A Statement from Ana Castillo

The legendary and gracious Ana Castillo has generously allowed Banning History to use her statement from her blog on the banning of the books in Tucson. Ms. Castillo's book, SO FAR FROM GOD is on the list of banned books.

"Hey kids: We interrupt our scheduled programming on the upcoming writing workshops I am offering this Easter Week in New Mexico to give an update on the political, moral and psychological decline of our neighboring state.

Here is a full list of books that were effectively banned when Tucson shut down the ethnic studies program. Last week, books were physically removed from libraries and classrooms, and reportedly taken out of students’ hands. Once you take a look at the growing, extensive list (link below) the question to ask is which Latin@ writer whose books have been regularly adopted in courses ISN’T on the list?

It’s a mini-McCarthyish blacklist equating any Latin@ immigrant related expression to the fear generated amongst the populace during the Cold War. The presumed threat then was the world takeover of Communism.

This is not the only move to discredit Latin@ literature along the border, in particular Texas. The question during an election year to ask, especially for Arizonan voters is: Yay or nay on our First Amendment and Freedom of Speech rights being systematically removed?"


http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/

You can find all of Ms. Castillo's books here and we encourage you to buy them ALL if you can, but especially SO FAR FROM GOD.  Please take the time to visit her website and read it as well as comment on her blog posts.  She has a lovely new design and a ton of information about her writing workshops, appearances, interviews, etc.

I'd also be humbled if you headed over to AmoXcalli to read some of my reviews of her wonderful books and an interview I did with her a few years ago.

 We thank Ms. Castillo for allowing us to use her statement.