Date: Tue, 7 Feb 1995 19:49:10 -0500 From: Chris Hagin To: Multiple recipients of list GLB-NEWS Subject: Samplings of the Most ``Challenged Books'' in 1994 COMPILED FROM WIRE SERVICE DISPATCHES Date: Mon, 6 Feb 1995 Samplings of the Most ``Challenged Books'' in 1994 PHILADELPHIA -- ``Daddy's Roommate,'' a children's picture book showing a gay parent family, once again topped the list of books people tried to ban in 1994, the American Library Association said Monday. It was the second consecutive year the book by Michael Willhoite made it to the top of ALA's ``most challenged'' list. Another author generating considerable controversy was Alvin Schwartz, whose three books of ghost stories and folktales earned him the spot as most challenged author, the organization said. Other titles at the top of the list reflect a concern with gay materials, witchcraft, the occult and sex. ``Heather Has Two Mommies'' by Leslea Newman, a picture book about lesbian parents, and ``Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark'' by Schwartz tied for second. The ALA received reports of 760 challenges to books in schools, school libraries and public libraries last year. The majority involved school library materials, the group said. Other titles on the list include ``Forever'' by Judy Blume; ``More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark'' by Schwartz; ``Bridge to Terabithia'' by Katherine Paterson; ``The Chocolate War'' by Robert Cormier; ``The New Joy of Gay Sex'' by Charles Silverstein; ``Scary Stories III'' by Schwartz; ``The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'' by Mark Twain; ``Catcher in the Rye'' by J.D. Salinger; and ``Running Loose'' by Chris Crutcher. S. CHRISTOPHER HAGIN | The Pledge of Allegance says: Atlanta 1996 | "With liberty and justice for ALL" chagin@mindspring.com | What part of ALL do you not understand? HATE IS NOT A FAMILY VALUE