Little Black Sambo - Another "Banned Book"

A simple but classic story of how a boy named Little Black Sambo cleverly outwits the Tigers who bully and threaten to eat him. Set in India where Tigers roam free, young Little Black Sambo must first give away his beautiful little red coat, and then his beautiful blue trousers, and next his beautiful green umbrella, and finally a lovely pair of purple shoes with crimson soles and crimson linings to avoid the wrath of the tigers.

First written in 1899, this classic childhood story has had a controversial life. Initially written by an English mother of two to amuse her girls during long journeys in India. Little Black Sambo has all the elements of a great children’s book. A strong suspenseful plot, with classic illustrations and typeset reflective of the time and place the story was written, are the perfect complement to the story. Little Black Sambo is appropriate for a school and public library. Enchanting for ages 2 to 100, this story will be read and reread many times, just as it has for the past 100 years. Some denounce the book based on the words in the title and text, and or illustrations. They believe them to be racist or degrading to black people. Rather, they should appreciate the story as a story written in India in 1899, the illustrations, typeset, and words beautifully telling the story of an Indian boy, his family, and his experience with greedy bully tigers. The book may lend itself to discussions regarding greed, bullies, style of illustration, and family life. Highly recommended by this reviewer.

Banned Book??? Why?

Olive's Ocean

"Olive Barstow was dead. She'd been hit by a car on Monroe Street while riding her bicycle weeks ago. That was about all Martha knew."

"Martha Boyle and Olive Barstow could have been friends. But they weren't - and now all that is left are eerie connections between two girls who were in the same grade at school and who both kept the same secret without knowing it.

Now Martha can't stop thinking about Olive. A family summer on Cape Cod should help banish those thoughts: instead, the seep in everywhere.

And this year Martha's routine at her beloved grandmother's beachside house is complicated by the Manning boys. But especially Jimmy. What if, what if, what if what if?" from the book's jacket.

This is a wonderful book! Deep with thought and emotion. It is on the "Banned Books List" of objected books. There is one kiss. An important kiss, but as Martha says "it was over in an instant". Well suited for middle school and above, I think particularly for 5th-7th grade girls, or someone who has experienced a loss of a peer. Aloha

Hurt Go Happy

Hurt Go Happy written and researched by Ginny Rorby is a powerful story that will intrigue animal lovers. Inspired by the true story of Lucy, a sign-language-using chimpanzee, a young abused girl, an abused dog and the world of chimps used for medical research. The author has researched every aspect of not only the deaf and signing community, but also that of the chimpanzee world. This thought provoking book is appropriate for 6th grade to adult. Readers Guide at the end is perfect for teachers or guidance counselors.

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