Countries around the world are actively calling for the banning of books that are politically inconvenient, religiously inconvenient, or embarrassing in one form or another. But for writers like Russia's Vasily Grossman, banning a book means more than just a drop in sales. In 1961, he pleaded with Soviet censors: “I am physically free, but the book to which I devoted my life is in prison. » (Merkelson). A book represents an idea, so limiting access to a book amounts to prohibiting the representation of an idea. Banning books in American schools should not be allowed, because banning books would prevent students from knowing the reason for the controversy and the alternative viewpoints they can arrive at on their own. As the American Library Association notes, books are generally banned "with the best intention...to protect others, often children, from difficult ideas and information." (Brunner). If a book contains scary or controversial ideas, willful adults often censor that book from children. From 2000 to 2009, of the 5,099 challenges reported, 1,639 concerned school libraries and 30 concerned university libraries. (Frequently challenged books). At various times in American history, even some of the most insignificant books have been banned. Harriet the Spy was banned because it supposedly taught children to "lie, spy, talk back, and curse." Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl was banned because it was too depressing. A Light in the Attic, by Shel Silverstein, was banned because it might encourage children to break dishes so they don't have to dry them. (Frequently challenged books). While some of these excuses are more reasonable than others, banning these books prevents children from empathizing ... middle of paper ... controls ideology. "Libricide: Regime- and Library-Sponsored Book Destruction in the Twentieth Century. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2003. 236-238. In Book Banning Ed. Ronnie D. Lankford: Greenhaven Press, 2007. In Issue. 24 March 2014. Seesholtz, Mel. “Homophobia is Behind Many Book Banning Efforts” Book Banning Ed. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Excerpted from “Teaching Intolerance and Hate: Lessons.” . of the Christian Reich." Online newspaper. 2006. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. March 24, 2014. Trelease, Jim. “Book banning violates the freedoms of children and young adults.” Ban on books. Ed. Ronnie D. Lankford. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. At issue. Excerpt from “Censorship and Children’s Books”. Trelease-on-Reading.com 2006. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. March 31. 2014.