Win a Wesley Scroggins Filthy Books Prize Pack!

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[tweetmeme source=”sarahockler” only_single=false]Update: This contest is from the original book challenge in 2010, not the ban in 2011. The prizes have been awarded and the contest is now closed. Feel free to comment, though!

The outpouring of support from the book loving community over the Wesley Scroggins Crazytrain Manifesto has been amazing, especially through the #SpeakLoudly Twitter campaign. As a gesture of thanks to Dr. Scroggins for reminding me and thousands of others about the awesomeness of challenged books, I’m giving away two Filthy Books Prize Packs, containing one copy of each of his challenged “filthy, immoral” books, including:

SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE by the masterful Kurt Vonnegut,
SPEAK by trailblazer Laurie Halse Anderson, and
TWENTY BOY SUMMER by yours truly!

I’m going to add some dark chocolate, too. Because it’s dangerous and naughty and it goes great with banned books!

To enter, simply leave a comment below telling us what you’re doing to #SpeakLoudly against censorship. Next Friday, I’ll randomly select 2 winners from the entries.

258 thoughts on “Win a Wesley Scroggins Filthy Books Prize Pack!”

  1. What a great idea! Love that you’re giving away these three books, you’re awesome! What I’m doing to spread the word… I’ve posted on my blog, I’ve updated my status on Facebook, I’m tweeting, I wrote a letter to the editor, and I’ve emailed several of the bigger (non book review circle) bloggers out there hoping that someone will pick up the story.

  2. I took to my Twitter feed, my blog, and my facebook page to speak out about censorship. I also give away copies of banned books that have impacted me to people I know (or don’t know.) Luckily no books have been challenged in my community, but they have been challenged in areas near me. I have written letters to school boards and encouraged parents to read books themselves before joining in the “challenged books fray.” I also just bought another copy of Speak to pass along, and a copy of Twenty Boy Summer to read and pass along as well. =)

  4. As a sixteen year old who reads A LOT, I feel that I have a right to read what I want to read, and not have adults who want to censor every book that mentions sex or drops a few f-bombs dictate what I read.

    I wrote a blog post about how I feel about censorship pertaining to Scroggins idiotic post: http://raven-ashley.blogspot.com/2010/09/why-i-think-adults-should-just-shut.html

    I’m not sure if I lot of people have read it, but for now it’s how I’m speaking loudly.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  5. I posted something on my blog and I’m giving my friends the books that Scroggins mentioned and informing them about what he’s doing.

  6. I’ve been active on Twitter, posted on my blog and today took a trip to B&N and began setting Speak out on the end-caps. While I was there I saw two teens pick up the book and read the inside of the cover. One of them walked away with it.

    I’ll continue to spread the word and encourage people to read it. I’ve been talking to everyone – family, neighbors and friends and raising awareness of this important issue.

  7. Easy. Tomorrow, I’m going up to my English teacher, who loves speak, and spreading the word about this injustice. Together, we’ll do something. I’ll tell everyone I know. Tell my librarian. Ask her to put it up with the banned books stuff! I WILL FIGHT. That book changed my life, and it should change even MORE lives.

  8. What a wonderful idea! I get such a kick out of this!

    I’ve posted on my blog and tweeted. I also ordered two copies of SPEAK and plan on giving them to my sister to hand out–she does teen outreach and rape counseling.

  9. I’m not entering the contest because I want to #speakloudly partly by buying all these books myself. Thanks for standing up in the face of idiocy and small-mindedness!

  10. I am using my Twitter, Facebook, Blog and phone to make people aware of this. I have told all my friends to do the same, as have I told all my friends who HAVEN’T read speak to read it right away. Books about rape/sexual abuse are amazing at getting the word out about these topics. There is many people I know whose parents opt out of telling their children about these topics, and they learned from Speak, Just Listen by Sarah Dessen and Sticky Fingers by Niki Burnham. Rape can happen to anyone and more people need to understand this. Also what about the kids who actually ARE sexually abused? What if they can’t talk about it to anyone, and their only vices are these books? Don’t deprive the teens of ‘someone’ who actually understands.

  12. I love this! This man’s ignorance has really brought the book community together =) I’m doing a post on censorship that’s going up in a couple of hours, along with a similar giveaway (of Speak and Twenty Boy Summer). I haven’t read the books in question, though they have been on my To-Be-Read list in general. But censorship of any book, anywhere is outrageous in my opinion, so I’m glad to help champion the cause. I’d love to read the books in question at last, so thank you for the giveaway!

    Casey

  13. Pingback: On Book Banning Zealots & Ostriches « Sarah Ockler, Author

  14. Ha! I lurve the title of the prize pack. So excellent. I probably don’t need to win any books, seeing as I’m a new bookseller and have too many on my tbr pile already. Anyway, here’s what I’m doing to show my support for UN-banning books:

    Next week is Banned Books Week, so we’re going to have fun with that at the store. I’m thinking some great displays are in order, and maybe some subversive fun in the form of giving away a “filthy” book or two.

  15. I ranted today on my blog, posted on all my goodreads groups and am going to keep talking about this till I go hoarse and after that keep writing about it. This is one of the most outrageous things I’ve ever heard of, so I’m going to keep fighting against such small-minded thinking!

  16. I posted on my blog, posted constantly to the #speakfreely hashtag and have spread the word to everyone I could, including those who aren’t on Twitter so can’t participate in the #speekfreely campaign. I also would love to pass along all three books to my town’s library when I’ve read them, since they don’t have any of them (they’re rather, uh, limited).

  17. My 23 year old son was deeply moved by SPEAK in high school. He bought his own copy a couple years later and has read it several times since. I roped him into #SpeakLoudly and he is doing so to his gazillion Facebook friends. Multi-generational #SpeakLoudly going on Chez Rosen. I’m so impressed that the writing community came together strongly today. Let’s keep the ripples going.

  20. I’m going to keep making noise on twitter and facebook about banned books and censorship with regards to issues that NEED to be written about, plus I’ve already blogged about the glorious Scroggins Manifesto, pointing out how back-ass-backwards he got the interpretations of both yours and Laurie’s books. I have a vested interest in this, both as a reader and an author. My books are very controversial and will probably wind up banned, too, if people like Mr. Scroggins get their way.

    This is such a fabulous community, though, so I won’t be surprised if all the noise puts these books right back at the top of everyone’s TBR pile again where they belong!

  22. I’ve never read Speak. I don’t like to read too many “issue” novels. Not entirely sure why.

    I have, however been reading all the blog posts, commenting, retweeting, etc. But that isn’t the worst (best) I can do.

    So, to Speak Loudly, I am, after YEARS, of people telling me to read it finally going to. And I think that is the ultimate insult to this guy. I want him to KNOW that he has INSPIRED me to read this book.

    Or, at least, inspired all the amazing blogs and twitters and comments that have now inspired me to read this book.

  23. As an 8th grade ELA teacher, I definitely have an opportunity to expose students to their rights as readers. Last year was the first time I participated in Banned Books Week, and I definitely plan to do the same this year. Whether it’s fortunate or unfortunate timing regarding the article about Speak, the article and its effects will be a great stepping-off spot for our week together.

  24. heck yeah! Filthy Books Prize Packs ftw (love the name)! I skipped homework and wrote a post about Speaking Loudly, along with a string of tweets about the cause. Of course, I’ll be telling everyone to read these books as well now.

  25. I think I will complain to my english teacher about book banning. I will ask my librarian to have a banned book section in our library for Banned Books Week. Thank you for commenting on my post about Speak Loudly and following me on twitter 🙂 I’m glad that because of this whole debacle, I know of Twenty Boy Summer!

  26. This is awesome, the title of the giveaway makes me laugh. Let’s see.. what am I doing to #speakloudly against censorship? Well, I have taken to my twitter, facebook, tumblr, and blog and written a little bit about it. Tomorrow I am hoping to casually bring it up in every conversation I have and try to get people as pissed off about it as I am. For banned books week I am going to be reading Speak and talking about it to anyone who will listen. Thanks for the chance to win these books.

    Best,
    Sarah

  27. Great idea! I’m so grateful that the book blogging community is willing to band together like this. What would have happened if in my awkward, lonesome middle school years I hadn’t read CALL OF THE WILD, FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON, THE GREAT GATSBY, The HARRY POTTER Series, WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW, and A WRINKLE IN TIME? I shudder to think what place I’d be right now if I hadn’t read banned books (or books that people tried to ban).

    As for what I’m doing to spread the word, I’m writing letters to the superintendent of the local school system in Missouri and to the editor of the paper. I’m in the process of writing a blog post about this and I’ve created a button that people can put on their blogs to show their support. I’m so glad that this opportunity presented itself right at the start of Banned Books Week.

