Flashcards of My Life

Sometimes the motivation behind censoring a book completely escapes me. Although I strongly believe that censorship is unnecessary and counterproductive to creating a populace that is engaged and intelligent, sometimes I can understand where the outrage comes from. Not that I ever agree, but I can see where, if someone had a certain worldview, their perspective might be acceptable to themselves, and a group of people who may see things in a similar manner.

Having said that, I have absolutely ZERO understanding of why anyone would challenge this book - but they have, and it appears on the list of 2008's most challenged books. I picked this gem as my read for Banned Books Week (I'm a bit late in finishing it...) and laughed my way through this charming story of Emily, a fairly normal middle school girl. She's awkward and concerned with friends and family and boys and school and everything that comes along with being a young adult. Harper captures her voice perfectly, and creates a wonderful background for a simple tale of adolescence with the concept of journaling flashcards. What a perfect venue for showing the growth, maturity, and tweenaged confusion of this sweet character.

If more people read a book because it has been challenged, I do hope they find their way to this gem. Very fun, and very good.