After learning about Maurice Sendak's passing yesterday, it made me think about how much he changed the way children read. (May he rest in peace.)

In the past, children's and young adult stories were always simple, without much chaos, and safe. Perhaps a little too perfect. Books of our youth have evolved since the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and even in the early 2000s. Today, books for children, tweens, and young adults stand out more because authors have broken away from the traditional storyline to give readers a deeper look into the real world.

Is the fantasy genre intended just for boys? What about girls? Why is there an implication that girls don't read fantasy or won't enjoy movies with fantasy elements? It's true science fiction and fantasy are not the most female-friendly of genres. The prototypical reader is often male. How did this stigma come about?

"Censorship" derives from the Latin word, cēnseō, meaning "to give an opinion, to decree; to judge." So, what is censorship? It can be the suppression of ideas, or in schools, the removal of curriculum or books by certain groups or government officials who find materials to be offensive.

Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and Google+ are helping people keep in touch with friends, family, colleagues, and coworkers. But do you think social networks are helping promote "online" cliques? Could they have a positive or negative impact on generations to come?

Social networks have changed the way our American culture interacts with one another. In fact, they help promote cultural diversity and awareness. For example, someone from the United States could connect with someone in India and vice versa.

What does coming of age involve? 

For many, it means "fitting in" to a world where our ethnic backgrounds and decisions make us who we are. We need clarification of who we are, who we set out to be. We often ask ourselves: Who am I? Where do I live? What kind of world am I a part of? Our identities are formed through everyday cultural practices. 

The month of December brings everyone together. Filled with joy and peace, and goodwill toward others. For many Christians, it's getting ready for an important religious event—the birth of their Savior on Christmas Day. It's also a time when children are eagerly and anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival because he comes bearing gifts. But is Santa Claus real or simply legend? 

Every year school administrators, teachers, and librarians work together to keep certain books off shelves, off reading lists, and off limits to students. Many parents are headed in the same direction, banning books based on swearing, racism, sexual orientation, profanity, etc. without understanding the author's true intention.

This past week while boarding my Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle, WA to Dallas, TX, I heard Spanish music. The flight attendant announced September is National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Each year in the United States, thousands recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 to celebrate the culture and heritage of citizens whose roots can be traced back to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean including Cuba, South America, and Latin America. Mexico celebrates their independence day on September 16, Chile on September 18, Belize on September 21. 

Why we love superheroes:

• They have extraordinary powers: superhuman strength, sharp instincts, ability to fly and move with speed, heightened senses, use of special weapons (e.g., Wonder Woman's lasso, tiara (boomerang), and bracelets; Spider-Man's webs; Wolverine's steel claws; Daredevil's club).
• They have strong ethics and morals—a willingness to risk their own lives to be of service to others.
• They keep their identities secret from friends and family to protect them from enemies. (e.g., Clark Kent (Superman), Diana Prince (Wonder Woman), Peter Parker (Spider-Man), Bruce Wayne (Batman).