The Catcher in the Rye: Banned Book Assignment
The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most challenged novels in America. It has been banned from the shelves
of both school and public libraries and classrooms alike. It is also one of the most widely taught novels in
American high schools, both public and private.
Assignment:
Do some online research into book banning and why The Catcher in the Rye has been banned. Write a one
to two page informal response reporting your findings. You must answer the questions below.
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How and why are books banned?
What are some other frequently banned or challenged books and for what have they been
challenged?
Why has The Catcher in the Rye been banned so often? Do you agree with these reasons? How does
this impact your opinions about reading the novel?
What are your thoughts regarding banned books and the process of banning books? Think about
education, freedom of speech, and whose responsibility it is to protect students from indecent
reading material.
Requirements:
 Response must be typed according to MLA format guidelines.
 You do not need quotes or to reference your work, but please provide a list of at list three resources
you used to gather information.
 Edit for spelling, grammar, and organization.
The Catcher in the Rye: Banned Book Assignment
The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most challenged novels in America. It has been banned from the shelves
of both school and public libraries and classrooms alike. It is also one of the most widely taught novels in
American high schools, both public and private.
Assignment:
Do some online research into book banning and why The Catcher in the Rye has been banned. Write a one
to two page informal response reporting your findings. You must answer the questions below.




How and why are books banned?
What are some other frequently banned or challenged books and for what have they been
challenged?
Why has The Catcher in the Rye been banned so often? Do you agree with these reasons? How does
this impact your opinions about reading the novel?
What are your thoughts regarding banned books and the process of banning books? Think about
education, freedom of speech, and whose responsibility it is to protect students from indecent
reading material.
Requirements:
 Response must be typed according to MLA format guidelines.
 You do not need quotes or to reference your work, but please provide a list of at list three resources
you used to gather information.
 Edit for spelling, grammar, and organization.