Assingments % - Banned Book Review: A Critical Analysis of [Book Title]

The purpose of completing this assignment is to critically review a book from the ALA’s banned book list, providing a perspective on the reasons for its restriction and the implications of such actions. This review aims to offer a comprehensive analysis — including a synopsis, rationale for banning, key quotes, arguments against restriction, potential pedagogical challenges, and the impact on readers if the book were removed from the curriculum. Hi. Your book review of the banned book needs to be between 7-10 pages, double spaced, one inch margins, 12 point font, and in APA format. Must be submitted as .Doc or .PDF. Please don’t use Google Docs unless you are sure you have given me access to the document. I don’t have a minimum of sources you should use, but your analysis of the book should definitely be making reference to many of the sources from the course we have read/watched up to this point. Just because this assignment is part of specific module doesn’t mean that materials from other modules shouldn’t be used. You should be showing me your critical analysis skills in this review. It’s not just a summary. And it’s not just your “opinion.” You should use the materials from the course in your analysis of the book. If you use AI you must only use it as support for your own writing. You must never use it in replacement of your own writing. If you use AI (and I expect most will), you must acknowledge it and when appropriate it, cite it when you do. Your citation should be in APA format. Integrity is a key disposition for an educator and I expect you to be operating at the highest standard when it comes to using AI in your work. Thank you. Task Review a book on the banned book list put out by the ALA (see below). Your review should provide readers with: A synopsis of the book; The rationale for why some people are trying to restrict or ban it from schools and/or libraries; Direct quotes from the book that give readers a sense of why some people want it banned or restricted; A discussion of why some people think it shouldn’t be restricted or banned; An analysis of the ideas that would be made unavailable to readers if the book under consideration was restricted or banned from the school curriculum; A consideration of some of the pedagogical challenges that teaching the book would present to teachers; Your essay should be typed, double-spaced, use 12-point type, have one inch margins, and saved as a Word Doc or PDF. It must adhere to the university’s writing standards. You must cite at least five sources from the course materials in your review. You must use APA format for all citations. Any use of AI in your review must be cited. If AI is used in any way and not cited it is considered cheating and you will fail the assignment. Banned Book List Pick one to review (Just as a reminder, if you use AI or cut/paste content from the internet, you must cite it as you would any other source, otherwise it’s considered cheating.) Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Flamer by Mike Curato Looking for Alaska by John Green The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas Crank by Ellen Hopkins Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson Rubric EDFD449 Assignment Rubric EDFD449 Assignment Rubric Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntegration of Course Materials 40 to >20.0 pts Excellent Effectively integrates course materials into the assignments and cites materials in APA format. Shows a deep and critical understanding the materials by being “in conversation” with the authors and content producers. Makes meaningful connections between quotes and the broader context of the Module’s themes and topics. Shows a critical understanding of the conflicts and ambiguities in the materials and subjects under investigation. 20 to >10.0 pts Satisfactory Somewhat effectively integrates course materials into the assignments and doesn’t always cite materials in APA format. Shows a somewhat superficial understanding of the materials and doesn’t engage the author’s in meaningful or critical ways. Makes occasionally meaningful connections between quotes and the broader context of the Module’s themes and topics. Shows a basic understanding of the conflicts and ambiguities in the materials and subjects under investigation. 10 to >0 pts Needs Improvement Poor integration of course materials. Reliance on cherry-picked quotes without clear explanation of their relevance. Fails to demonstrate understanding of the broader context or complexity of the issues. 40 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCritical Thinking and Reflection 30 to >15.0 pts Excellent Demonstrates high levels of sophistication in tackling complex and controversial issues. Provides critical self and social reflection, making meaningful self-to-text-world connections. Shows honesty, integrity, professionalism, and commitment in all work. 15 to >5.0 pts Satisfactory Addresses complex issues but lacks depth. Some critical reflection is present, but self-to-text-world connections are weak or superficial. Generally honest and professional, but commitment is inconsistent. 5 to >0 pts Needs Improvement Struggles with addressing complex issues. Minimal critical reflection and weak self-to-text-world connections. Issues with honesty, professionalism, and commitment are evident. 30 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClarity and Standard English Usage 30 to >15.0 pts Excellent Writing is clear, coherent, and fluid. Consistently uses Standard English grammar and syntax. Demonstrates ability to integrate course materials seamlessly into writing. 15 to >5.0 pts Satisfactory Writing is generally clear but may have minor issues with coherence and fluidity. Mostly uses Standard English grammar and syntax, with occasional errors. Course materials are integrated, but not always seamlessly. 5 to >0 pts Needs Improvement Writing lacks clarity and coherence. Frequent errors in Standard English grammar and syntax. Poor integration of course materials, leading to disjointed and confusing writing. 30 pts Total Points: 100

