would NEVER need to be banned. It makes me so mad sometimes, because as another poster mentioned, most of the time, the people ranting about the books in question have never even read them >:(

    Thanks for the giveaway

    Jess
    romanceaholic at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Kayla EklundSeptember 24, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    I would love to win Perfect by Ellen Hopkins!

    kaylalovesandrew09@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    What a great blog hop. It's amazing how many people try to censor what they don't understand.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Marianme WheelaghanSeptember 25, 2011 at 1:38 AM

    Hi Heather and all here,
    what a great idea to highlight Banned Book Week like this! I have a very wee post about it on my blog but the way you have got together with other bloggers and are making a noise is impressive! Look forward to reading new posts from you and maybe joining you and fellow bloggers next year on a the Banned Book Hop:)
    Marianne (in Scotland)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Mary EllenSeptember 25, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    GFC follower - Mary Ellen Thompson

    methom@earthlink.net

    Thank you for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Michael Di GesuSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    Hi, Heather,

    Thanks for letting us know this information. I had busy with my blogfest to really look into it, but I will now.

    It's amazing to me that books are being banned in this day and age. IT is our God given right to write and believe what we want.

    ReplyDelete
  26. brookea_2006September 25, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    brookea_2006

    brookea_2006@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. KarliSeptember 25, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    Thanks so very much for the giveaway! *hug*

    Karaliene24[@]gmail[.]com

    ReplyDelete
  28. KarliSeptember 25, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    I've also tweeted about your giveaway here : http://twitter.com/#!/creatingfantasy/status/118057967705796608

    Karaliene24[@]gmail[.]com

    ReplyDelete
  29. JenniferSeptember 25, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    The Secret of Spruce Knoll sounds fantastic. And I love the cover art too.
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    GFC @ Jennifer
    jennifer(@)fictitiousmusings(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. JudySeptember 25, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    Several of the books I would love to win. Thanks for the giveaway.

    GFC follower-judy

    Judy
    magnolias_1[at]msn[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Michelle @ Book BriefsSeptember 25, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    Thank you so much for this giveaway!

    chelle2006 @ aol.com

    -Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownSeptember 25, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    thanks lisapeters at yahoo dot com yea I follow GFC Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  33. Christine A.September 25, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    We should be encouraging not discouraging reading. Banning books is senseless. Thanks for this giveaway and being part of a great cause.

    your1chef at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Audrey September 25, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    Thanks for the great giveaway!
    GFC- audreyclair
    thebookanalyst[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  35. JBarr5September 25, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    gfc, fb and blogged about contest

    wow when i went to school they were on the required list to read, thanks for having this tour.
    Julie

    jbarrett5 at cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  36. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    Thank you for this giveaway!
    emilymeimei204 At yahoo Dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. CrystalSeptember 26, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    Banning books is completely ridiculous! On the bright side, though, you may end up enjoying a spike in sales because of the "forbidden fruit" factor - once people find out your book's been banned, they'll be curious as to what's in there that's so controversial that a bookstore didn't want to carry it on the shelves!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. R.A.DesiletsSeptember 26, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    followers of this blog and comment below
    Check!

    I wrote a G+ about it - https://plus.google.com/u/0/106199115696314194214/posts
    (It's my main social networking with writer's tool).

    If that's not okay, I also tweeted about it:
    http://twitter.com/Broken_Fallacy

    ReplyDelete
  39. JenniferSeptember 26, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    GFC Jennifer

    thanks.

    jlkalman26 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. MicheleSeptember 26, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    Thanks SO much for the giveaway

    GFC Michele Luker

    jmluker at winco dot net

    ReplyDelete
  41. Linda: Book NinjaSeptember 26, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    I don't know what I'd be like without reading all those challenged or banned books. Thanks for participating in the hop!
    GFC: lindadao2060

    lindadao2060 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. MamaMunkySeptember 26, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Ooh, Good choices!

    Lindsey Aylward
    LindseyAylward@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. DominiqueSeptember 26, 2011 at 5:01 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Tweeted +1 :

    http://twitter.com/#!/laylees/status/118474864465149953

    couponcookie at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. JulieSeptember 26, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    Blog Post, AND sidebark linke, check and check:

    http://thebookmemoirs.blogspot.com/2011/09/banned-books-week-giveaways.html

    Facebook, check:

    https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/julibe27

    Twitter, check:

    http://twitter.com/#!/

    Also, I admire you for ending up on that list. I think some of the best books ever written have made their way there... just shows your book is on its way to greatness! I tip my hat to you ( :

    Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Kayla :)September 26, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    follower via GFC.

    kayla3194 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. throuthehazeSeptember 26, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    Thanks!
    I follow via GFC-Throuthehaze
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. IronstrangepromptsSeptember 27, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Thank you for this giveaway.

    derangedpegasus@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. KatieSeptember 27, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    thanks for the giveaway!

    gfc follower: Katie

    katie_tp(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  49. sablelexiSeptember 27, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    Thank you for the giveaway.
    I'm a GFC follower as sablelexi

    jlynettes @ hotmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  50. CheySeptember 27, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Thank you so much!
    GFC- Chey

    mcrs_venin(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Bookworm LisaSeptember 27, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    Looking at the lists of books that have been banned and challenged is amazing. Some of them are some of my favorite books. I strongly believe that the choice should be there for everyone in a public location. No one should be able to tell you what you can or cannot read.

    ke7yca at gmail dot com
    New GFC follower

    ReplyDelete
  52. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway! I am thankful for the freedom to read whatever I want.

    abbydillon16 AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  53. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2011 at 5:33 AM

    thanks for this giveaway!
    GFC: juhina
    email: mc.jay.jay(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  54. LisaSeptember 28, 2011 at 7:49 AM

    Thanks so much!

