“Flowers for Algernon, first published in 1959, is considered a seminal work in both science fiction and disability literature” (Werlock 2009). The American Library Association reports that this novel was banned as obscene for 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 rather mild, but there are those who consider any mention of sexual behavior inappropriate for teens or preteens, hence the attempts at censorship. Many of the challenges proved unsuccessful, but the book was occasionally banned from school libraries, including some in Pennsylvania and Texas. Flowers for Algernon has won numerous awards, including for film, and is regularly taught in schools around the world; therefore, it should remain on the shelves. Flowers for Algernon received a Nebula Award for Best Novel from the Science Fiction Writers of America in 1966. Additionally, Cliff Robertson won an Oscar for acting in the film Charly. The original version of the story was also published in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction and received the Hugo Award for the best short novel of 1960. (http://www.danielkeyesauthor.com May 22, 2011). Many parents allow their children to watch television and most of the programs have sexual content. If parents allowed children to watch it on a screen, they should also be allowed to read a book that has... half a sheet of paper... open and the result is a better-than-average TV movie, which was below the title The Two Worlds of Charlie Gordon (Werlock 2009). Due to its successes, 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 offensive or distasteful.” says William J. Brenna of the Supreme Court. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, is criticized for sexual, religious and immoral themes and is a cause for opposition. However, these examples give no reason to ban any literature, especially when it contains an important underlying lesson about how wisdom does not make the person but can actually hurt them. Therefore, Flowers for Algernon should not be banned and should remain on the shelves.