Monday, July 11, 2011

James and the Giant Peach

James and the Giant Peach
Most Challenged Book List


Dahl, R. (1996). James and the giant peach. New York, NY:  Puffin Books.

James and the Giant Peach is often challenged due to a variety of reasons.  Some reasons include language, abuse of James, promoting drug and alcohol use, and disobeying parents.  This is a book that I was never interested in reading.  As a child, I can't tell you how many time I read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by the same author.  But I have never had an interest in this particular book.  I have never seen the movie either.  When I saw this title on the most challenged list, I knew it was time for me to read it.  I have to say, I did not care for it at all.  I did not look up any reasons for the challenges prior to my reading it so as to not skew my opinion.  I, personally, did not like the choice of language in the name-calling that went on.  I did think things were a bit harsh at his aunts' house as I was reading the book.  When the giant peach rolled over the aunts, did they die?  Weird.  I also thought about how huge this adventure was, how far James and his friends went, the fact that James was with strangers from the moment he took the brown bag, and the whole thing started with sneaking off...    I don't think it should be banned or anything, but I can see why some parents wouldn't like it.  I am pretty strict with my own kids, but this is not something I would stop them from reading.  I just didn't care for it.

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