I am humbled and honored by all of the positive reactions across the country and around the world for my Banned Books Awareness and Reading for Knowledge series about censorship. The comments and the discussions are fun and informative and nothing short of amazing. I’ve even ruffled a few feathers out there across the political spectrum and received a few reviews accusing me of adding to the “leftist propaganda machine.”

I’m not going to dwell on the naysayers other than to say controversy sells, so thanks for the free press. Here’s a few of the positive comments:

First off, there’s been quite a bit of discussion at my day job about my latest review on “Nightjohn” by Gary Paulsen, prompting a few coworkers and friends to go get a copy of this powerful short story.

“I really like that you do this, and I have actually read every banned book you have posted. The books they choose to ban are exactly the type of books I WANT my kids to read. These people that want to ban books disgust me, they live life with their eyes closed in a ‘if I can’t see it then it doesn’t happen’ ideal. That only works for so long, then curiosity sets in to a child that hasn’t yet learned. I would rather teach them and settle that curiosity when they are actually wondering and I am able to guide them and answer their questions the right way.” – Aaron P. (via Facebook 1/30/2011)

“I try to share each week [with my children], if you don’t mind, I’ll continue. I have three boys who are avid readers, I think it’s important to make them and others aware that it’s their right to read what they choose, if they decide otherwise that’s by their own choice, not someone else’s. Thank YOU for giving me the opportunity to share this, your work is amazing.” – Michelle O (via Facebook 3/27/2011)

(On the Banned Books Awareness series being honored 4 times as a featured article of World Education Network’s website) “Good for you Wolf! You are bringing such awareness to others, such as myself, to things that most have no idea about! James & the Giant Peach, for example… my gosh! I loved that book! I was just going to buy that book for [my son] the other day! Told him it’s a classic! Keep up the great work! Kudos!” – Terri Marie (via Facebook 6/5/2011)

“Just read the latest Banned Book blog. Loved it! I was never restricted from reading anything growing up. I guess the way my parents saw it was there is no such thing as a bad book. I’m often shocked at the titles you list. You just keep writing and giving me ideas for books to buy just because I hate to be told what to do, read, or think!” – Karen V. (via Facebook 6/5/2011)

“Thank you for visiting and taking the time to leave a comment. Over the years, I have enjoyed putting together what I think is a pretty good resource for banned and challenged literature and issues of free speech. I was very happy to find your site.” – Blog Moderator for the Pelham Library in Ontario, Canada in regards to my Thank You letter for a feature they did on my Banned Books Awareness series (9/16/2011)

Many libraries here in the United States have put up displays for national Banned Books Week. This is the display at a library in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin:

“Love reading your articles on the Banned Books. I work at a library in a small community [in Wisconsin], and would like to print your articles every week and put it at our circulation desk for our patrons to see. Continue to keep up the excellent work. When Banned Books Week is over, we will still be featuring your articles that you write on our front counter. This is something that needs to be addressed everyday in my opinion.” – Paula C. (via Facebook 9/19/2011)

Banned Books Week 2011 display

I thank you all for your encouragement, your comments, and your support in Sharing the Knowledge.