The ALA received 547 written complaints in 2004 requesting certain materials be removed from schools or libraries because of content or appropriateness. Here’s the 2004 list.

• The Chocolate War for sexual content, offensive language, religious viewpoint, being unsuited to age group and violence.

• Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers, for racism, offensive language and violence

• Arming America: The Origins of a National Gun Culture by Michael A. Bellesiles, for inaccuracy and political viewpoint

• Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey, for offensive language and modeling bad behavior Blogger note here: ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? oh. sorry. that was offensive language and modeling bad behavior. BUT HONESTLY–CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS? Some little letter writers need to get a big fat sense of humor and wrap it up with a big pink bow.

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, for homosexuality, sexual content and offensive language

• What My Mother Doesn’t Know by Sonya Sones, for sexual content and offensive language

• In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak, for nudity and offensive language

• King & King by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland, for homosexuality

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, for racism, homosexuality, sexual content, offensive language and unsuited to age group Blogger note: Heavy, heartfelt sigh.

• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, for racism, offensive language and violence Blogger note: Good Lord. What’s next?
  

How sad is this?