However, I cannot argue that the first amendment should be reason enough to stop censorship because the underlying moral principles must be considered. ... The Catcher in the Rye, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and To Kill a Mockingbird were among the titles adults found most offensive- (Reaves 26). ... Books about racism, sex, drugs, and violence are not meant to provoke the reader; they are meant to enlighten them. ... Such ideas need to be discussed and taught because if they are not young minds will not be able to explore the way they feel about each subject. ... Without controver...

• Word Count: 800
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

If students do not learn about their own American history, if they do not learn about the appalling horrors and horrendous events that took place on American soil, they nosedive right back into the well known comfort of ignorance. ... Similar to To Kill a Mockingbird, the same advocations apply to I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. Maya Angelou tells a story, her story, about survival and courage in a prejudiced world. ... (Crum) Why ban certain books but not others? ... Honestly, those people knew how to do something not many people today know how to do. ...

• Word Count: 2168
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Without much attention, and her inability to talk about her sexual abuse, Oprah started acting out by skipping school, stealing money from her mother, and dating which forced he mother to send her back to  where she stayed with her father in Nashville at the age of fourteen, which was when she realized she was pregnant. ... At the age of 16, Oprah read Mary Angelou's autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" over and over, later quoted saying ,"I read it over and over; I had never before read a book that validated my existence....

• Word Count: 1009
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School