Monday, February 26, 2007

Web Review #6



Fahrenheit 451: Banned Books Reading Campaign.

http://www.pelhamlibrary.blogspot.com/

Freedom to Read Week

February 23 - March 3


Fahrenheit 451: Banned Books website hosts a discussion on censorship through the Pelham Public Library in Fonthill, Ontario, Canada http://www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca/ . Readers can take the "Banned Book Challenge", scan lists of banned books, explore a comprehensive list of banned books websites and resources, read reviews of banned books or write their own reviews !


Freedom to Read Week is an annual Canadian event that encourages everyone to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed to all Canadians under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Freedom to Read Week is organized by the Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council.


Although the Fahrenheit 451: Banned Books reading program and website are not designed for ESL students in particular, Freedom to Read is an important campaign and concept to introduce to Advanced ESL students. Whether at Niagara College or across the border, the program is accessible to all. There is an abundance of materials available on the website; and readers, can tell others on-line which books they plan to read, why they thought the book was banned, and what they felt about the book after they had read it. Libraries all across Canada are participating in the Freedom to Read Campaign. ESL students and others anywhere in Canada can visit their local libraries, browse the banned books lists, borrow and read a banned book.


For ESL students at Niagara College - Welland Campus, Ontario, the Pelham Public Library is 5 minutes down the road at 43 Pelham Town Square in Fonthill. For more information, e-mail Elaine Anderson through the Fahrenheit 451: Banned Books website or at fahrenfeit451moderator@gmail.com or phone the library at 905-892-6443.


My favourite banned book, "Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak" by Niagara authour Deborah Ellis is featured on the website. Deborah spoke at Pelham Public Library this past year and is participating in the Banned Book Reading Challenge.
Read about a Grade 5 student who became the first child to receive the Writers' Union of Canada's Freedom to Read Award for her defense of "Three Wishes" at http://www.thestar.com/article/186441 . Reproduced with permision - Torstar Syndication Service.
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Suzan's rating: ***** stars

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