Why is Looking for Alaska Banned? Would I Teach it?

    While reading Looking for Alaska, it became clear to me why some schools might ban this book from their libraries. The book deals with many touchy and sometimes dark subjects that schools might not want their students reading.
    One of the subjects that could cause the book to be banned is the sexual activity that takes place and the talk of sexual activity that happens throughout the novel. There are passages of sexual activity between characters multiple times and descriptions of sexual activity as well. Some schools and parents may feel that students should not be reading books with this type of material and information included.
    Another aspect of the novel that might cause it to be banned is the use of drugs and alcohol in the book. There are many, many instances of drug use including cigarettes and alcohol and discussion of even heavier types of drugs. There is use of drugs and alcohol in the novel and when it comes to alcohol, the drinking is described as being done in excess and to a point where the characters become out of control. In a school setting, some might see this as inappropriate and as something that should not be encouraged.
    Though death is something that is a part of life, some people may feel that books involving death and especially a death due to drinking and driving should not be in schools and education. After a night of drinking, Alaska gets into her car and drives away resulting in her getting into an accident that takes her life. This dark subject could be something that people may view as inappropriate for students in schools as well leading to it being banned.
     If someone were to ask me if I would teach this or not my answer would be that it would depend on the grade level. Of course for 6th and 7th graders I don't think I would feel comfortable teaching it however, I feel I could teach it to high schoolers with pleasure. There are subjects in this book that need to be talked about and students need to be aware of. So banning it and forcing students to put "blinders" on to the realities of the world is not helping them or educating them in any way.