The Slave Dancer
By Paula Fox
"Kidnapped by the crew of an Africa-bound ship, a thirteen-year-old boy discovers to his horror that he is on a slaver and his job is to play music for the exercise periods of the human cargo." - HELM
Why was this book challenged?
Banned book element tile
Reasons: Violence
The Illinois Library Association documented a challenge to The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox in 2005 by a parent at a middle school who complained about the book's alleged graphic depiction of slavery related violence.
Books that address issues of systemic racism are often targeted for censorship, see our Frequently Asked Questions webpage for more information.
See our Frequently Asked Questions webpage to learn more about the differences between a challenge and a ban.
Ways to read this book at STCC!
Members of the STCC community have full borrowing privileges at the STCC Library, located in Building 19, 2nd Floor, provided they are actively registered in the college system and their records are in good standing.
Database access and e-content is available to all students, faculty, and staff using the following credentials:
Username: STCC ID number
Password: Last name in capital letters.
Additional Resources and Accessibility
If you prefer to listen to your books, or if the print or eBook versions of this book are checked out at STCC, you have additional checkout options through Massachusetts public libraries. CW/MARS and Boston Public Library eCards will give you access to eBook and Audiobook versions of this book. You can also download the Libby app to listen to audiobooks on your smartphone. These resources are outside of STCC Library, please consult your local public library for any questions regarding these outside resources.
Check public libraries in Western Massachusetts via CW/MARS:
Residents of Massachusetts can sign up for a Boston Public Library eCard, to access their digital materials such as eBooks and downloadable audiobooks. Follow the instructions on the BPL's website: