Donna Jo Napoli, professor of linguistics

Children’s books often are banned because people feel that the vulnerability of childhood gives them the right and responsibility to protect children. They see books that touch on certain topics as dangerous. Although the motivations of these adults are understandable, Napoli argues that the top 12 reasons why books are banned are actually reasons why books should be read. She will discuss the unprotected child and the protected child and what these books do for each.

Professor of Linguistics Donna Jo Napoli’s teaching areas include syntax, morphology, and the structure of American Sign Language. She also is a prolific and award-winning author of books for children and young adults, including Mama Miti (2010) and A Treasury of Greek Mythology (2011).