![[Book Cover]](../images/cagedbird.jpg)
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
2008
Challenged in the Manheim Township (PA) schools. The book was retained in the 9th grade English curriculum, but it will be taught later in the year after a public forum was held with parents to discuss the book and the entire literary canon of the English Department. Challenged in the Coeur d'Alene ID) School District. Some parents say the book, along with 5 others, should require parental permission for students to read them.
2007
Retained in the Fond du Lac (WI) HS sophomore advanced English class. Parents had objected to teens reading Angelou's account of being brutally raped by her mother's boyfriend and an unwanted pregnancy later in life. Parents will receive notification and be allowed to decide whether or not they approve of its use by their children.
2006
Removed as required reading from Annapolis (MD) freshman English curriculum because of rape scene and other mature content.
2005
Challenged for racism, homosexuality, sexual content, offensive language and unsuited to age group.
2003
Challenged as required reading in Hamilton (MT) freshman English class due to sexual exploration by teenagers, rape and homosexuality. Challenged in Fairfax (VA) school libraries by a group called Parents Against Bad Books in Schools for "profanity and descriptions of drug abuse, sexually explicit conduct and torture".
2002
Banned for language and being too explicit in the book's portrayal of rape and other sexual abuse.
2001
Challenged for being on the Poolesville (MD) high school reading list for sexual content and language
Held at Marshall (Drinko Library, E185.97.a56A3 1970).
Return to Author or Title Banned Book List
For more information contact Ron Titus
Site modified July 13, 2009