Why was this book challenged?
Reasons: Religion, Sexual Content, Profanity
- According to the LA Times, in 2009 “A Stanislaus County school board banned a celebrated but controversial piece of Chicano literature from its high school classrooms this week because trustees and the superintendent believe Bless Me, Ultima contains too much profanity... The district review of the book was prompted by a parent’s complaint last year that it was “anti-Catholic” and sexually explicit."
- A high school English teacher, Linda Varvel, wrote about the book, saying: "Based on my observations of students’ reading and reactions to the book as well as my own reader response and teaching notes, it seems clear that some of the aspects that distinguish this novel as unique are the elements that make it vulnerable to challenge."
- Read review excerpts, responses to challenges of this book, and more on Book Résumés.
Bless Me, Ultima
by