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Banned Books you should read.
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items 2023 has reached a record amount of books being challenged and/or banned. Any book worth banning is worth reading. The ones who ban books are never on the right side of history. I believe it's important to make it a point to read these books.
Sections
4
Adult
Teen / YA
Middle School
Children's Books
Adult
The book contains both violence and profanity. It depicts sexual activity. Proponents often site these as the reason to ban. But I believe the over all message is very relevant to the times we are living in with the stripping of our rights especially...
The Handmaid's Tale a book by Margaret Atwood
Morrison's first novel, published in 1970, has been frequently targeted for its portrayal of sensitive topics including racism, incest and SA. I have not read this book but I am planning on reading it soon.
The Bluest Eye a book by Toni Morrison
1
Politicians criticizing “The 1619 Project” believe that the work is dangerous to the nation, and that it misrepresents U.S. history. I will be reading this book as it is very important part of history and how it affects us today.
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story a book by The New York Times Magazine, Caitlin Roper, Ilena Silverman, et al.
Named one of the most important nonfiction books of the 21st century. A lot of the unfavorable reviews where people wrote about the author being biased and, thus, un-credible. I believe this book is so important as it is a key guide in the fight of the hidden systems of discrimination.
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness (Anniversary) a book by Michelle Alexander
15 y/o boy with Autism spectrum finds a neighbors dog murdered. Challenged bc of offensive language, profanity and atheism.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time a book by Mark Haddon
2 Women, 2 Men, a dog and their lives in 1968 Prague. Challenged bc of Politics
The Unbearable Lightness of Being a book by Milan Kundera
An unflinchingly look into the abyss of slavery.
Beloved a book by Toni Morrison
Habibi tells the tale of Dodola and Zam, refugee child slaves bound to each other by chance. Challenged for Nudity and Sexually Explicit.
Habibi a book by Craig Thompson
Coming of age story of two children as they wander through parallel universes. Challenges for political view, religious view and violence.
His Dark Materials 3-Book Paperback Boxed Set: The Golden Compass; The Subtle Knife; The Amber Spyglass a book by Philip Pullman
1963 nightmare vision of the future. A fable about good and evil and the meaning of human freedom. Challenged for violence
A Clockwork Orange a book by Anthony Burgess
1
In a dystopian society where "firemen" don't put out fired but hunt for books to burn. Censorship, media control & breaking free
Fahrenheit 451: A Novel
Teen / YA
The book has been praised in some circles for how it talks about identity — but it's also drawn a lot of rebuke from people who cite its sexually explicit nature and the illustrations. Gender Queer has been banned from shelves in more states than any...
Gender Queer: A Memoir a book by Maia Kobabe
LGBTQIA books are being banned at an alarming rate. The book is a series of essays chronicling the author’s childhood and teen years as a queer Black man in New Jersey and Virginia, as well as a “primer for teens eager to be allies.
All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto a book by George M. Johnson
Monday’s Not Coming is yet another on a long list of books by Black authors that are being challenged or outright banned by parents who see Critical Race Theory everywhere because they haven’t bothered to take five minutes to learn what it actually i...
Monday's Not Coming a book by Tiffany D. Jackson
Mike Muñoz, a young Chicano man living in Washington State who recently lost his latest gig working on a landscaping crew. At its heart, it’s a coming of age story, but it’s also a strong commentary about classism.
Lawn Boy a book by Jonathan Evison
Yet another LGBTQ+ book being banned or challenged. This book came under fire after Oklahoma Secretary of Public Education labeled the book “pornography” and the book was banned as part of a larger ban on “sexual” material approved by the Oklahoma Bo...
Flamer a book by Mike Curato
Although Crank has been received with praise, it has also faced a significant amount of controversy. According to the American Library Association, the book has frequently been banned and challenged in the United States because of drugs, offensive la...
Crank (Reissue) a book by Ellen Hopkins
Banned and challenged for providing sexual education, LGBTQIA+ content, and being sexually explicit. Even more reason to check it out in my opinion.
This Book Is Gay (Revised) a book by Juno Dawson and David Levithan
A groundbreaking work of LGBT literature takes an honest look at the life, love, and struggles of transgender teens. How can we better understand trans people and their experience if we don't even care to read/learn about them?
Beyond Magenta: Transgender and Nonbinary Teens Speak Out a book by Susan Kuklin
Two teens--one black, one white--grapple with the repercussions of a single violent act that leaves their school, their community, and, ultimately, the country bitterly divided by racial tension.
All American Boys (Reprint) a book by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
The Poet X is beautiful and heart-wrenching at the same time. It's a deep and REAL look into a teenager's view of herself, her relationships, and her family drama.
The Poet X a book by Elizabeth Acevedo
Coming of age story of Charlie an introvert. Challenged or Banned bc of gay sexual content drug use and rape.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower a book by Stephen Chbosky
A dangerous forbidden romance rocks a Texan oil town in 1937, when segregation was a matter of life and death.
Out of Darkness a book by Ashley Hope Pérez
From award-winning and bestselling author, Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers, one who presents as white, the other as black, and the complex ways in which they are forced to navigate the world, all while tra...
Black Brother, Black Brother a book by Jewell Parker Rhodes
When Cassie moves from the tiny town where she has always lived to a suburb of Seattle, she is determined to leave her boring, good-girl existence behind. This is Cassie's chance to stop being invisible and become the kind of girl who's worth noticin...
Beautiful a book by Amy Reed
In this companion to the award-winning Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Darius suddenly has it all: a boyfriend, an internship, a spot on the soccer team. It's everything he's ever wanted--but what if he deserves better?
Darius the Great Deserves Better a book by Adib Khorram
Middle School
School Board in Tennessee Bans Teaching of Holocaust Novel 'Maus' The board voted unanimously to remove the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel from classrooms because it contained swear words, according to minutes from the meeting.
