'Reading, writing, and arithmetic" seem to be the most simplistic ideals and categories of a child's education. One would think that it would be near impossible to argue against a child showing interest in any of the three. However, as education progresses and society matures problems have heightened over the evaluation of certain children's books. Many of the problems found within these controversial books deal with subjects such as masturbation, puberty, sexual activity, rebellion against authority, independence, drugs, and alcohol. However, are these issue not dealt with on a daily basis by young adults? With these issues arising in Children's literature critics debate over the age-level appropriateness, the overall moral messages, the high popularity that these books have amongst children, and the literary quality. Censorship has had an effect on the distribution and reading of many children's books within libraries, homes, bookstores, and schools. Books are being taken off of the shelves because some disagree with the content. This is not fair to those with different beliefs.
             Censorship of books has been around since the early Roman times. It progressed into many religious and political issues, dictating certain books which were unacceptable to read. Censorship in the last century concerned itself less with religious and political matters and more with personal morals and obscenity. Perhaps, after constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and democratic elections were established, the one remaining area for controversy and control was that of personal morality.
             When examining personal morality, it is difficult because through the controversy one must remember that it is personal, not communal. When a school board, library, and group decide on whether or not a certain book is acceptable they are infringing on a person's rights. In regards to children's books it is even more difficult because the child is no...