![]() ![]() In the 1950’s, Florida state librarian, Dorothy Dodd said the books were ‘unwholesome for children” and pushed to have them removed from all of the state’s libraries. In 1928, the city of Chicago banned it from all public libraries. They opposed not only children reading it, but adults as well, lest it undermine longstanding gender roles. ![]() Ministers and educators challenged it for its “ungodly” influence and for depicting women in strong leadership roles. Nevertheless, it has come under attack several times. The New York Times praised the novel in a September 1900 review, writing that it “would appeal to child readers and to younger children who could not read yet.” The review also applauded the illustrations for being a “pleasant complement to the text.” It remains one of the most well known American literary works over a century later. Frank Baum’s tale was originally published in 1900 and adapted into a stage play in 1902 before arriving on the silver screen in 1939. When someone mentions The Wizard of Oz many no doubt imagine families gathered around the television to share in the full-color glory of this timeless classic but did you know that the book that the beloved movie is adapted from has been in the sights of censors since it was published? The common accusations are that it is “unwholesome” and “ungodly.” ![]()
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