    Thanks for the Prize Pack! 🙂

  28. I took my copy of SPEAK, which I had previously lent to my mother, and gave it to my cousin. She has a daughter in 9th grade and the two of them could have such a meaningful experience. It’s not a discussion, it’s truly an experience. I suggested that she read it as well so that the genuine conversation could evolve. Can’t wait to hear how their experience goes.

    Thank you for the chance to win such a wonderful group of books…heartfelt books.

  31. As a public librarian who works in the county where the crazy doctor lives (and writes), and as a parent of a high school student who attends the Republic High School (of which Scroggins writes), I cannot tell you how appalled I am. Professionally and personally, I plan to do everything I can to oppose him.

  32. I love this! The title of your blog post made me laugh out loud, in a good way. I think that it is so pivotal to show that a gritty, moving plot and an offensive plot do NOT always go hand in hand; important issues should not be cast aside just because they are negative. We never know who is hurting who might not be suffering still had they read one of the novels that you have featured.

    As for my part in the Speak Loudly campaign (after my above rant, LOL) I try to shed light on books of importance on my blog, not shying away from books that include topics like abuse. It’s a small step, but I’m working toward raising my voice louder and louder so that we will all, as a powerful chorus, be heard.

  33. Not only have I re-tweeted lots of tweets about the banning of Speak. But I have also written to the newspaper that published the article and the super attendant of the school where it’s trying to get banned. I have also written a letter to the editor of my own newspaper about how wrong it is to ban books.

  35. While I haven’t read SPEAK yet, I did blog about Banned Books Week a few days ago. I have also Spoken Loudly through Twitter and will continue to spread the word at work and school.

  36. This is brilliant! All day today I was re reading Speak. I actually just finished. Tomorrow my plan is to go to the park by my apartment so I can use the WiFi there and write letters to all involved. And maybe something else…not sure yet, haven’t fully devised my entire plan yet.

    In an extra note, it makes me sad that Speak is being considered for banning. This book helped me through a lot and saved me. Two years ago my boyfriend at the time tried to rape me. I had just had Speak recommended to me about a month prior so I had borrowed it from the library and fell in love with the story. I’m glad that I had read it because it made me realize I didn’t have to let it happen. Luckily I was able to stop it from happening and got out of the situation. To this day I still wonder what might have happened if it hadn’t been for this book.

    Thank you for holding this giveaway and I know that if we all work together on this we’ll be able to save this amazing piece of literature.

  37. I read Myra’s blog this morning before heading to work where I am the CE Coordinator and Youth Director for a church. Looks like 5 teens will be reading SPEAK with me and we’ll do a book club on it. Only one teen is a girl – four young men totally got excited about reading a “girl” book they’d never heard of before.

    I think it may also be a great book to share with the adults of my church, so I’m bringing it to the planning table for our next Adult Ed series. So, Mr. Scroggins may have just caused nearly 300 folks to either buy, borrow, read, or just plain know more about.

    Something tells me he won’t be happy to hear that news. I just may have to send him a thank you card.

    I say THAT is a good day for those of us

  38. That is a hilarious and awesome name for a prize package. As a future librarian I hope to #SpeakLoudly in my career, promoting the freedom to read. I’ve been tweeting about the issue since I got home this afternoon (@BookLabyrinth), and I think I might just write up a post for my social software online class to discuss the issue and how Twitter has spread the word.

  39. Love the idea for the giveaway! I’ve been retweeting messages about #SpeakLoudly today, reading blog posts people have written about it, and writing tweets of my own. I’m going to be recommending the books to people as well, as these are the kinds of books that need to be as widely read as possible, not banned.

  40. This is a GENIUS name for a giveaway! I bet Scroggins is kicking himself now, drawing all the attention to these filthy, FILTHY books…
    It makes me INSANE that an educated flipping college professor would do this. Insane.
    Anywho, I have a few posts coming up, 1 on each of the books, on Speak Loudly, and a giveaway, all during Banned Books Week. And tweeting, of course. 🙂

    Misty

  43. I have Tweeted about this situation, posted about this on my Facebook page, talked to friends and family, and tomorrow (or Tuesday if I am still sick) I will be talking to my students about censorship and what they think about it.

  44. I’m going to keep tweeting & speaking out against these injustices to spread the word, then next week during Banned Books Week I’m going to do a series on my blog, as well as make a special post about these three books in particular on the 5NerdsomeWriters page.

  46. I sent an e-mail to the Superintendent of the Republic, MO schools and tweeted about it. If I won, I’d prefer the books to go to a young person who hasn’t had the opportunity to read them yet!

  47. I am participating in the Twitter campaign and have even put the ribbon on my avatar. Now I’m trying to spread the word to my Facebook friends. The banning of books is so ridiculous!!

  48. We went to the Springfield Borders this afternoon and bought your book! We’re already enjoying it. Thank you for supporting our Republic youth with the empowerment to learn! My daughter also picked up the book “Speak”. She hasn’t been on FB, texting or watching movies; she has read all Sunday evening! Keep up the good work!

  49. I wrote a post. Supporting the Speak Loudly campaign on twitter. Posting on Facebook.
    I’m writing to all my local papers.
    Hopefully we can get the word out and get everyone to SPEAK LOUDLY!

  50. As a rape survivor myself, I find Wesley Scroggins call to ban the book “Speak” dispicable. I’m tweeting & re-tweeting, I posted this giveaway to my facebook and my avatar has the Speak Loudly ribbon.

  54. Dark chocolate AND taboo books? I’m in.

    Been tweeting book recommendations related to SPEAK on #SpeakLoudly today. Monday, going to stop by the library and see if they need any copies of SPEAK donated. 🙂

  55. I’m an English teacher and would LOVE to add these to my classroom library! Your book is wonderful, by the way. 🙂

  56. Great idea to help spread the word! I will continue to tweet about this issue (with the great hashtag), and of course, blog about it too!

  59. I will of course be telling everyone about these books and be blogging about them. Twenty Boy Summer is one of my favorite books. The fact that it is questioned as a ‘filthy’ book is just insane. What about shows on tv that teenagers watch. Hello! The episode of “Glee” where everyone was losing their virginity. It’s the same thing. It’s up to the parents to educate their children regarding to sex and profanity. We have already brought this subject up in our book club and adding the facebook page as a like.

  60. As both a devout Christian and a survivor of rape, I’m furious that anyone would slap the label of Christianity across the act of fear-based censorship. I felt so strongly about this, I did something I swore I’d never do: I told my own story of survival and why my story proves books like SPEAK (and the others on the list) need to stay on the shelves. To silence the book might be to silence the child. I’ve had enough silence.

  61. I am an English teacher, so I will #speakloudly all week. I cannot tell my precious students exactly how I feel, because in a way being a public school teacher ends your freedom of speech.
    I will continue to share my thoughts on facebook and twitter.
    Considering I went through something like the character in SPEAK, I feel like we’ve had enough silence and enough banning. Especially the silence I’ve pressured upon myself.

  62. I’ve actually posted about this on my blog!

    http://juniper-breeze.blogspot.com/2010/09/speakloudly.html

    I’ve also been following the #SpeakLoudly hashtag on Twitter and I have a banner on my picture there too. 🙂 I live in the area of where this guy is complaining, and I already know of several adults who are going to the school board meeting to try and prevent these bannings. I’m also going to go talk to my librarians at school and see if we can start any programs to help spread the word about Banned Book Week and such.

    Obviously I’m kind of high-strung about this. Hah, I feel strongly though, and I think teens can help if they try, so that’s what I’m aiming to do!

    Thanks so much Sarah! Twenty Boy Summer and Speak are two of my favorite books. I’ve yet to read Slaughterhouse Five, but I now look forward to it!

  63. I am an alum of Republic High School, the institution currently under siege. Going to public school in Southwest Missouri is tough – obviously. Looking back on my education, there is much I feel I missed out on. For instance, when my husband speaks of his private, Catholic high school experience, what he learned, what he was prepared for, what he felt, I feel as though I missed a whole part of my life. What I didn’t understand at seventeen was that I was bored; I needed challenges and information to grow and gain enlightenment. Ironically, the only saving grace of the experience was the English department of RHS. It was thanks to the literature to which I was exposed – and the subsequent exploration and creative writing – that I endured on to University to fully discover what I had a taste of in those few hours each week. The thought that these very classes are being attacked – that your work is being attacked – is beyond enraging. The fear that perpetuates this kind of action is so hostile, so selfish. It is taking only the accuser’s own ignorant fears into thought with no regard for what he/she may be depriving from an entire generation. The beautiful realities that exist outside the walls of that small town, inside pages of beautiful text, are more than necessary: they are the very catalysts of change. Which I suppose could be a scary thing if you’re not open to the positive possibilities that entails.

    In any case, this hits personally, as 10 years ago, it quite literally could’ve been me. I’ll be singing uncensored praises of uncensored literary programs as long as I have a voice.

