Book banning is a new trend that’s been going on for many years. As librarians, we know that preventing someone from reading a particular book may have a reverse effect and increase their desire to read it. In this article, you’ll get to know about the list of banned books.
The number of books featuring minority characters or storylines that are being banned has been on the rise lately. Amongst these prohibited books are pieces from LGBTQ writers, women writers, works by non-binary authors, and those by people of color.
Disturbingly enough there is now an increasing tendency towards banning books across America. A recent research by PEN America shows that bans have gone up considerably during the 2023-2024 school year.
Thus, this goes far beyond banning a couple of divisive novels; instead, this trend constitutes a real threat to the importance of such literature in the lives of young readers.
As Banned Books Week 2024 is approaching, let’s know about the list of banned books of all time!
What Is The Meaning Of Banned Books Week?
Banned Books Week, observed annually during the last full week of September, is a critical event dedicated to celebrating the freedom to read and advocating against censorship. The week aims to highlight and challenge the practice of book banning, which involves the removal or restriction of books from libraries and curricula due to objections over content.
This event, which began in 1982, serves as a platform to raise awareness about the ongoing issues related to censorship and to emphasize the importance of intellectual freedom for individuals and communities.
The origins of Banned Books Week can be traced back to a growing concern about the increasing number of book challenges and bans in libraries and schools. The event was established by the American Library Association and other literary and civil liberties organizations to respond to these threats against free expression.
During Banned Books Week, libraries, bookstores, and schools host various activities, including readings, discussions, and displays featuring books that have been frequently challenged or banned. These activities aim to engage the public and encourage them to explore and defend controversial literature.
Book challenges often stem from objections to content, such as language, themes, or depictions that some individuals or groups find objectionable. However, these challenges go beyond the mere expression of differing viewpoints; they seek to restrict access to material for everyone by removing it from educational or public spaces.
Throughout Banned Books Week, participants are encouraged to reflect on the value of intellectual freedom and to support the right to access information without censorship. By spotlighting books that have faced challenges and bans, the event underscores the ongoing need to protect and promote free expression.
List Of Banned Books All Time That You Need To Know About
In America in the year 2024, some books are still not allowed to be published until today. The reasons for this ban vary among books. Mainly, the reason why these books are being questioned as suitable for young people is because of their content which revolves around themes like sexual violence, abuse and identity crises.
But we ought to let you know about them keeping the upcoming banned books week 2024 in mind. So, let’s know about some of the interesting banned books (list of banned books) in America that you’d love to know about.
Ellen Hopkins’s People Kill People
Five times within the academic year 2022–2023, “People Kill People” by Ellen Hopkins was banned. It talks about the lives of several teenagers who have different challenges at all stages of their life.
As much as this thriller makes for an interesting piece, it also gets into deep motives behind acts of violence. Through his works such as Fallout, he urges his readers to look beyond the surface of every person they encounter in life.
This interesting novel is set somewhere between a controversial masterpiece or just another great read.
Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” has been banned for its frank portrayal of Native American teenage life.
It is one classic example that has been used in schools across America since 2007 till date thus making it easier for them on how to use such moments well.
Nevertheless, its themes concerning race, identity and the struggle for belonging have never ceased to make an impact on readers and thus it has always been in demand.
Mariko Tamaki And Jillian Tamaki’s This One Summer
Mariko and Jillian Tamaki’s comic novel “This One Summer” was banned six times for mature content and LGBTQ+. It goes through the summer of Rose as she grows up from being a little girl to becoming a teenager.
The book is filled with touching stories and lovely illustrations that depict the intricate process of becoming an adult. However, many schools have banned it under the premise of being sexually explicit or discussing mental health issues candidly.
This emotional story line is timeless because regardless of critical reviews it remains an enduring piece about growing up.
Alice Sebold’s Lucky
In her memoir, Alice Sebold describes how she was raped while in college in her book “Lucky.” Because of its graphic violence, Lucky has been banned six times despite initial praise for its candor.
There are also complicating factors such as the recent exoneration of the man convicted of killing her. This brutal story is essential yet controversial, since it presents a brutally honest depiction of surviving sexual assault and struggling to regain some semblance of normalcy amidst pain.
Amy Reed’s The Nowhere Girls
Amy Reed’s inadmissible book, “The Nowhere Girls,” has been banned six times for featuring sexism and child rape. In their experience, the novel highlights empowerment, identity and importance of speaking out, it delves into subjects such as relationships or abuse.
With these restrictions notwithstanding, its powerful message about resistance and togetherness makes it a great read.
Cheryl Rainfield’s Scars
Cheryl Rainfield’s heartbreaking novel “Scars” examines the destructive consequences of sexual assault in early childhood. Fifteen-year-old Kendra is trying to come to terms with self-mutilation and her terrible past.
The work has attracted praise for depicting one individual’s tale with empathy and truthfulness despite being banned six times due to adult content and depictions of self-mutilation. Dark but significant, Scars gives voice to others who have suffered similar pains as well as explores trauma through healing.
