The 15 Most Banned Books Across America
This post may contain affiliate links.
In recent years, the landscape of book bans in America has dramatically evolved, with entire libraries and school districts removing books rather than individual titles. According to the American Library Association (ALA), 2022 saw 1,269 demands to restrict or ban books—the highest recorded by the ALA in over 20 years of tracking library censorship. These censorship attempts predominantly target books dealing with LGBTQ+ issues, race, and other sensitive topics. Understanding these trends is imperative for book lovers, not only for preserving freedom of expression but also for appreciating the diverse voices often silenced.
This post will explore America’s 15 most banned books, their significance, and the reasons behind the bans. From graphic novels to memoirs and classic literature, these titles offer a window into the ongoing battle over what stories deserve to be told.
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Why It’s Banned: Gender Queer, an autobiographical graphic novel, has faced criticism for its frank depiction of sexual behavior and discussions about identity. Critics label it as inappropriate for young readers, condemning it as explicit content.
Significance: This book provides an honest, open discussion about what it’s like to be nonbinary. It has been praised for its educational value, offering readers a nuanced understanding of gender identity.
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Why It’s Banned: This coming-of-age memoir faces bans primarily due to its LGBTQ+ content and explicit language. Some argue that it is inappropriate for school settings. During the 2021-22 school year, it ranked as the second most frequently banned book, as reported by PEN America.
Significance: George M. Johnson’s essays provide a critical perspective on growing up Black and queer in America. The book has influenced conversations around inclusivity and representation in literature.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Why It’s Banned: The Bluest Eye is frequently challenged for its depiction of child abuse and sexual violence and its exploration of race and beauty standards.
Significance: First published in 1970, this book remains a powerful critique of America’s white-centric conceptions of beauty, providing essential insights into systemic racism and its effects on Black girls.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Why It’s Banned: The Hate U Give is often banned because it portrays police brutality, profanity, and perceived anti-police sentiments.
Significance: Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this bestselling novel sheds light on racial injustice and has been adapted into a successful film, making it a significant cultural touchstone.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Why It’s Banned: This semi-autobiographical novel is targeted for its sexual references, profanity, and themes surrounding race and identity.
Significance: Sherman Alexie’s book offers a poignant and humorous look at life on a Native American reservation. It provides essential representation and explores complex issues like poverty and aspirations.
Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison
Why It’s Banned: Lawn Boy faces bans due to profanity and sexually explicit scenes. Critics argue that it is inappropriate for younger audiences. Lawn Boy was one of five LGBTQIA+ titles that faced a challenge from a parent within the North Hunterdon-Voorhees (NJ) Regional High School District.
Significance: This coming-of-age story about a young biracial gay challenges stereotypes and offers a fresh perspective on economic struggle and identity.
Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez
Why It’s Banned: This novel depicts sexual content and abuse. Out of Darkness debuted in 2015 and remained untouched by bans or challenges for seven years. However, in 2021, amidst a surge of book challenges, Out of Darkness found itself in the crosshairs. As noted by Pérez, the novel was banned in “at least 29 school districts nationwide” by December 2022.
Significance: Set against the backdrop of a historical tragedy, Out of Darkness explores themes of love, race, and disaster, providing a gripping narrative that tackles social issues head-on.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Why It’s Banned: This novel is often banned because it depicts drug use, sexual content, and abuse. In 2003, Parents Against Bad Books in Fairfax, Virginia, initially banned the book. The following year, the Liberty Patrons of Texas challenged “Perks” in Texas, drawing on arguments put forth by the group in Fairfax.
Significance: A coming-of-age story that resonates deeply with teens, The Perks of Being a Wallflower addresses mental health issues and the complexities of adolescence.
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
Why It’s Banned: This informative guide on LGBTQ+ issues is often banned for being explicit and providing sexual education content.
Significance: Aimed at young adults, This Book is Gay offers practical advice and support for LGBTQ+ teens, filling a significant gap in sex education.
Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin
Why It’s Banned: This nonfiction book, featuring interviews with transgender teens, is often banned for its explicit content. In 2015, Beyond Magenta ranked as the fourth most banned book in the United States due to its portrayal of offensive language, homosexuality, and sex education.
Significance: Beyond Magenta offers firsthand accounts that humanize the transgender experience, fostering empathy and understanding among readers.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Why It’s Banned: This novel is often challenged for its sexual content and profanity and is criticized for promoting inappropriate behavior.
Significance: John Green’s novel explores themes of loss, love, and identity, resonating with teens and encouraging critical thinking about life’s big questions.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Why It’s Banned: This novel is often banned for its portrayal of suicide and sexual assault and its perceived glamorization of mental health issues. During an interview with PBS, Jay Asher, the book’s author, expressed that the ban on “13 Reasons Why” stemmed from society’s unease in addressing fundamental and challenging topics. He suggested that rather than being a commendable act, challenging the narrative of “13 Reasons Why” might hinder teenagers from confiding in adults.
Significance: Thirteen Reasons Why has sparked meaningful conversations about mental health and the impacts of bullying despite its controversial depiction of suicide.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Why It’s Banned: This novel is often challenged for its depictions of sexual violence and complex themes of guilt and redemption.
Significance: Set in Afghanistan, The Kite Runner offers a compelling narrative highlighting cultural and historical contexts often overlooked in Western literature.
Maus by Art Spiegelman
Why It’s Banned: This Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel is banned because it depicts violence and disturbing images related to the Holocaust.
Significance: Maus uses a graphic novel format to tell a profoundly moving and educational story about the Holocaust, making history accessible to younger generations.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Why It’s Banned: Frequently challenged for its racial slurs and depiction of racial injustice, this classic novel continues to spark debate.
Significance: To Kill a Mockingbird remains a critical piece of literature for exploring racism and moral integrity. It is often used in educational settings to discuss civil rights.
Banning books often stems from a desire to shield young readers from complex and uncomfortable realities. However, these books provide invaluable perspectives that foster empathy, understanding, and critical thinking. For book lovers, reading banned books is a form of resistance against censorship and an affirmation of the freedom to explore diverse ideas.
By understanding the stories behind these banned books, we support the diverse voices that enrich our world. Let’s keep reading, sharing, and advocating for the freedom to read.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
31 Forgotten Household Items from the Past
The blueprint of the quintessential American home has undeniably evolved over the decades. Whether you attribute it to technological leaps or the shifting sands of aesthetic tastes, the fact remains: items once deemed household staples have now drifted into obscurity.
31 Forgotten Household Items from the Past
How to Get Burnt Smell Out Of The House Fast
Burnt smells in the house can be unpleasant and linger for quite some time. Whether the smell is caused by a cooking mishap or an electrical issue, addressing the problem as soon as possible is important to maintain a comfortable and healthy living environment.