    • I have posted (below) and replied to several others from the RHS community, from where my son graduated in 2009. You write beautifully. My son has the same opinion and because of the book ban and the double rape of the Middle School special needs girl in their library, followed by the suspension for a year of the girl and her being forced by the principle to write a letter of apology to the boy, my son also feels like you do. My son is now attending Rochester Institute of Technology in New York and he has told me several times how unprepared he was by the school district for what he’s experienced at college. He, too, was bored in High School and as a result was an underachiever. If you still live in the district, would you care to join the fight to clean up the school board?
      Carolyn Brooks

  64. Well I haven’t done anything too extreme myself.
    I’ve put the speakloudly on my twitter and retweeted a couple tweets about it, but other than that I just been learning about it myself. And to be honest, that’s probably the biggest thing I’m going to do, get educated on it. Maybe I’ll blog about it, but I haven’t decided yet. I don’t know too much about all of it, so after I learn more, we’ll see.
    I think it’s great that your giving away such an amazing books, even if other people think they aren’t so great (but let’s be honest, none of us care what those people think do we?) and with chocolate too! Man…chocolate and banned books what could be more dirty and amazing??? (That’s a rhetorical question by the way, I know there are dirtier things :P)
    Thanks for sharing and for getting the rest of us to SPEAK up about it. It’s terrible that people try and attack books like Speak, which tell stories that we should be fighting for. By banning books like these, we’re just keeping crimes and personal tragedies in the closet. Making it seem like they’re something to be ashamed of, when we should be supporting and respecting those willing to speak up about what’s happened to them. We should be helping them overcome the past, helping them heal, not punishing by telling them it’s bad. They know what happened to them was bad, that doesn’t mean that their story shouldn’t be heard. It takes immense strength to tell stories of a personal nature and we should be supportive. So again, thanks for supporting the bravery of those baring their stories.
    You’re doing a fantastic thing. And so are all of these amazing people who are commenting. You should all be proud. I haven’t read any of these books, but I’m going to definitely look into reading these books, and other banned books, when I have the time to read them.

  65. If one good thing came out of this whole debacle, it’s the people that #SpeakLoudly. The debate about censorship is one that we should be having. That’s the whole point, isn’t it? To put information, ideas, and opinions out there. The legacy of Dr. Scroggins article will be that a whole lot of people will take a second look at some great books and those books will get a whole lot of new readers. I’ve only read Speak, but I look forward to reading Slaughterhouse Five and Twenty Boy Summer very soon.

    It helps no one when you shield teenagers from the realities of this world. Whether you like it or not, the teenagers of today will shortly become the teenagers of tomorrow. If you allow them to go into the world being naive and having had every personal value decided for them, you are only preparing them for failure.Books should viewed as window to the world, where teenagers can learn and grow from what they see.

    Today, I have responded with vigor on Facebook, Twitter, and my blog, but this is not an issue that is just gonna die. I will continue throughout my career as a librarian to fight against censorship. I urge everyone out there to do the same. Make your own decisions about a book. Don’t just take the word of others, good or bad.

    For my thoughts on this Dr. Scroggins’ article and the issue of censorship, visit my blog:
    http://readligion.wordpress.com/2010/09/20/speakloudly-about-censorship/

  66. Getting my Facebook friends involved with this ridiculousness. Building awareness about what students lose when we ban books.

    I’m going to work with a local middle school this week, and, provided the teacher approves this (which she will because she’s awesome), I’m going to give a little talk about this whole thing to her Pre-AP class.

    Awareness is key. Censorship is just a few short steps away from Big Brother. Speaking of which, I wouldn’t be surprised if Scroggins decided to move to ban 1984, either.

    More fuel for this fire of freedom, I say. There are books (THE GIVER, HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, THE OUTSIDERS, etc.) that, had I not read, would leave huge, blind gaps in my cognitive understanding of the world. They’re all challenged AND banned in places, and that’s wrong. Absolutely wrong.

    You are awesome; thanks for helping us all rally together.

  67. What an excellent idea! It’s been amazing seeing the constant support today in blogs and via #SpeakLoudly. This is just tops it off!

    I spent the entire day on #SpeakLoudly and even gathered all the blog posts I could find to show our amazing numbers. The list is included in my own post: http://meadow-y.blogspot.com/2010/09/speak-loudly.html

    I’m now winding down my day watching SPEAK, the movie, because you just can’t have too much of it.

  68. I wrote a very heated letter to the editor of the newspaper who published Scroggins’ article. I tried to make it as strategic and clear-headed as possible because I doubt they’d publish a letter that’s too slanderous. I know many others submitted letters to the editor–I really hope one of our letters gets printed in the newspaper. They can’t ignore the outcry!

  69. I’ve been tweeting about it a lot. I’ve also been telling my friends and family and anyone else who will listen about it. When I heard the things this guy was saying, it made me furious. To hear someone – a man, and an educator at that – suggest that a girl being raped is pornographic is incredibly disturbing on so many levels.
    This idiot’s rant has also been a good opportunity to bring up banned books week, since that is only a few days away. A lot of my friends and I are planning on reading at least one banned or challenged book, and blogging about it. We’re also participating in reading challenges that require us to read banned books.
    This contest is such a great way to encourage and motivate people to read banned and challenged books and other books that come under attack.
    I feel sorry for any teenager that might be denied access to books like SPEAK. It seems to me that this man’s argument is not based in faith, but in perpetrating ignorance in our country’s children. I will not sit quietly and watch. I will speak loudly.

  70. Such a great idea, I love this! I have posted numerous things on the twitter #SpeakLoudly campaign, have posted links on Facebook, and am currently drafting a letter I plan on sending the newspaper that published the opinion piece, the school board involved, and I also plan on sending a copy to my school newspaper (I attend the University of Oklahoma) in hopes that they will print something about the issue.

  71. The thing I do best when it comes to banned books is READ, READ, READ, and then TELL, TELL, TELL! I’m going to read your book and Vonnegut’s, and like I did when I read SPEAK, I’m going to spread the word.

    How will I spread the word? I’ve been afraid to start the book/life-in-general blog that’s been on my mind. Well, it’s time to SPEAK LOUDLY, because I’m a survivor of abuse, and books saved my life. They still do, every day. They make surviving worthwhile.

  72. I tweeted numerous times, posted a blog on my website, posted several links and status updates on my FB page, ANNNNNNNNNNNNND, I love this idea and I’m going to copy you. I hope that’s okay! My book, Hope in Patience, comes out the end of October, and with its content being about a teen girl recovering from childhood sexual abuse and the liberal use of swear words, I anticipate it being a banned book at some point too, sadly. Ironically, book banning and censorship is a sub-plot in the story. 😉 Thanks so much for your great work!
    Beth Fehlbaum, author
    Hope in Patience

  73. Hi Sarah

    I’ve taken to tweeting about it and will blog about this on my blog. Not only that, but I will write this as a monthly book club column for the online website where I work. I should actually thank the idiot for his article, because it’s only served to bring attention to books I now want to eagerly read. Whatever he is hoping to achieve, he has only served to achieve the opposite. #SpeakLoudly

  74. I’ll be taking my children to the library so we can check out a whole stack of frequently banned and challenged books. I love sending my littlest one up to the circulation desk so he can ask the children’s librarian for help finding a banned book to read to celebrate banned book week.

  75. I WANT that filthy prize pack! I’ve blogged, tweeted and facebooked…can you ‘facebook’? I’ve also posted links on the Goodreads groups I moderate and I’m encouraging authors and readers to buy the books, blog in support of banned books and to do something for Banned Books Week which is coming very soon. (September 25th)I also added an f-bomb or two and a few sex scenes to my manuscript…they’re adult. Does that matter?

    Just kidding. I love that you guys are speaking out and standing up for your books. Instant fan.

  76. I’m the mother of a 12-year-old daughter and I want her to be informed, intelligent and able to read anything she damn well wants to. I especially hope that she will always speak loudly in her own defense and in defense of those who are hurting.

    Besides the Twitter/Facebook thing, I’ve contacted a friend who owns the local bookshop (hooray for small booksellers!) and suggested that she have a banned book section in honor of banned books week. Will also bring this up with my daughter’s English teacher.

    Let’s keep those kids reading!

  77. It’s a pity there’s a lot of ignorant people that rant about stupid stuff. What’s more shocking are the people who support these statements.

    As a support, I am buying these so called banned books to educate myself even more. I am spreading the word.

    Also made a post about this and Scroggin’s stupid article in Cladestine Sanctuary

  79. LOVE THIS! I’ve just started working on a Banned Books display for the teen section of my library–will have to figure out a way to work this latest stupidity into it. (it’s a really small space LOL)

  80. Nice! I love filthy books! Especially ones with condoms to help model safe sex! We’re having a Banned Books Month (yup, one week wasn’t enough) Giveaway on our site where folks can submit reviews of frequently challenged books and be entered in a giveaway of a nice mix of books (filthy or otherwise challenged) and ALA Banned Books Week goodies. We’re also discussing censorship on facebook and twitter and will be writing additional posts next week during Banned Books Week as well. Thanks for writing Sarah! Looking forward to Fixing Delilah!

