Thrilled was I to read in the Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN) about the failed effort to ban a book, Eleanor and Park.  Books should not be banned.  Period.

Yes, there are difficult themes in books.  But there are difficult themes in life.  Yes, there are offensive themes in books.  But there are offensive themes in life.  In the hands of a skilled educator, a reflective parent, any book can be a source of learning; it can lead to discussion and consideration of life and what kind of world we want to live in and create, just by our living.

Read.  And read lots!