The Complete Maus: A Survivor's Tale a book by Art Spiegelman
In the context of a backlash against racial justice protests in the U.S., New Kid was accused of promoting critical race theory and racism. My daughter read this in 5th grade and really liked it and does not understand why there is controversy about ...
New Kid: A Newbery Award Winner a book by Jerry Craft
When The Hate U Give has been banned, communities cite three factors: profanity. violence. anti-police messages. A great read for teens about standing up for whats right and speaking up.
The Hate U Give: A Printz Honor Winner a book by Angie Thomas and Amandla Stenberg
Lily, a transgender girl, and Dunkin, a boy dealing with bipolar disorder. Their powerful journey, perfect for fans of Wonder, will shred your heart, then stitch it back together with kindness, humor, bravery, and love.
Lily and Dunkin a book by Donna Gephart
A heartbreaking and powerful story about a black boy killed by a police officer, drawing connections through history. Stories like this are hard but so important.
Ghost Boys a book by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Essential introduction to the history of racism and antiracism in America. My daughter read this in 5th grade and learned so much. I am so glad this is part of her library.
Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You a book by Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi, Sonja Cherry-Paul, et al.
AN AMERICAN STORY. With powerful art from a bold new talent, this is a probing and sensitive take on a devastating chapter of U.S. history. “How do you tell a story / that starts in Africa / and ends in horror?”
The Undefeated a book by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson
Callie rides an emotional rollercoaster while serving on the stage crew in a middle school production. Banned in Tx for LGBTQ+ content and. “goes against family values”
Drama: A Graphic Novel a book by Raina Telgemeier
When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. You already know why this has been banned or challenged.
George a book by Alex Gino
A poignant and powerful coming-of-age story that follows a young girl and her new friend as they learn about family, friendship, allyship, and finding your way in a complicated world.
Frankie & Bug a book by Gayle Forman
Children's Books
With his signature quirky style, Todd Parr explores different kinds of families, from adoptive families to step-families, from families with only one parent to families with two moms or two dads and different kind of animal families. I love this trul...
The Family Book a book by Todd Parr
Challenged for ‘promoting the gay lifestyle’ Inspired by the author’s son, My Princess Boy tells the story of little Dyson who loves all things pink and sparkly and sometimes wears dresses. I read this to my son and he loved it. Boys are all different and like different thing...
My Princess Boy a book by Cheryl Kilodavis and Suzanne DeSimone
With exuberant pictures and joyful text, This Day In June invites young readers to join in a colorful pride celebration. A great first introduction to LGBTQ history and culture. I love celebrating Pride with my family.
This Day in June a book by Gayle E. Pitman and Kristyna Litten
Something Happened in Our Town follows two families — one White, one Black — as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The story aims to answer children’s questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify...
Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story about Racial Injustice a book by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, Ann Hazzard, et al.
Challenged for ‘promoting a non-Christian religion’ and ‘being too violent for young readers’ “In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammad was ‘Read.’” When war comes to Iraq, librarian Alia Muhammad Baker takes matters into her own hands to p... Stories from different perspectives and belief systems are ways to deepen our understanding and empathy for others.
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq a book by Jeanette Winter
A comic book that includes children and families of all makeups, orientations, and gender identities, Sex Is a Funny Word is an essential resource about bodies, gender, and sexuality for elementary school children as well as their parents and caregiv...
Sex Is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and You a book by Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smyth
Challenged for ‘promoting a non-Christian religion’ and ‘being too violent for young readers’ Since her parents were taken by the Taliban, little Nasreen has not spoken a word. In a desperate attempt to draw her out of her shell of sadness, her grand... Families should read books about people that are different than them to have a better understanding of all types of people, beliefs, cultures.
Nasreen's Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan a book by Jeanette Winter
An illuminating fairy tale for young readers to be able to see that not every prince would like to marry a princess. I love reading books like this to my kids because I want them to know it's ok to be gay and it's ok to not be gay. We are all different and that's great.
Prince & Knight a book by Daniel Haack and Stevie Lewis
The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for trans kids everywhere. A great way to learn about trans kids.
I Am Jazz a book by Jessica Herthel, Jazz Jennings, Jazz Jennings, et al.
Two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. Challenged/Banned bc “promotes same sex relationships”.
And Tango Makes Three a book by Peter Parnell, Justin Richardson, and Henry Cole
Two worms in love decide to get married. Challenged for LGBTQ+ content.
Worm Loves Worm a book by J J Austrian and Mike Curato
Marlon Bundo is the Vice Presidents pet. Marlons life is about to change forever. Challenged for LGBTQ+ content and political viewpoints.
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo a book by Chronicle Books, Marlon Bundo, Jill Twiss, et al.
Twenty-five years ago, Baseball Saved Us changed the picture-book landscape with its honest story of a Japanese American boy in an internment camp during World War II. This anniversary edition will introduce new readers to this modern-day classic.
Baseball Saved Us a book by Ken Mochizuki and Dom Lee
It's not easy to become friends with someone who is nothing like you--but surprising things can happen when you give it a try.
Big Bob, Little Bob a book by James Howe, Laura Ellen Anderson, and Laura Ellen Anderson
Jodie Patterson, activist and Chair of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Board, shares her transgender son's experience in this important picture book about identity and acceptance.
Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope a book by Jodie Patterson and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
When Max starts school, the teacher hesitates to call out the name on the attendance sheet. Something doesn't seem to fit. Max lets her know the name he wants to be called by""a boy's name. This begins Max's journey as he makes new friends and reveal...
Call Me Max (Max and Friends 1) Paperback: Max and Friends 1 a book by Kyle Lukoff and Luciano Lozano