  81. Last week I checked out a bunch of challenged books from the library and read them! We are also working on a display for our library.

  82. What a fantastic idea. I’m talking to friends and younger cousins about the value of these books and free discussion.

  83. Awesome idea! I love it. I’m helping by participating in the Banned Books Week. I’ll also be hosting a contest later where with a Banned Books Prize. And, of course, I’m also helping spread the word on Twitter and Facebook. 🙂

  84. As @littlefluffycat I wrote and tweeted these haiku:

    Understand my life / is not, cannot be, the same / as yours – yet I live #SpeakLoudly #haiku

    Some throw dirt at truth / to hide it, but it is washed / clean by the world’s tears #SpeakLoudly #haiku

    Truth’s voice is righteous, / face unpainted, undisguised — / unchanged by the world #SpeakLoudly #haiku

    To speak there must be / someone unafraid to hear, / someone to listen #SpeakLoudly #haiku

  85. What a great idea! So far I’ve posted on twitter and facebook. I’m working on a blog post which will also turn into a letter to the newspaper where the editorial was published. As soon as I’m done with my virtual reference shift, I’m going to go up to the teen area, get a copy of Speak and put it on the staff picks shelf. I will also be choosing one of the other (or both) two books as my banned book that I read for Banned Books Week.

  86. This is insane. Why can’t narrow-minded idiots realize that -more- information is the key to an education that will produce thoughtful, well-rounded adults… not LESS!

    Censorship and the glorification of ignorance are pathetic.

    (Oh, and by the way, I have two children who attend school in Republic, MO.)

  87. I absolutely love you for doing this. I commented on the paper’s website and wrote the editor.
    I write about PTSD and recovery and find this vermin’s attitude absolutely disgusting. He must be thinking of running for office.
    I downloaded his paper (http://www.boarddocs.com/mo/republic/Board.nsf/ab6bd8d56fbee98a8725731b0060c686/ea8aaefc50a6f9a387257727007d2776/$FILE/School%20Board%20Presentation%20%28Scroggins%29.pdf ) and he really is a wacko as well as an apparent pervert… Anyhow thanks for doing this!!

  88. Like so many before me, I will continue to turn to social networks to spread word about the issue.

    But I think the most important contribution I’m making is continuing to read the books I want to read, despite the people who are trying to tell us what we can and cannot read.

  89. Love the topic! There is truly no end to narrow-mindedness in this world. All we can do is raise our voices and make people aware so that they do not fall into such patterns of thinking. In this regard, I have posted up a link to your recent blog article on my Facebook page and with Censorship being a prominent and touchy issue in my country at the moment, I think that it was particularly relevant.

  90. When I logged on last night and read about this guy, my first thought was, as horrible as it is, that it was awesome that he chose SPEAK to challenge as pornography. Because if there’s one thing the book-loving community won’t stand for, it’s a book about rape being called pornography. And, at this point, why bother challenging SLAUGHTERHOUSE-FIVE? It’s too deeply rooted in our psyche to go away now. I haven’t read it, but TWENTY-BOY SUMMER doesn’t sound like pornography to me – just a stark look at loss and what it does to people.

    I used my Twitter feed (@mdesmondobrien) and my blog (www.maggiesbookshelf.blogspot.com) as a platform, and shared links with my friends who don’t read my blog (or any book blog, for that matter). Speak Loudly! =)

  92. I’m facebooking about this, but I also want to bring it up at my college’s chapter of the National Women’s Organization. That idiot’s classification of rape as “pornography,” as if the book was trying to be sexy, is indicative of exactly the kind of attitude towards female sexuality the organization is fighting against.

  93. I’ve tweeted, but also want to do a blog on the subject in the near future. Apart from that I continue to try and get through to my own family, as I have for the last 10 years. One day it’ll work!

  95. This giveaway title made me laugh so hard! Loves it.

    Well I have already talked about the issue on my blog and to my book club. We talk about it all the time whenever a new book is challenged. But my favorite thing to do to spread the word about banned books is wear my banned books bracelet or necklace. It always gets comments, and sometimes people even say things like, “Yeah, but all those books are old. They don’t ban books anymore.” And then I get to tell them how stupid they are. (But I tell them in a very nice way.)

  97. I have signed up for a censorship workshop via the web. Judy Blume is going to be part of it, and I am thrilled about it.

  99. I know I’m coming to this party late, but I can’t decide which is the most awesome:

    – That you are bad ass enough for someone to want to ban you.

    – That you have been put into the came group as Vonnegut.

    – That his name is Professor Scroggins. I mean, come on. That’s funny.

  101. This is really brilliant of you. I have tweeted and commented on other posts about how awful this is.

    I have also requested Twenty Boy Summer and Speak from the library so I can read them for myself…you know, more than he even bothered to do.

  102. I have tweeted about #speakloudly, and this morning also posted on my blog about the email I’ve sent to all my non-twitter friends on this topic. And encouraging everybody to participate in Banned Books Week!

    I have so much admiration for the courageous and gracious way both you and Laurie Halse Anderson have responded to this little man’s outrageous censorship attempt. Also: “Wesley Scroggins Crazytrain Manifesto” made me do the ol’ coffee-on-the-keyboard snort-take, so thank you for that!

  103. This absolutely disgusts me. I wrote my senior year research paper over censorship. This has always been a topic that infuriated me. I don’t believe any books should be banned from school districts or libraries. That’s not to say that I don’t understand some parental concerns. But, those parents don’t have the right to ban every other child from reading a book that they choose. I have read all three of these books and loved them all. My English final for this semester in my college class is to write an essay over a topic we are passionate about and try to get it published. I’m going to write about censorship again and focus on books that are banned. I hate the fact that there is a week every year just for book banning. Being able to read is a gift, being taken to another world is a blessing. Understanding topics that you yourself have never lived through like rape or losing a boy you’re in love with is helpful. It gives you an understanding of what people face. I’m going to be posting reviews of these novels on my blog this week.
    -Miranda
    miranda.lyons09@yahoo.com

  104. I have had a crazy week so am just getting back on line now and catching up on what is happening here. Holy smokes…

    I am heading to the library in a little bit here to see if they have Speak. If not, I am a board member and I will make sure they will have it available in the next few weeks.

    I plan to read Speak for Banned Books week, and I may read Slaughterhouse Five too. I have already read and RAVED about your book Sarah, but certainly would welcome a second copy into my home to put in a giveaway for my readers. 🙂

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    journeythroughbooks@gmail.com

  105. I put both of these books in our library’s Banned Book Display. During BBW, I always devote my week to reviewing one banned book a day. Looks like both of these books will be going in my blog 🙂

    All I can say about Scroggins is that I can’t believe some people…

  106. Love this idea! I’ve used both twitter and facebook to spread the word and get the dialogue going AND I made sure we had PLENTY of copies of all three books at the public library.

  107. Not all of us in this area think the way that he does! I actually havent read any of these 3 books but would love too!(and Ill let my 13 yr old read them too, gasp!)

  108. I actually got so worked up about the #SpeakLoudly controversy (and John Green’s rant about Looking for Alaska being “pornographic”) that I wrote one of my college essays about banned books.

    I don’t think it’s terrible, either.

  109. As a teacher educator (well wanna be – I am in grad school) and former high school teacher, I find people like Dr. Scroggins and his ilk both sad and inspirational. Sad that they are so intolerant, closed minded and naive to believe that handing out a pamphlet on HIV introduces students to homosexuality (I am surprised that you didn’t state that the gay community uses these and the books he objects to to recruit), as well as many of the other 27 page worth of illogical, wrong, etc. musings he put forth.

    And inspirational because he reminds me why working in English, in Children’s Literature and with books is so important because otherwise the only voices that students might here are those that yell the loudest.

    John Stewart is right. It is time to take it down a notch and restore sanity to discourse.

  110. I have books and dark chocolate, so I’ll abstain from entering the drawing, (abstinence being the only safe way to deal with chocolate) but I wanted to compliment you on the brilliance of your response to this moronic attack. You’ve shown a lot of class. It isn’t fun having your work challenged — especially when the challenge arises from ignorance. You and Laurie both speak well for the side of reason. I suspect Mr. Vonnegut would approve.

  111. Don’t enter me, Sarah. Like David Lubar, I just want to say how awesome you are! I’m immediately reading Twenty Boy Summer, which somehow has escaped me thus far.

  113. I’ve ordered new copies of Speak to show that I continue to support the book. I’ve tweeted for #speakloudly. And I’ll continue to introduce students to books that may speak to them.

