This week I learned about a school board near Toronto that is pulling all books published before 2008 from the shelves of their school libraries.
Initially the school board said these books, again all books published before 2008, were not relevant to students today. Later in the week they walked that statement back by saying, older books, regardless of publication date, are allowed in schools if they are “accurate, relevant to the student population, inclusive, not harmful, and support the current curriculum.”
I think we can all say this is completely illogical, as older books can teach us so much. They can teach us about history, about racism and antisemitism. They can help us understand how we, as a nation as a human community, can grow and change.
So, because this school board has got my bookworm soul angry, here are 5 of my favourite books that were published before 2008. This is a short, non-exhaustive list of just a few of the books I love, I tried to keep myself limited to 5, but there are so many good ones!
The Song of the Lioness Quartet -Tamora Pierce
This series was published between 1983-1988. I first read this series in, I think it was 2004. 20 years after initial release.
Tamora Pierce is one of my biggest inspirations as a writer, and her stories mean a lot to me. But this one is especially important.
This story details the adventures of Alanna of Trebond as she becomes a knight of Tortall, despite women being barred from such ranks. Because of this it talks greatly about gender and gender stereotypes. And it was the first book I remember reading that didn't shy away from the messy moment of a woman's life.
I will likely go into much more detail in a future blog, because I can go on and on about how much I love these books. But, suffice to say, they played a very important role in young Megan's life.
The Earthsea Cycle - Ursula K Le Guin
A Wizard of Earthsea was first publish in 1968. The six books, which are often discussed as two trilogies, is a foundational book in the fantasy series. Many claim this series to be Ione of the best designed and best written fantasy stories in the genre, and put Le Guin in the upper echelons along with Tolkien.
The first novel focuses on the story of Ged, also known as Sparrowhawk, a young wizard who struggles with the disastrous results of his pride and ignorance. There is a strong Taoist element running through the book as part of the world building, especially in regard to the “balance” of magic.
Let's just say there is a reason this series is always listed on Top Fantasy Books You Should Read articles and blogs.
The Hound of the Baskerville - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
This is my favourite of all the Sherlock Holmes stories. They are all great but this was just hold a special place in my spooky-loving heart.
This story was originally published as a serial between 1901 and 1902 before it was published in its entirety in 1902. I remember reading a news article from around the time the story was originally being published. It stated that an increase in hospitalizations were directly connected to the publication of The Hound of the Baskerville.
Now, I don't find this story scary, but I love the vibes and imagery Conan Doyle paints.
A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
If you can tell me A Christmas Carol is no longer applicable in today's world - and cite your sources - I will eat my hat. Well first I will have to find said hat, but I'm sure that can be done.
A Christmas Carol was originally published on Dec. 19, 1843. It's first run had completely sold out by Christmas Eve that same year (FIVE DAYS!) and by the same time the following year had 13 different editions published.
In the almost 180 years this book has lived, it has never been out of print. And the themes or greed and human welfare are still so important today, nearly two centuries later.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - Washington Irving
This one may be cheating a bit, as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a short story originally published in Irving's collection of 34 essays and short stories titled The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. It was published in 1820.
Through the tale of Ichabod Crane, Irving is able to give us a peak into the life of American's in the late 1700s as the American Revolution was coming to a close. It also showcases human's fear of the unknown, most often described as supernatural, and their will to do whatever it takes to get what they want.
I try to read this short story every couple years, usually in October, for the Halloween vibes.
These are just a handful of books published over the last 200 years or so that I love deeply. Believe me when I say there are many, many more.
I didn't even touch on fairy tales!
I would love to know, what are your favourite books or stories that were released before 2008?
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