Thought I'd take up a touchy subject: Censorship. This because there are rumors floating about in Internetland about my new teen series, SACRED BOOKS, being banned (Volume I, THE BOOK OF NONSENSE, has just been released).

I've been asked about the subject in numerous interviews, and I can say only this without giving away future plot points: we are fully expecting problems with some folks when Volume III, THE LIBRARY, hits the shelves in 2010, likely the same folks who had problems with THE GOLDEN COMPASS, THE DA VINCI CODE, and to a lesser extent, HARRY POTTER.

Some have observed that Blooming Tree Press' new imprint, CBAY (series publisher) has this slogan: "Publishing the Banned Books of Tomorrow," so pretending we aren't headed into this difficult territory is silly. No, we do not WANT the books to be banned, as was suggested by one probably justifiably cynical blogger. We're simply being realistic. Do we realize talking about this ahead of time might draw attention the first book might otherwise not elicit — sure. (However, THE BOOK OF NONSENSE should not stir up any of these issues, and I'm thrilled to say it has been included in the Association of Booksellers for Children's Best Books 2008 list).

But here's the point I'd like to get to. This series is not for everyone. As a middle school teacher I am strongly in favor of kids reading books appropriate for them, and NOT reading books not appropriate for them. I am strongly in favor of bizymoms like you taking an active role in their kids' reading choices. I am more than happy to tell folks ahead of time, "Hey, if the Da Vinci Code upset you, you'll probably want to stay clear of the series, at least the later books."

To the pointier point: I am in favor of sometimes avoiding books, but let's never confuse that with banning them.

Best and thanks for reading,

David Michael Slater
www.davidmicahelslater.com

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