  115. I’ve been following all this, mulling it over, and decided I can’t make an informed decision without having read “Speak,” so when my Kindle arrives (please Mr. UPS!) “Speak” will be the first book I download. Also, I contribute to http://www.novelnovice.com and we’ve already been planning content for Banned Books Week. This is just a perfectly-timed case-in-point.

  118. Well the first thing I did when I heard about Wesley Scroggins and his calling Speak soft porn was re-read Speak so I could recall the book and it’s details. I will be re-reading Slaughterhouse Five as well but haven’t done so yet but I do know Wesley is wrong when he says “The “f word” is plastered on almost every other page.” It is not. It actually appears on 5 of 275 pages. When someone so grossly exaggerates they lose all credibility with me. I will continue to work to make sure Speak, Slaughterhouse Five and ALL books are available to the patrons at my library.

  119. I’ve alerted Etsy Etc. Forums, Facebook, my friends, and some of their friends about the BS Scroggins is spewing.

    I don’t really have any money, not having had a job in awhile and all, but I’ll be picking up a copy of “Speak” secondhand and submitting it to the reading book ring with a note on the inside about what is going on. While writing to prevent the book from being banned may be overturned because of my not living in that state, making sure that more and more people read this awesome novel is a movement that cannot be stopped by a simple Assistant Professor.

  120. I still can’t even believe that any of these books are being challenged. I even read that 25 page document, and it’s completely ridiculous.

    I’m #SpeakLoudly against censorship by bringing my copies of Speak & Twenty Boy Summer with me to school all week (and I’m going to write a letter on Thursday to that school district), talking up the books and telling people what’s going on. I even got a chance to talk about the #SpeakLoudly campaign during my Critical Thinking course today, and it turned into a very interesting discussion =)

  121. Pingback: 20 Boy Summer has been challenged–win a copy here! « For one mentally ill minute

  122. Love this! What a great giveaway title.

    I posted about it, which might seem sort of innocuous or useless at first but it goes to my facebook where I’m friends with almost everyone in my evangelical Christian church – they need to hear about this issue and think about it!

    Also plan on buying books for BBW on Sep 25.

    AND as Michelle Hodkins suggested, becoming more informed about local politics and who’s being elected to speak for me.

  124. I bought a new copy of Speak for myself from Barnes and Noble online, and I am fervently perusing the #SpeakLoudly thread on Twitter. I am hosting a giveaway for Speak next week. And I am going to be discussing this with anyone I can think of who will listen.

  125. Wrote a blog post, sharing with FB friends and on Twitter, have given away numerous copies of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury over the years hoping it will help others see the slipper slope that censorship is.

      • Totally agree with you, Hanna. The students of MSU have been awesome in speaking out about this. Scroggins’ complaints are his personal issues and have nothing to do with the school.

  127. I’m writing a blogpost on Anderson’s Wintergirls. I’ve got posts on three of the most frequently challenged books lined up for Banned Book Week, too! Wa-hoo!

    I’ve also been tweeting about the situation and am following Anderson’s tweets. And telling anyone who will listen to me!

  128. Scroogins equating of rape with porn is outrageous. I was shocked by his comments. My husband works at a private religious school and they are actually thinking of ADDING Speak to the curriculum.

  129. Thank you for such a splendid giveaway. I’ve actually never read SLAUGHTERHOUSE 5 or TBS. If I win, I’ll be donating my copy of SPEAK to my old High School’s library.

    I’ve sent the article Scroggins wrote to my English Professor. She’s having me discuss this in class tomorrow with my fellow peers–in both our Education class, and my Children’s Literature class. I’ve also discussed this with a lot of my friends and acquaintances on Facebook/Twitter. I’ve posted about it (also giving away 2 copies of SPEAK).

    http://book-faery.blogspot.com/2010/09/speak-up-because-if-you-dont-what-makes.html

  130. I love this idea! I love that I saw this, because I’m thinking about doing the same thing!

    I intend to post on my blog about this in the near future. I want to review Speak, possibly Slaughterhouse-Five and I’d love to get my hands on a copy of Twenty Boy Summer.

    And, I wrote a letter to the editor of their newspaper, and I intend to write a letter to the school principal and superintendent. I’m so angry about people like this!!

  131. I’m a “filthy” book lover and will continue to be! I plan to make my contribution by 1)Immediately posting about Mr. Scroggins article on facebook and 2)As a future English teacher I plan to teach as many of these “filthy” novels as I can.

  132. I’m a school librarian so I immediately reread and revised the reconsideration policy I created for the library and made certain that no one [staff, parent, community member] could infringe on the reading rights of our school. The idea is to make the process so clear and ironclad that people like Mr. Scroggins can object only for their own personal reading; they cannot and will not prevent any other person from reading and enjoying the books they love. If you are a librarian check out ALA’s Intellectual Freedom pages and celebrate to the fullesy Banned Books not just one week a year but every day.

  135. I love this contest idea. Banned books are usually the most interesting and worthwhile books to read. They contain challenging and non-mainstream ideas. I believe it is crucial to the protection of free thought and expression that people have access to reading and publishing texts with all kinds of content not just that which appeals to the sensibilities of the majority. This is especially important to me as a bisexual, socialist, differently able, pagan, feminist living in an area dominated by conservative republicans. I would be lost in this world without the shared experiences of others like me that I have been able to glean from controversial and censored books. Even as a child I insisted on taking whatever book I was reading with me to church on sundays even though it was usually a fantasy books with magic and all sorts of things offensive to the nice baptists of my mother’s church! I’m sure all of us who have entered are worthy choices for the prizes. Best of luck to us all!

    • P.S. I realize I forgot to address the main prompt. Sorry. As to what I do to fight censorship, I speak my mind, share my experiences, recommend diverse books to others and stay true to myself everyday whether the people around me like it and are comfortable with it or not. Doing these things increases awareness and tolerance if not acceptance of diversity, including diversity of ideas as conveyed through both books and actions.

  136. Pingback: I Speak Loudly for SPEAK: Video « Sarah Ockler, Author

  137. I have talked to my son. He is going to post something on his facebook page. Since I work with teens (teaching them parenting skills, since they are already parents), I will be discussing this book with them. I tell everyone I can about this. I find it has the opposite effect that Mr. Scoggins wants. By mentioning that these books are banned, it encourages them to read the books.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

  138. Awesome contest! As a school counselor AND book lover, I constantly recommend books to my students that I feel would best help them at the time. Speak has been one of my suggestions, and I’ll keep suggesting this and other books I feel passionate about as long as I have my job.

  139. Wesley Scroggins Filthy Books. It’s so sad I can’t even laugh at the absurdity of it all. Thanks for continuing to write about this. I am outraged at what he says about Speak, and ever since I first heard of it, I have been trying to let everyone know what’s going on.

    I’m speaking up about this in every way within my reach. I don’t have a twitter account and my blog is long defunct, but I participate in several on-line communities and I’m starting discussions on this in each and everyone of them.

    I’m also writing to everyone who I think might care about this, and also a few that might not, just in case. I left a couple of comments on Scroggins’ original article, as well as over LHA’s blog (which is how I came to know about the whole debacle).

    I haven’t read TBS yet, but I have read (and loved!) Speak, so if this man is so off the mark regarding Speak, surely he has severely misrepresented your book as well. What right does this man have to do such a thing?! What could he possibly win by having these books banned from schools? I don’t get it.

  140. I LOVE Banned Books Week! Of course, I read banned books all the time, but during BBW I usually try to read at least three banned books, and I encourage my kids to read some also. I’ll be changing my Facebook status and sending the word out to friends and family, along with a couple of teachers I know who would love to help promote actual knowledge about censorship. Can’t wait to read these books!

  145. I salute each and every voice gathered here to stand up to stupidity and ignorance. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

    And great writing is a terrible thing to fear.

    I talk about Laurie Halse Anderson’s SPEAK all the time. Not just now in the middle of this absurd snafu with Sir Scroggins.

    I put books into the hands of friends and children of friends. Books others try to hide because of their faux moral outrage. Books others fear because truth is power. YOU CAN RULE IN CHAOS AND IGNORANCE and chaos and ignorance are what the book banners want.

    As a writer, I hope my voice touches those that think they are alone and odd and hated and despised and shunned as “the other.”

    We are not others. WE ARE THE ONES WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR.

    I hope my writing will one day affect hearts and minds the way Laurie’s masterpiece does. That’s my plan.

  146. I’m a student at Republic High School, and I can say probably majority of the school is in outrage at this banning. What ticks us off the most is that this guy comes out of nowhere (none of his kids go to Republic, nor have they ever; he homeschools his kids)and decides to push his beliefs of “good Christian morality” on an entire community that don’t want them. He has criticized our science, history, and health departments for “teaching evolution” (we don’t), giving false information about US history and government, and for promoting sex (when did teaching people about the harms of unprotected sex and how we should always choose abstinence first but protection second become “GO HAVE SEX!”?). I am trying to organize some kind of public rally (at least a walkout), and we are hoping there are going to be public forums (of which I am already writing a speech/letter for). Although our teachers are told to be unbiased, I know our teachers are in outrage at this too, even though they have remained silent. I, for one, will not stand idly by as my rights, as well as my education, are stomped upon by a narrow-minded supremasist.

