Why would a 'Where's Waldo' book be banned from a school?
I am taking a class about children's literature, and we are learning about books that have been challenged or banned in schools. One of the books on the list is the infamous 'Where's Waldo?' Why on earth could this possibly be banned?
Public Comments
- I was surprised too and went checking the web for reasons that might have been given. On this site: http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=3061246 the reason was given that there is one woman who is not wearing a top in the book. Now THERE'S something that kids will want to look for. I never noticed her, come to think of it. On another site (http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=26416&st=15) I found this: "Where's Waldo? AUTHOR: Martin Hanford ISBN: 0763619205 Plot Summary: A picture book, where you look closely to find...oh, hell, everyone knows what this is! Sheesh! Complaints: Nudity (Yes, I am serious.) Although most of us are searching for Waldo among the crowd in the illustrations of this book, some folks have discovered something else entirely--purportedly a topless sunbather. The book was challenged by libraries in Michigan on the grounds that "on some of the pages there are dirty things." Solonor Says Ban It Because: Seriously. This lowers the bar so far that I could get ANYTHING banned!"
- I'm guessing cause it severs no educational purpose. There is nothing to read - so how can a kid learn anything form it. Same reason you don't find comics in school libraries. The rumors of dirty pics are not true.
- I think I may know. If you look closely at the tiny, incredibly detailed pictures in those enormous books, you will occasionally come across a topless woman bathing on a beach or a woman without a shirt being surprised in a changing room by some naughty kids. I actually noticed this AS A KID when I read the books, although I don't think it had any adverse effect on me. I can see (I guess) why that might offend some school officials.
- Waldo is obviously Freddy Kreuger incognito, and he's seeking childrens' souls. The topless sunbather just put the icing on the cake. I'd like to see that, LOL.
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