    GFC Lisa Manning

    lhoffpauir at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  55. books4meSeptember 28, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    thank you for the giveaway!

    GFC books4me

    books4me67 at ymail.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. April XSeptember 28, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway! I'm a GFC follower (april X)

    aprilxu2222@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. JesseSeptember 28, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway! I'm on the hop too: http://elle-lit.blogspot.com/2011/09/banned-books-week-hop-with-author.html

    jesse.nicole.paul (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Mary @SweepingMeSeptember 29, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    Thank you for the giveaway!

    GFC-Mary

    mary_reiss @ hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Karis JacobsteinSeptember 29, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    Great choices! I did a showcase post on Ellen Hopkins because I think she is a true literary hero! Stop by my giveaway if you haven't!

    http://yalitwit.blogspot.com/2011/09/banned-books-week-giveaway-hop.html

    yalitwit(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  60. SuzSeptember 29, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    Thanks for this amazing giveaway! I would love to win!

    susanw28 (at) mindspring (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Krystal LarsonSeptember 29, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    Thank you for the chance to win, these look great! edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  62. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    I can't believe some of the books on this list.

    lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com

    GFC follower.

    ReplyDelete
  63. jessicaSeptember 29, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    I'm a GFC follower. Thanks for being a part of the hop. I hope that you have a great banned book week and read one that you haven't read before.
    jessangil at gmail dot com
    -Jessica B

    ReplyDelete
  64. Lisa Richards/alterlisaSeptember 29, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    GFC- Lisa Richards
    +1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/119631984745132032

    Thanks for participating in the blog hop.
    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  65. DindaSeptember 29, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway !!!
    I'm a GFC follower.

    dl(dot)love(dot)freedom(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  66. AlisonSeptember 30, 2011 at 4:00 AM

    Thanks for participating in the hop. Thanks also for the chance to win some great books.

    alison.fees@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. The (Mis)Adventures of a College Book AddictSeptember 30, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    Thanks for the giveaway! I love reading everyone's different thoughts on the issue!
    insanityisnormal(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  68. jcwega27September 30, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    gfc
    jessicawedwards@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. UnknownSeptember 30, 2011 at 5:01 PM

    Thanks for the great giveaway!
    amandarwest atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  70. Lenasledgeblog.comSeptember 30, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    Here's Mine. Hope you'll stop by and enter as well: Read Banned Books Week Hop and Giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  71. donnasSeptember 30, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Thanks for the chance! I am so glad this week and event exists to get the word out about these great books that should be read.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    Thanks for the great giveaway! alicia.ebaugh at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  73. DanahSeptember 30, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    Hi! I would like to be entered to win and read Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Thank you for the chance and for the great giveaway!

    GFC Name: Danah


    icrave13@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. Tiffany DrewSeptember 30, 2011 at 11:38 PM

    Thank you for taking part in the hop and for the giveaway!

    GFC follower Tiffany Drew

    jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  75. BeccaSeptember 30, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    I follow on gfc as Becca, thanks so much! sbcashortie at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  76. JanelleOctober 1, 2011 at 12:37 AM

    Heather, thanks for being a part of this vital blog hop! We need to support our intellectual freedom to read what we want and when! When I was in school most of the books on the ALA list were required reading! You're in great company!
    Chanticlear1(at)gmail(dot)com
    Best wishes and thanks for your generous contribution to the Banned Books Week Giveaway Blog Hop!

    ReplyDelete
  77. Melanie_McCulloughOctober 1, 2011 at 1:05 AM

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Melanie.M.McCullough at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  78. DarleneOctober 1, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    +1 for tweeting:

    http://twitter.com/#!/DarleneBookNook/status/120124436472016896

    darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  79. ~April~October 1, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    Thanks for this great giveaway
    I am following on GFC - aprilharvell
    also added to my blog roll @ http://ramblingandadventure.blogspot.com/
    I would love Vampire Academy but I also like PC Cast and have read up to Awakened. Still have not gotten it yet.
    april@pinebelt.net

    ReplyDelete
  80. geschumannOctober 1, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    GFC - Gloria
    Thanks for the chance to get more banned books.

    geschumann at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  81. KrysykatOctober 1, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    Great giveaway. I'd love to win The Secret of Spruce Knoll.
    GFC follower- Krysta Banco
    tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/YearofTiger86/status/120226846263611392

    Morganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  82. Alisia October 1, 2011 at 2:51 PM

    GFC Çråz¥ K¥
    thanks for the giveaway. i would pick vampire academy. i love that series.
    nightsky1102(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  83. LaurieOctober 1, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    follow on GFC
    laurie1993@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  84. Stacey BrucaleOctober 1, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    thanks for the great giveaway!

    xxsquigglesxx(At)Gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  85. latishajeanOctober 1, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    What a great giveaway thank you so much read most of the books you have great banned books read some at the time never knew about them being banned! One I really want to read is twenty boy summer heard alot about it!
    GFC follower/latishajean
    tishajean@ charter.net

    ReplyDelete
  86. SarahSparrowOctober 1, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    GFC follower SarahSparrow.

    captainsarahsparrow at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  87. Alison MillerOctober 1, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    alisonmiller20(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  88. Holly S.October 1, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    hstorm799{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete

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