  147. What a great idea! I love that you’re giving away the three books in question!! I’m against any form of censorship and will be posting about on my Live Journal/MySpace blogs and SPEAK(ING) up loudly!!

  148. I’ve posted to Facebook, encouraging everyone to take a principled stand against this Prof. Wesley Scrotum of Republic, MO., and his book ban. Shame, shame!

  149. I was really late finding out about the Speak Loudly thing so I haven’t had much chance to do a lot, especially since I’ve been a bit busy. I did add the Speak Loudly twibbon to my twitter pic and I do plan to read Speak. Thanks for the contest!

    ~Briana

  150. I think the whole idea of Speaking Loudly is very important many people don’t realize the importance I think its great that bloggers are getting involved. I have been tweeting about it for the last three days! (#SpeakLoudly) !

    callmeghostgirl@yahoo.com.au
    Badass Bookie xx

  151. I have liked both your page and Laurie Halse Anderson’s page, and added Anderson as a friend on Facebook. I posted a link to your blog titled, “What Censorship Teaches Kids.” Tomorrow I plan to read both books, and write a letter to the editor. I should probably mention I live in Springfield, Missouri approximately ten minutes from Republic. Just minutes from posting your aritcle on my Facebook, another friend of mine is developing her
    letter to the editor as well (both being sent to the Springfield News-Leader). If there is anything I can do to help out, I would love to! You have my FULL support!

    • Bethany: I’m in Battlefield and am trying to get others from the area together to spearhead a defense. Please contact me.

      Carolyn Brooks

  152. I think the Fates are smiling on you. All right-thinking people will rise up even more to support you and buy Twenty Boy Summer! I’m talking about this to everyone I know. I loved the honesty of the “First Time” scene on the beach. No wonder those who want to keep truth shrouded are upset.

  154. I love how you can have a life other than the one youre living now when you read books. I borrow my friends books all the time to read. I am one of those girls that cant seem to find a “type” or “the one”. That is why i like it when i can have that guy in my imagination when i read. I am also a lover. Like when i am in a relationship i give my heart but i also guard it heavily. Thats why i can imagine myself doing things that i would never do in the real world. Just this year our school has banned some of my favorite books. Everyone wants to but coppies and hand them out all over school and make tshirts to support books not being banned. Personally if you dont want to read a book that is your decision not an entire schools. And if you do want to read a book them making it banned just so you wont read it is way out of line. If kids in high school are able to have sex, drink, smoke then they are aloud to read this material. For instance about 20 girls have gotten pregnant in the past 3 years. This is why school administrators are such idiots. Because im pretty sure they went through the exact same thing when they were in high school and if not then they probably read them at home. Some of the teachers are such hypocrites and should really mind their own business.

  155. I’ve written my own blog post about my own thoughts on this whole controversy. I also have a button that says “Speak up about SPEAK” which I got from ALA Midwinter and have worn/will wear when I go out this week. I want to purchase another copy of this for my library.

    I’m planning on hosting a giveaway of SPEAK as well on my blog, Tahleen’s Mixed-Up Files (http://tahleenreads.blogspot.com), as well as reviewing it during Banned Books Week.

  156. Pingback: I chime in about the censorship issue | A Can of Corn or Something

  157. I teach banned and challenged books in my Children’s and Adolescent literature classes. Lately, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian has been causing commotion in this community.

  158. I tweeted several times about my disdain for book banning and about my own brush with sexual assault, how the book Speak helped me heal. I have ranted and raved to my friends about how ridiculous book banning is, started discussions, and lent out my copy of Fahrenheit 451 to anyone willing to read it. I also sent a quick e-mail to my local librarians thanking them for being willing to find so many obscure (and sometime oft-banned) books for me over the years.

  159. I’m talking about it on Facebook and telling everyone about the banned book I’m reading for Banned Book Week (an annual tradition for me!)

  160. Sorry to say I am not making a huge impact in the world in regards to my dislike of book banning and challenged books. I do share my views on Facebook and in various websites. I encourage my children to read. I am always reading and my daughter and I often share books. I will read a book if my daughter has any questions what so ever on it so that we can discuss it. I will never tell her she cannot read something because of the content. I may ask her to wait a few years until she is mentally ready for the content but I would not forbid it. I am so glad that so many voices have been heard. Hopefully this is sending a message out that we will not stand for this any longer. thank you for everything you and everone does to promote this.

  161. I’m tweeting links to the most moving blogs and articles discussing this issue, and I think I will leave a copy of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” near a high school next week with a note about it and banned books week.

    And reading, because that is the hardest hit against people like Wesley Scroggins, in my opinion.

  162. Great idea, Sarah! I’ve tweeted and facebooked about this specific incident and am always commenting on teens’ right to read. I plan to buy your book and if I win the prize pack, will donate them to my son’s ninth-grade school library. I so appreciated your editorial in the Springfield News Leader today. GREAT JOB! Speak was one of the novels I highlighted in my MFA critical thesis on conveying emotional honesty in YA novel with rape as a theme. Other novels I included are Every Time a Rainbow Dies by Rita Williams Garcia, Target by Kathleen Jeffrie Johnson and Inexcusable by Chris Lynch. All of these are extremely well-done and tell the story of rape from many viewpoints, including the accused rapist (Inexcusable) and a teen male victim (Target). They’re all highly recommended.

    Keep up the good work!

    • Wow. Thanks for pointing out these three other books that deal with a similar topic than SPEAK. I’m adding them to my wishlist. You keep up the good work. =)

  164. As a youth librarian I feel very strong about people who try to censor what our youth reads. It was my privilage to put Speak and Twenty Boy Summer front and center on my “Think for Yourself” display. I am proud to say that all copies are checked out.

  165. What an awesome idea! I tweeted (and retweeted) on the #speakloudly thread, and I posted a blog entry. Yesterday I mailed a letter to the superintendant of Republic schools and the principal of the high school. I wrote that as an education major, I spend a lot of time considering what material is appropriate for use in schools, and Scroggins’ misrepresentation of these novels should not be allowed to hinder teachers and parents from making an informed decision.

  166. It’s so ridiculous what he’s sayin! I think teenagers(I am one) should know how to use condoms! What if we wouldn’t know it? There’d be lots of more teen pregnancys!
    I told my friends on Twitter and Facebook all about it and I hope no one listens to this guy >.<

  167. Your op-ed piece in the News-Leader is makes so many great, thoughtful points against censorship. Next week I’ll be reading banned books aloud on my campus with others to celebrate banned books week!

  168. Thank you for speaking up! Speak was my first book that made me think about more than the words on the page. Since 6th grade it has been my favorite book. I’ve posted on my twitter and facebook about the outrageous accusations of Speak and discussed the topic with my friends who I introduced the book Speak too and, also, are in love with. Have a good day!

  169. I spend 1-2 hours each day, making sure that issues such as this get to those who speak passionately about them;

    commenting on such issues (including this one) in spots where the readership isn’t very enlightened;

    and I offer my expertise in the area of investigations to those who have a worthy cause (such as this censorship) for free by teaching them how-to, and providing direct assistance.

  170. As a teacher educator, I talk extensively with my students (all future teachers and librarians) about censorship and its impact. I’ve tweeted about the current situation, shared info with a colleague in Australia…and of course, all next week I’ll be wearing my “I READ BANNED BOOKS” button!

  171. I love your passion and completely agree that censoring books or anything for that matter is ridiculous. I’ve only read your book which was fantastic and now want to read Slaughter House-Five and Speak, they sound like great books! It’s a shame that his ignorance has fed his ego! Perhaps he’s hoping to be cast in the new Footloose. At least, I think I saw they were going to make another film. Bring on the chocolate and the wealth of great literature out there!

  172. I’m not necessarily commenting to win the prize, but to applaud all of you who are speaking out against censorship. I am a teen librarian, and we will be celebrating (did you catch that? CELEBRATING) Banned Book Week with a Read-a-thon of banned books. The teens at my library are enthusiastic about this project, and plan on writing short reviews of the banned books they love just to let the world know how important these books are. Thank you for speaking up, and for giving these important books the attention they deserve!

