We’re closing in on the end of 2013 Banned Books Week, which runs from September 22-28. This is the week where, each year, the focus is on “our freedom to read” and how the personal opinions and power of the few keep certain books out of the hands of the many.

There are lists of books that have been banned over the years, but you might be surprised that removing books from library and classroom shelves is still going on.

Books that were banned in 2012/2013 include:

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel was banned in 2012 from the sophomore reading list at Nampa High School in Idaho because some thought it “too racy.” One parent said it was “a vile piece of work.” This book is considered a modern classic in Latin American literature.

Looking for Alaska by John Green is a popular teen book and won the 2006 Michael L. Printz award for excellence in young adult literature, among other awards. In 2012, this book was removed from the required reading list in Sumner County, TN schools because of a scene that involved oral sex. Knox County also banned it, calling the book “pornography.”

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (another popular book with teens) by Stephen Chbosky was challenged at Grandview Heights, Ohio high school because it contains references to drugs, alcohol, sex, homosexuality and abuse.

Follow this link for a full list of recently banned books.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if next year there isn’t a new list of banned books? Even though Banned Books Week is ending tomorrow, remember that every day of the year the choice is yours: celebrate your freedom to read!