After shootings in Colorado in 1999 censors quickly switched their focus from sexual material to violence in books (Carvajal). Censors of today are targeting books which include swearing, violence, sex, gay or lesbian relationships, the occult, and children acting out in opposition of their parents and the norms of the world (Staples). For this last example, we turn to Katherine Paterson's The Great Gilly Hopkins, a book banned for containing swears and using the name of God in an improper manner. Gilly is in foster care and happens to be tough and vocal about her anger until she is liberated by love (Staples).
One would think that "censor of children's books" is a distinguished title handed only to those literary experts with multiple degrees in English and Child Psychology. Surprisingly, it is the parents of these young readers who are making judgment calls (Silvey). However, when experts are not consulted, the developmental needs of young readers are not being taken into account (Ellison 47). Depending on the capabilities of the reader, context of a book may contain completely different meanings. To determine if a book belongs on the shelves of young adults or elementary students, see if it takes an adult's knowledge and life experience to understand the story (Edwards, C 117). Take into consideration a piece of French literature, Le Petit Prince, about a small boy living on a meteor. One use of the book is how it is used in the studies of kindergartners as a cute story to listen to and learn to read. Yet there is a deeper meaning in the tiny meteor and the boy who lives there, theologians study the complexity of meaning in the small boy's words. However, no caliber of study is required for a book challenge; parental censors are in the simplest forms seeking the removal of books containing opinions in opposition to their own. Parents have gone so far as to steal books from library shelves to avoid an argument or when an argument has not gone their way (Silvey).