  173. I was 13 when I picked Slaughterhouse Five off the banned books list and read it. It is very possibly the best book I’ve ever read, and I read a LOT. Just posted this on Facebook, though in my circle its preaching to the choir. “Whenever ideas are squashed in this country, literate lovers of the American experiment write careful and intricate explanations of why all ideas must be allowed to live. It is time for them to realize that they are attempting to explain America at its bravest and most optimistic to orangutans.” -Kurt Vonnegut

  174. In order to #speakloudly, I will continue what I’m doing–going to work as an intern news correspondent, and urging my publication to let me write articles on topics like eating disorders, domestic violence, sexual assault, etc (I have plans for my next few articles!) in order to help facilitate speaking about these topics in our minority community. No one will speak loudly unless one of us starts first.

  175. To #SpeakLoudly, I posted on my blog about it for all my writer friends, and then posted on Facebook to all my former students. It made me so happy to see them respond to this and defend a book they loved!

  178. I’ve been tweeting and retweeting the #speakloudly posts on Twitter. I posted Laurie Halse Anderson’s post on my Facebook page. I’ve also read a lot of posts that other book bloggers and authors have been writing because I think that #speakloudly isn’t just about speaking yourself to get the message out, but also being a witness to the experiences that others are sharing.

  180. What an amazing idea! Well, along with reading and marveling at all of the amazing Speak Loudly tweets and blog posts, I will continue to write realistic YA, whether it happens to offend a parent here and there or not.

    Also, I will encourage my daughter (in about 13 years! :)) to read widely within YA because I want her to have the knowledge and confidence some of these profound and important books can help instill in her. Luckily, I have quite a library to pass on!

    Thank you, Sarah, for your commitment to this cause!

  181. I am setting up a live display at my library. My teen volunteers will each take a one hour shift silently reading a banned book. Next to a display of banned books. Patrons with questions see staff!

  182. This is a wonderful contest, and a great way to showcase what’s being done to counter censorship. So, first of all, thank you and everyone else here for having the courage to promote the freedom to read. I feel like what I’m doing pales in comparison to a lot of what’s being done, but here goes: I blogged about my experiences on my research blog (juliaslibraryresearch.blogspot.com), both in regards to sexual assault and the impact that removing Speak would have on teenage victims. Not really related to this, I’m doing research right now on WWI censorship in Iowa libraries, when lots of what were called ‘pro-German’ materials were removed–even when situations change, we can always learn from the past!

  183. I’ve spoken out on Twitter and Facebook among my professional and personal friends. I’ve included Speak as part of a classroom display on formatting a paper as a bit of a devious plug for the book. Both Speak and <Absolutely True Diary are in my classroom library and I plan to add Twenty Boy Summer and Slaugherhouse Five, which I haven’t read since I was in high school! Also, I’m working with my school librarians to develop a banned book independent reading and project for my AP Language and Composition students before next week.

  184. I am a YA librarian, so I have been pushing banned books all week long, as well as giving impromptu lectures on freedom of speech to people I see holding a book that’s on my ALA Banned Book Week list for being challenged or banned. I also set up a display in our YA section with Speak, Twenty Boy Summer, and Slaughterhouse Five and tons of other awesome banned and challenged books!

  185. Pingback: Bloggers Speak Out (Giveaway of Speak) | Reading Through Life

  187. Well, Twenty-Boy Summer is on my Christmas buy list for my Not-So-Bebe Girl Autumn; Slaughterhouse Five is sitting on my GoodReads wishlist and should be on the “books to read before I die” list if I had one there, and I will be reading “Speak” as part of my Banned Books Week//Ban This! challenge. Wrote a blog post about it … wanna read it? Here it goes: http://jewelknits.blogspot.com/2010/09/banned-book-week-september-25th-to.html

    The SpeakLoudly campaign is what made me decide that I needed to participate in Banned Books Week, even though I am soooooo far behind in my review books. I’m so happy to see so many people rallying around free thought and PARENTAL choice in what our children are and aren’t allowed to read.

  188. I don’t know if this is open to Canadians but either way, I’ve been tweeting and blogging about #speakloudly. I can’t believe there’s still such closed-mindedness in our culture today. Funny thing is, a lot of the books on the banned list were required reading for me in school? Can’t wait to read some of the others!

  189. I actually go to Republic High School and am a senior. A few of my friends and I decided that we were actually going to do something about this instead of just complaining. What we did was write a letter to Ellen Degeneres to try and get her to spread the word (because she is a very influential person). She would be able to get a lot of people to know about this issue. If you would like to help me try and get Ellen to read my letter and learn about this, you can just RT this to her on twitter 🙂 http://twitter.com/#!/ashleylawless_/status/25277538982 I really hope she reads it and can inform more people on what is happening. Please help me #speakloudly

  192. I am so pleased to see such a great response to Scoggins article. I love to see people Speak up for what is right!!! I have posted Laurie Halse Anderson’s poem on my blog and I am conducting a couple group discussions on banned books and censorship in English classes this week. Please enter me – Thanks for hosting.
    bevsharp@desch.org

  193. I’ve been ranting on Twitter and on everyone else’s blogs … haven’t yet read any of the books, but I have a good idea what Speak is about and can’t believe that a PROFESSOR is actually equating a book about rape, that probably helps so many people everyday, with porn. It is just absurd. I also never realized that your novel is being targeted for banning! 😮

    bella-on-toast@hotmail.com

  194. I’m all for #speakingloudly and I’ve been watching all of this with interest and also speaking out. I support banned books and I’m getting a tshirt with that on to prove it!

    Thanks for the contest, if I don’t win, I’m buying them anyway. Take THAT Scroggins 😛

    Lynsey(AT)narrativelyspeaking(DOT)com

  195. I worked in a library the past 8 years. My responsibilities were primarily the YA and children’s area, but I ordered for adults too.
    Looking at this man’s letter makes me wonder what world the people who file the complaints live on. One year when I was doing a Banned Book program and we were at the display, I had the best response yet. I had 3 children in the group who were home schooled and restricted in what they could read or view. Harry Potter was definitely on the NO list. The 6th grade son listened to my explanation of why the books were there and looked at the books. He said “That isn’t right. My parents can tell us what we can’t read, but they don’t have the right to tell anybody else what to read.” Personally, he hit the nail square on the head. If parents don’t want their children to read any of those books, they have the right and responsibility to prevent them. Removing temptation isn’t the answer. If I want my child to have wider options, they should be available. At some point these children will have to go out into the real world and they need to know what to expect and how to cope with it.
    As for adults, MYOB. There are a lot of books out there I don’t care for, but some people like them, so let them read them. As long as no one has been hurt in the making of the book (thinking here of pictures and child porn) let it be.

  197. Fabulous contest!!!
    I’ve retweeted many tweets including this one! And am doing a guest blog post for a friend’s book blog against censorship and highlighting Speak, one of my favorite books!

  198. I posted on my facebook and told all my friends about this load of crap. While I didn’t go to that school I did go to a high school that banned about 20 books at the end of last year due to “inappropriate content.” I am a huge book fan so I started quite an uproar about this.

  199. I think it`s brilliant! Teenage boys and girls need this books to educate them selfs. I want to learn more about this REAL problems. I want to understand the REAL risks and consequences of some actions, but there ARE some questions that you just can`t ask your parents about, cause they will give you that weird look or tell you to shut up and don`t speak about this stuff or both. This is where these books are coming on help. And the fact the some people want to take that knowledge away form us under the line “We care for you and this is why we do it” is horrific and unacceptable.
    I think that SpeakLoudly can proof my point. Love the idea ♥ and the contest

  200. I graduated from Republic High School (the school in question). I still live about 20 minutes away from Republic. I’m horrified. I refuse to let my children grow up in a world where ignorance can block their access to knowledge, literature and basic human rights! I started a Banned Book Literary Club on Facebook. We are going to start with Slaughterhouse-Five (which has already been banned). We already have 129 members and growing. The club is only about 3 days old!!! I hope to get students involved and somehow be able to donate these books to the teenagers who are anxious to read them. Spread the word and join our cause!!!

    http://www.facebook.com/bannedbookliteraryclub

  201. I’ve been doing a bit of tweeting/retweeting this week. Also, I’ve read your awesome book, Sarah, but I’m going to buy a copy of Laurie’s SPEAK. I’m also going to buy some other banned books for my niece and maybe a few for a friend of mine who is a high school teacher.

  202. I suggest that the good doctor turn his ire onto something truly offensive–PopcORN. Look at the word–it contains porn (and it almost has core). Popcorn is often consumed (and sometimes even shared) in dark movie halls, and is marketed at teens. Scroggins should work to ban this filth.

    As Alinsky said, ridicule is one of the most potent ways to erode power.

    From Canada, in solidarity.

  203. I am a librarian in a small school library in the Missouri Ozarks. I passed the Springfield News-Leader editorials to our English teacher to share with his classes. I have Speak and Slaughter House Five in our collection, but do not have Twenty Boy Summer. I am in the process of compiling a book order and will include your book in the order. I think it will be widely read in our modest collection.

