The New Yorker has an interesting article this week about the development of literature for children and E.B. White’s writing of Stuart Little. Did you know that after it was published in 1945, Stuart Little was banned by many libraries? I haven’t read Stuart Little since I was a child, but I hadn’t realized that and I couldn’t think why it would have been banned. Why would anyone ban a seemingly harmless book about a mouse-child?
The reasons behind the ban are surprising. Banning Stuart Little was a sort of political battle between two woman in the newly developing field of children’s literature. How many other “bans” on books are simply personal?
If you are interested in children’s literature, banned books, or Stuart Little in particular, check out the article. It made me want to reread Stuart Little and see what the fuss was about.
I’ve never read Stuart Little but now I’m thinking that I’d like to.
Unfortunately attempting to restrict everyone’s reading based on one’s own personal values is prevalent everywhere. Sad, but true.
I must go and read this article. I’ve certainly come across this sort of thing in the field of UK children’s literature. It tends to be an area where strong personalities gather disciples and have an inappropriate influence. I’m not sure whether I’m comforted that this is the same elsewhere or despairing.
@Natasha: Stuart Little is one that I grew up with. Haven’t read it for 15 years, though. I see I must.
@Ann Darnton and Lisa: It is sad! I guess it’s bound to happen when a select few are the ones in charge of purchasing books for a library!