Junie B. Jones Collection (Books 1 - 4) / Barbara Park / 276 pages / October Challenge Banned Books

The Junie B. Jones series was challenged at my school when the kindergarten teacher read them aloud to the class.  Apparently the kids were to impressed by Junie B's spontaneity,  independence, and problem-solving (trouble-making) abilities that they shared the stories with their parents.  There is not doubt that the stories are humorous and they are especially delightful on audio as they are recounted in a sweet, childlike voice.  However, they are definitely  stories that call for discussion.  Who would want their child to emulate Junie B's behavior?  In 2004, Barbara Park was selected as one the ALA's "Most Frequently Challenged Authors."  She wrote the series at the request of her publisher, Random House.  They wanted her to make children laugh.  She wrote  "of Junie B. making mistakes in every area of her life, socially and grammatically...The term perfect child is an oxymoron."  Ms. Parks "stopped reading about her books on the Internet because it's too hurtful."  Comments like, "I am going to throw them out.  I wouldn't give them away because I don't want anyone else to read them."  & "I find this the mental equivalent of toxic waste." were posted.  Although misspellings are frequent and Junie B's grammar and behavior are indubitably questionable, the Junie B Jones series remains a staple in most elementary libraries.