Celebrate Banned Books Week

Sponsored by several leading arts, educational and trade associations, Banned Books Week (September 26-October 3, 2009) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, the week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States.

For a list of helpful teaching resources, visit the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) website.

Click here for our free educator magazine, RHI: Volume 3: Censorship & Banned Books.

Click here to visit the Random House First Amendment page.

The Complete Persepolis Selected for the 2010 One Book, One Philadelphia

Iranian-French author Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel, The Complete Persepolis, has been announced as the selection for the 2010 One Book, One Philadelphia.

"Marjane's book was a natural choice given the recent events in Iran," said Marie Field, chair of the citywide literacy program. One Book, which is entering its eighth year, will feature more than 100 lectures, discussion groups, and workshops at numerous venues throughout the city. Organizers also will help coordinate high school programs for students in 10th grade and up.