Thomas (studies in education, U. of California, Santa Barbara) discusses materials and practices--from Richard Wright to weapons and web access--that have been banned in American schools, presenting readers the historical framework for the bans, illustrative cases, policy concerns, and the positions of both proponents and opponents. The 15 chapters may be of interest both to students and school faculty, encouraging readers to think critically about and debate the censorship issues that arise in each case. Chapters are organized under the following themes: books; computers and the internet; movies, television, and photographs; garb; food and drink; speech; bullying and sexual annoyances; music; vandalism; drugs, alcohol, and tobacco; weapons; people; ceremonies and performances (encompassing events that are religious, vulgar, political, and criminal); and displays. The other also offers suggestions for school practice and speculations about trends in the near future. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)