Challenged Books Project
“There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.” ~Ray Bradbury
The Project:
You will choose one book from the list of Commonly Banned and Challenged
Books list. You will read your book, conduct research about why it is challenged or
banned, and present your findings in a research paper.
Step 1: Choose a Book
 First Come First Choice. Starting tomorrow there will be a sign up sheet outside
my door.
 No repeats per class.
 Any book with an ** needs teacher approval!
 Only books that are listed more than once may be repeated (students may not
repeat a book already being read by another in his/her class).
Step 2: Read your book
 It is up to you to finish the book in a timely manner—don’t procrastinate!
Step 3: Conduct Research (three days will be provided in class)
 Why is the book challenged or banned?
 What does the book contain that would “offend” a group of people?
 When has the book been called into question (place/dates/by whom)
 Identify the literary merit of the book (Why it is, indeed, a classic novel)
Step 4: Write the Research Paper
 See Research Paper Requirements on other side
Due Dates:*could change due to snow, but don’t count on it!
Annotated Bibliography: December 18
Rough Draft: January 21
Final Due Date: January 30
Research Paper Requirements
Requirements:
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Minimum of 6 full pages (to the bottom of 6th page)
Works Cited page (not included in count of 6)
A variety of sources (internet, book, journals…)
o A minimum of 5 sources used
o No Wikipedia, about.com, blogs, enotes, sparknotes, etc.
You must use 5 direct quotes from your novel within your paper.
No Personal Pronouns (I, me, you, us…)
Times New Roman, size 12, double spaced, MLA format
Thesis
Suggestions:
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Provide information about the author that may be relevant to the literary merit of
the novel or why it was challenged/banned.
The original publication date of the novel (does this affect its content?)
Literary Merit
o Theme
o Critic’s opinions
o Why is it considered a classic?
o Why is it still taught in some schools/colleges?
o What’s so GREAT about this book? (Use critics to argue this part, not your
ideas)
Challenged / Banned
o When was it challenged/banned
o Who attempted to challenge / ban
o Offer examples from the text to demonstrate the author’s controversial
style. Summarize as necessary for school appropriate discussion.
How have perceptions changed since it was originally banned/challenged (if they
have)
Basically, you are arguing both sides of the coin: Why it is both controversial and also
Why it is a classic literary novel.
**Visit an English tutor or me for help BEFORE the due date!