Banned Books you should read.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
15 y/o boy with Autism spectrum finds a neighbors dog murdered. Challenged bc of offensive language, profanity and atheism.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
High School
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...