What’s it all about?:
In the zoo there are all kinds of animal families. But Tango’s family is not like any of the others. This illustrated children’s book fictionalizes the true story of two male penguins who became partners and raised a penguin chick in the Central Park Zoo.
Happy New Year and welcome to a new year of Banned Books that I’m participating in with my sister and fellow blogger Chrissi Reads. We’ll be looking at why the book was challenged, how/if things have changed since the book was originally published and our own opinions on the book. This is what we’ll be reading for 2015 – the post will go out on the last Monday of each month so if you’d like to read along with us, you are more than welcome.
JANUARY
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell (illustrated by Henry Cole)
Chosen by : Chrissi
FEBRUARY
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Chosen by : Beth
MARCH
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Chosen by : Chrissi
APRIL
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
Chosen by : Beth
MAY
What My Mother Doesn’t Know by Sonya Sones
Chosen by : Chrissi
JUNE
Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Chosen by : Beth
JULY
Detour for Emmy by Marilyn Reynolds
Chosen by : Chrissi
AUGUST
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Chosen by : Beth
SEPTEMBER
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Chosen by: Chrissi
OCTOBER
Forever by Judy Blume
Chosen by : Beth
NOVEMBER
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Chosen by : Chrissi
DECEMBER
Olive’s Ocean by Kevin Henkes
Chosen by: Beth
But back to this month….
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell (illustrated by Henry Cole)
Chosen by : Chrissi
First published: 2005
In the Top Ten most frequently challenged books in 2012 (source)
Chosen by: Chrissi
Reason: homosexuality and unsuited to age group
Do you understand or agree with any of the reasons for the book being challenged when it was originally published?
BETH: Absolutely not. This was such a sweet story about two penguins that fall in love and happen to be male. It’s a picture book with some beautiful illustrations that I think children will love, especially children who are fond of animals. It was published fairly recently (2005) and in this modern world that we live in, I can’t understand why it could be challenged. Nothing about it is unsuitable or inappropriate.
CHRISSI: No!!! I am really angry that this book has been challenged. I think it is an adorable look at the different family structures that we can have. It is such an important book. I can totally see myself using it in a classroom or with a child that does come from an ‘unconventional’ family.
How about now?
BETH: Definitely not. It could be such an important book for use in schools to teach children that there are more relationships in the world than Mummy/Daddy and that this is normal. Maybe some of the hatred towards homosexuality comes from the fact that these people were taught that it was wrong. If we ban/challenge these books aren’t we automatically sending a message to children that homosexuality is a bad thing?
CHRISSI: It’s educative and supportive. No. Just no.
What did you think of this book?
BETH: I absolutely loved it. I think the fact that it’s based on a true story makes it even cuter. I’m really glad that these penguins were given a chance to sit on an egg and look after their own baby (Tango). Also, I really want to go to New York and see their little family for myself now!
CHRISSI: I was so impressed. It’s so cute and simple and explores homosexuality in such a gentle way for younger children.
Would you recommend it?
BETH: But of course!
CHRISSI: Without a doubt!
BETH’s personal star rating (out of 5):
Please join us again next month when we’ll be discussing I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.
