Here's why:
* Controversial Content: The book depicts extreme child abuse and neglect, which some parents and educators find disturbing and inappropriate for young readers.
* Ethical Concerns: Some critics argue that the book may trigger traumatic memories in children who have experienced similar abuse.
* Lack of Censorship: The United States does not have a national system for banning books. Individual schools or libraries can choose to remove books from their collections, but they are not legally required to do so.
Important Notes:
* Challenges vs. Bans: It's crucial to distinguish between challenges and bans. A challenge is a formal request to remove a book from a library or classroom, while a ban is a permanent decision to prohibit access to a book.
* Parental Rights: Parents have the right to choose what their children read. While "A Child Called 'It'" is not banned, parents can decide whether or not to allow their children to read it.
The book's controversial nature has sparked debate about the role of literature in addressing sensitive topics and the balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect vulnerable children.