“You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” – Ray Bradbury, “Fahrenheit 451”

Why would people try to take knowledge from children and students? From classics such as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “The Call of the Wild” to favorites of mine such as “Fahrenheit 451” and “The Great Gatsby,” great novels like these have been banned from schools and it dilutes the learning experience of students.

“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” by Mark Twain was banned because of accusations of racial insensitivity. Twain writes his novel not to be racist but to show that a skin color doesn’t make a person. This book should be taught in schools because race relations are still strained in this country.

“The Call of the Wild,” a personal favorite of mine, was banned because of its dark tone and violence. The book teaches perseverance and loyalty, which all people should be taught.

Another famous novel that was banned was “Fahrenheit 451,” by Ray Bradbury. This novel tells of a society that outlaws books and burns them. This was banned for its language and complaints that it conflicted with their religious beliefs. This book would be a great choice to teach because in our society we are obsessed with technology and many people including students don’t read like they used to.

“The Great Gatsby,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald banned for its language and adult themes. This novel is a great book and its moral about how the American dream can corrupt and change people is something everyone should be taught. The book also talks about how your past isn’t easy to escape and that unbridled passion can cause downfalls.

Every novel on this list is a favorite of mine, and I think it is crazy that they were banned from learning. People need to be taught about things and without books where would the learning come from.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R. R. Martin.