CHS Library celebrates Banned Books Week by asking for a blind date

Aireanna Romo, Pepper Bough Staff Writer|October 28, 2021

Senior+Nayeli+Cobarruvias-Partida+checks+out+Toni+Morrisons+The+Bluest+Eye+during+the+CHS+Librarys+celebration+of+Banned+Book+Week.

J. Dollins

Senior Nayeli Cobarruvias-Partida checks out Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” during the CHS Library’s celebration of Banned Book Week.

In February 2020, the Colton Joint Unified School District School Board voted unanimously to remove “The Bluest Eye” by Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison from the district approved books list, banning its use in the classroom.

The novel, which tells the harrowing story of 11-year old Pecola Breedlove and her dysfunctional family in Depression-era Ohio, is remarkable for its graphic descriptions of violence, sexuality, and racism. It is a bold vision about the fruits of racism and their lasting impact.

The removal of “The Bluest Eye” sparked controversy in the community as parent advocates spoke against the novel in an attempt to protect students, and educators fought to protect the educational value of teaching the novel.

In August, the school board voted again, this time reinstating “The Bluest Eye” on the approved curriculum. However, the reinstatement brought with it reforms to the district’s review and approval process for books.

Colton High School’s Librarian, April Geltch, and Library Technician, Jose Calderon, have given kids the courage to read with this month’s book theme. CHS’ Better Late Than Never celebration of “Banned Books” week is back, but this time with a twist: this month’s event is all for “blind dates with banned books.”

Banned Books Week is an annual event that celebrates the freedom to read and draws attention to the banned and challenged books from all around the world. 

In the fall of 1982, Banned Books Week officially made its mark by bringing children and adults together in celebration for the banned and challenged books.

“Parents are uncomfortable talking to their kids about the topic, but you know that’s what the books are available for so the child has a trusted source,” Geltch says, helping us understand one of the reasons behind Banned Books Week.

Since Banned Book Week is the annual celebration of the freedom to read, Geltch is putting up books for students and teachers to come check out and read. For the “blind date” part of this event the books will be covered and have a note on top that gives you a small description why the book you chose was banned. Alongside checking out the banned books there will be drawing contests and write ups on the books you chose for prizes.

Frequently challenged books include: “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, “George” by Alex Gino, “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, “Saga” by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples, “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee,” and “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson. The American Library Association website has more details.