“Flowers for Algernon, first published in 1959, is considered a landmark work in both science fiction and disability literature” (Werlock 2009). The American Library Association reports that this novel was banned as obscene due to its love scenes. When the main character, Charlie Gordon, increases his IQ from 68 to a level that makes him a genius (after undergoing experimental brain surgery), his maturity leads him to fall in love with his teacher, and a sexual encounter ensues. This caused Flowers for Algernon to be banned and challenged in many places (Plant City, Florida - 1976, Emporium, Pennsylvania - 1977, Oberlin High School (Ohio) - 1983, among others). Most people consider the sexual scenes to be quite mild, but some consider any mention of sexual behavior inappropriate for teens or pre-teens, hence the attempts at censorship. Many attempts proved unsuccessful, but the book was sometimes banned from school libraries, notably in Pennsylvania and Texas. Flowers for Algernon has won numerous awards, even for the film, and this film is regularly taught in schools around the world; therefore, it should remain on the shelves. Flowers for Algernon received the Nebula Award for Best Novel from the Science Fiction Writers of America in 1966. Additionally, Cliff Robertson won an Academy Award for his role in the film Charly. Even the original version of the short story was published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction and received the Hugo Award for best novel of 1960. (http://www.danielkeyesauthor.com May 22, 2011). Many parents allow their children to watch television and most shows have sexual content. If parents allow their children to watch this on a screen, they should also be allowed to read a book containing...... middle of paper...... read and resulting in a better than average TV movie , which was under the title The Two Worlds of Charlie Gordon (Werlock 2009). Because of its achievements, the novel Flowers for Algernon should not be banned. “If there is one fundamental principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government cannot prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or distasteful. said William J. Brenna of the Supreme Court. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes has been criticized for its sexual, religious and immoral themes and has been grounds for opposition. However, these examples do not justify banning all literature, especially when it contains an important, underlying lesson that wisdom does not create the person but can actually harm them. Therefore, Flowers for Algernon should not be banned and should remain on the shelves..