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Your Banned Book Review

This assignment requires you to critically analyze a book from the American Library Association’s (ALA) banned book list. Your review should go beyond a simple summary and instead engage deeply with the book’s themes, the reasons behind its restriction, and its educational value. Follow this structured approach to ensure your paper meets all requirements.

Step 1: Choose a Book from the Banned List

Pick one of the books from the provided list. If you haven’t read the book yet, make sure to allocate time to read it carefully while taking notes on key themes, controversial elements, and how they relate to broader discussions on censorship and education.

Step 2: Structure Your Paper

Your review should follow a logical structure with clear sections. Here’s how to organize it:

1. Title Page (APA Format)

Title of your paper
Your name
Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Date

2. Introduction (1-1.5 pages)

Introduce the book: Include the title, author, and a brief background on its publication.
State the purpose of your review: Explain that you will analyze the book’s content, why it was banned, and its implications for education and society.
Present your thesis: Take a stance on whether or not you believe the book should be restricted and why.

3. Synopsis of the Book (1-2 pages)

Provide a concise summary of the book’s plot, main themes, and key characters.
Avoid excessive detail—focus on elements that are relevant to the controversy surrounding the book.

4. Why Was the Book Banned? (1-2 pages)

Research and summarize the reasons why this book has been challenged or removed from schools/libraries.
Identify the groups or individuals advocating for its removal.
Provide direct quotes from the book that critics argue make it inappropriate.
Discuss any specific incidents where the book was banned or challenged (include locations and school districts, if possible).

5. Arguments Against the Ban (1-2 pages)

Discuss why others argue that the book should not be banned or restricted.
Explain its literary, cultural, or educational significance.
Provide quotes or arguments from educators, librarians, or free speech advocates.
Reference sources from the course materials to strengthen your argument.

6. Implications of Banning the Book (1-1.5 pages)

What ideas or perspectives would be lost if the book were removed from the curriculum?
How might this affect students’ ability to engage with important social, historical, or cultural issues?
Discuss the potential impact on intellectual freedom and academic exploration.

7. Pedagogical Challenges (1-1.5 pages)

Identify the challenges teachers might face when teaching this book.
Discuss possible ways to address sensitive content in a classroom setting.
Offer strategies for educators to facilitate meaningful discussions around the book.

8. Conclusion (1 page)

Restate your thesis and summarize your key arguments.
Reflect on the broader significance of book censorship.
Offer your final thoughts on how educators and society should handle controversial literature.

Step 3: Formatting and Citation Guidelines

APA Format: Ensure all citations and references follow APA style.
Length: 7-10 pages (excluding title page and reference list).
Font and Margins: 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins.
Sources: Cite at least five sources from the course materials.
AI Use: If AI is used to assist with research or drafting, cite it appropriately in APA format.

Step 4: Final Review Before Submission

Proofread: Check for spelling, grammar, and clarity.
Verify Citations: Ensure all references are correctly formatted in APA.
Save as .Doc or .PDF: Avoid using Google Docs unless you have given access to your instructor.

Final Tip

Approach this assignment with a critical lens—don’t just summarize but analyze the book’s content, the controversy, and its educational implications. Engage deeply with course materials to support your arguments.

By following this guide, you will craft a well-structured, insightful, and academically strong banned book review. Good luck!