  204. I am writing my Honors Thesis on YA literature, but have been searching all summer for an “angle.” I think that I may have found that angle in the enormous response of the YA lit community to this attempted act of censorship. Sarah, you have led this onslaught of YA readers against censorship, and for that you should be very proud. Bravo!

  205. Pingback: Bloggers Speak Out – link collection | Escape Through the Pages

  206. I’m planning on buying/winning a copy of SPEAK and share it with my friends. Some books should NEVER be banned and SPEAK is definitely one of them.

  207. I created a large eye-catching display in my school library featuring banned books. Along with putting example books in the display and caution tape, I made a sign explaining the controversy (for my unaware 9th graders).

    The sign says: “In America we have the freedom to read the books we want, but some people want to take away that freedom. Someone, somewhere doesn’t think you should read these books. Be a rebel and read a banned book.”

  208. I love this give-away idea! and I loved your video post on The Contempts blog.
    I am blogging and facebooking about banned books week. I have a copy of Speak in my classroom library. I am reading banned books, teaching banned books, and teaching my students to think for themselves and to make their own choices about what they read.
    Twenty Boy Summer has been on my to read list for some time and I checked it out of the library today (along with Fahrenheit 451 and 1984) to read.
    Keep speaking up. Keep writing. Keep reading.

  209. I haven’t been doing much, to be honest, besides Tweeting and talking to my local librarians. Why? Because if I attempt to write about my thoughts on the idea of banning such amazing books like Speak and Twenty Boy Summer, I’m sure that 99% of what I’ll say will turn out to be curse words. So I leave the blogging to my more eloquent-when-angry friends. I’ve been tweeting nonstop, as I’ve said, and talked with my local librarians about this. Two of the three I contacted had no idea about this, so I’m glad I got word to them. They started spreading it amongst themselves. The third HAD heard about it, and we both angsty-ranted about it for a while.

    If I had the money, I’d buy a dozen copies of these books and have giveaways for them. I connected with both of these books so profoundly that I felt personally attacked. I’m truly disgusted by Scroggins’s entire article.

    angelmistress[at]hotmail[dot]com

  211. I live in Republic and am appalled and fighting agianst this stupidity. Love the contest–makes the fight more fun!

  212. Thank you for your awesome giveaway! I plan to use this week to support all those who speak out about censorship. If I win your contest I will be donating all three to my public library so more people will have a chance to read them.

  213. Thanks for your giveaway! What a great idea! I took to my Facebook profile to let people know about what Scroggins said. I have been telling everyone I can about this as well. My family loves books and to read so when books get banned (especially books that we have read and love) we get a bit riled up. All week I’m going to read a few books that others are trying to ban!

  214. I was inspired by the blogger Pirate Bounty. I am Speaking Loudly by buying a few copies of Speak, writing “Speak Loudly” inside the cover, and donating them to our locale middle school.
    Thanks for the awesome idea =_

  216. Wow, what a movement! I’ve definitely done my part to contribute by helping spread the word…Keeping children sheltered is one thing, but keeping them ignorant is another.

  217. What a great question, I have recently started a book club at work and the book we chose for this month is the banned book The Great Gatsby.
    hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

  218. Banned books have been the topic of me and my friends’ conversations all week. So far I’ve convinced a few of them to read Speak, another one is reading Twenty Summer Boy. I’m spreading the word on the banned books every chance I get (twitter, facebook, etc). On my part, I’ll be reading Speak, reviewing it and I will be lending it to fellow book bloggers once I finished. I really don’t understand what is going on with Mr. Scroggins but these books shouldn’t be banned at all!

  219. I’m choosing banned books I’ve not yet read or listened to and making sure I do. My husband and I also attended an ACLU-sponsored banned book reading and banned song sing-along.

  220. As a librarian, I am making sure that these books (and other “banned books”) are easily available to any patrons that come looking for them (and they have since they’ve read/heard about what is happening).

  221. My current FB status “In “honor” of Banned Books Week: preventing your own child from reading a book is called parenting. Preventing mine from reading it is censorship. It’s that simple.”

    And I’m giving my 18 year old lists of banned books to read 🙂

  223. I too took to my twitter and facebook feeds to Speak Loudly. Thank God for technology today. There are so many ways to stand up and fight. There is almost no excuse not to have your voice heard.

  224. Banned books and chocolate? Love it. I have been re-tweeting links to blogs about banned books and have started following some awesome kidlit tweeps as a result. As always, I have been encouraging my kids to read, read, read (what THEY want to, not what others tell them they should). I will also be adding Speak to (the top of) my “waiting-to-be-read” pile.

  225. LOVE this! I’ve read two books–Alexie’s DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN and Halse Anderson’s SPEAK–and wrote a guest blog post for shannonmayer.blogspot.com (which anyone can go and read). Banned Books Week is SO important and becomes increasingly so with each year. #SpeakLoudly friends!

  226. What fun! I have been promoting banned books on my blog and twitter. I have also made a display in my school library and purchased a number of banned books to read and/or give away. Thanks for doing this!

  227. ‘Filthy’ books are the best kind, I say.
    I’ve blogged about banned books, tweeted, and requested (and had my friends request, too) my school library stock said filthy book. They’re ordering Speak now, at least!

  228. What a great idea!
    I’ve blogged and facebook(ed?) about banned books and about what I’ve named Speak Controversy 2010. I already know a few people who have gone out and bought these books. If I don’t win I plan on going out and buying 20 boy summer stat!

  229. I actually bought two copies of speak for my school’s library thought take that book banners when I saw a kid pick it up!

  231. I commented earlier about my Speak Loudly post, but I also wanted to put it out there that I created a banned books giveaway in honor of this week 🙂 Check it out if you’re interested, but hurry b/c it ends tomorrow night (10/2) Banned Books Giveaway

  232. mr. scoggins sounds like an eighth grader with his use of “female parts”, and “f-word”. he ran an unsuccesful local school board campaign in ‘o8. he should try the texas state school board. in other mccarthyism news, earlier this month, in another Ozark community near Republic, the Stockton school board placed a ban on Sherman Alexie’s novel “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”. it makes my skin crawl to think there are people/communities that this is good.

  233. Embarrassing that Scroggins is an academic, like me. Happily, he does teach in the humanities nor should he. But whatever the discipline, coleege faculty, except those at evangelical colleges or universities, should be in the business of opening minds, not closing them.

  234. I am reading all the “bad” books and recommending them to all my bookwork buddies, as well as getting nonreaders into these books too. And we’re each buying our own copies.

  235. I am encouraging everyone I know to read a banned book this week. He is trying to read the school system of profane books. His own children are home schooled, but he still has the balls (profane word) to tell me how to raise my children. If you go on the Missouri State website, it gives you his email address and phone number. Feel free to call him and tell him how great each of these books were.

  236. I’ve looked up a list of banned books and I’m slowly making my way through them. Nobody is allowed to tell me that I can’t read something.

  237. Oh I’m going to visit the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial LIbrary ’cause it is right in town (also one of the banned books!).

    • correction, Kurt Vonnegut is an author of one of the banned books, “Slaughterhouse Five”.

  238. I love it!!
    What a MORON this scoggins is!
    This school boards unconstitutional actions are yet another
    example of the low quality and low IQ of many of today’s public
    servants.Too bad we cannot find better qualified people who are
    interested in a career in public service.This applies to all levels
    up to and including the presidential candidates.How can people in their position be so completely clueless about the constitution
    or the intent of the founding fathers?
    Apparently they want to return to the dark ages.Perhaps they should pack up and leave this place and find some other place to live and set up their theocracy.
    Mao,Lenin,The taliban .Although they don’t realize it these people
    have more in common with this school board than real Americans!

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  240. Ohhh, the chance to win 3 great books AND chocolate. Especially when those books are challenged by an empty-headed, pre-programmed, illiterate “Christian-lite” who obviously doesn’t know his Bible but thinks he has the right to push his perverted “gospel” (I wouldn’t call this “good news”) on everyone else. Having studied the Bible for over 20 years, most of that under the firebrand and genius theologian Dr. Gene Scott, who stood up for REAL Christian rights, mostly against these faux “Christians”, I felt it necessary to attend 2 Republic School District board meetings, especially since I live in the district and my son graduated from there (although he refuses now to acknowledge that to anyone). Of course we, the public, were not permitted to speak. Seems that, in the ultimate hypocrisy, parents and taxpayers are not allowed to address the school board without their previously approved and scrutinized-for-content permission. And the ultimate result was that TBS and SF will be kept under lock and key at the school library, only able to be checked out by a student’s parents actually going to the school (even if that “child” is 18). Does anyone know an ACLU lawyer? (I hope I win these books. I love books. I’m not afraid of books. I know the middle-schooler here that TWICE raped a special needs girl IN THE LIBRARY, didn’t learn that from a book! Whole other story.) Also, Kurt Vonnegut is donating 150 books to Republic for any kid that wants one. There is a waiting line of 30 people at the library for his book.

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