Lauren Myracle’s Shine
Lauren Myracle’s YA mystery novel “Shine” revolves around a gay teenager being beaten up in a small town. Kitty confronts deeply ingrained prejudice within the community while searching for answers regarding this crime she is determined to solve.
Six bans were issued against this book because of poverty, substance abuse among people, homophobia depicted directly through actions or dialogues as well as inappropriate language usage throughout the storyline.
Without regard to its controversy surrounding it; shine deserves serious consideration because it tells an unforgettable story about heroism and justice that also points out the need for right actions.
Alan Moore And Dave Gibbons’s Watchmen
For having mature themes and graphic content Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons has been banned six times by different authorities. This story happens in a parallel universe where some retired superheroes come together again when faced with unprecedented danger.
The work challenges traditional notions of heroism and delves into such deep issues as power and morality. Nevertheless, Watchmen is still a classic that changed the genre and made people think notwithstanding the criticism it faced.
Tiffany D. Jackson’s “Monday’s Not Coming”
During the first half of the school year (2022-23) Tiffany D. Jackson’s poignant young adult novel “Monday’s Not Coming” was banned six times. Claudia, a little girl looking for her lost best friend Monday is central to this story which unravels mysteries while leaving readers with more questions than answers.
The narrative goes into some heavy topics including sexual assault on children and failures in child protection systems from Claudia’s point of view. This drags readers on a terrifying journey in which every reader has no option but to question their own beliefs.
Jonathan Evison’s Lawn Boy
Another six bans were added during the current year (2022/23) educational term making up an extensive list of prohibitions against Jonathan Evison “Lawn Boy”. Mike Muñoz, a 22-year-old Mexican American is presented as its protagonist who suffers from financial embarrassment due to his gardener profession.
Identity crises, poverty lines and dreams making things happen mark itself all over Mike’s life story here; nevertheless its captivating nature notwithstanding has also attracted condemnation because it talks so openly about race class sexuality etcetera.
A powerful yet controversial read, “Lawn Boy” reflects on marginalized groups’ hardships and exposes the injustices they undergo.
Judy Blume’s Forever
Six more bans have been placed on Judy Blume’s timeless novel “Forever…” in the 2022-23 academic session. Katherine, a young girl having her first sexual experience and love, is the main character in this work which was published in 1975.
“Forever…” has both been hailed and disputed for being overly frank about teenage sex, including matters like responsibility and contraception.
Nevertheless, even as it remains important for understanding puberty and its choices it engenders; still persistently banned over the years for reasons that keep being debated about suitability to young readers.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
Six more schools outlawed Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” during the 2022-23 academic year. In this world, which she depicted in a book followed by a TV series, women have no value except their reproductive capability under the totalitarian regime of the future.
This narration from one such woman’s perspective offers disturbing insights into power dynamics, control, and consequences of giving up personal freedoms. It is an outspoken response to issues regarding sexual oppression culminating perhaps into what may be deemed as admonishes against censorship.
This is why “The Handmaid’s Tale” stands out as an enduring symbol of free speech fighting against censorship while advocating for individuals’ liberties that should never cease despite any forms of oppression.
Margaret Atwood’s “Oryx and Crake”
During the first part of the 2022–2023 school year, several bans have been placed on another book by Margaret Atwood, “Oryx and Crake,” six times. This dystopian future book opens up the MaddAddam trilogy by discussing genetic engineering’s control and environmental disaster.
A thoughtful story in which Snowman is the last human being that reflects upon his existence and the events that led to the extinction of people. Others also argue that it should be censored because of its discussions on issues like sex trafficking, pornography, and ethical implications of scientific advancement.
However, Oryx and Crake still seem eye opening even after so many years.
Jesse Andrews’s “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”
Jesse Andrews’s “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is an unusual young adult book that has been banned five times—the most recent ban was imposed in the 2022-2023 academic year.
The plot thickens as two socially awkward teenagers named Greg and Earl get to know Rachel who is a cancer patient. Unlike other books about terminal illness this one is famously humorous and unconventional.
This book includes explicit sexual language as well as frank descriptions of adolescent sexuality making it objectionable for these reasons. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but Me & Earl is an honest account of what it means to be a teenager nonetheless.
Becky Albertalli’s The Upside of Unrequited
“The Upside of Unrequited” by Becky Albertalli is an innocent teenage book that was prohibited six times during the school year 2022–2023. It tells about Molly who at seventeen has had twenty-six unrequited loves.
As her twin sister falls in love, Molly embarks on her journey of self-discovery which involves learning how to navigate through family dynamics surrounding first love and body image. The novel itself has been praised for its accessible representation of LGBTQ+ characters thereby making it an inclusive storyline.
Unfortunately this book was censored since it openly tackled sexual orientation and gender.
Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give
Despite its profound impact on American society, Angie Thomas’ “The Hate U Give” was also banned seven more times during the academic year 2022–2023. Starr Carter is a sixteen-year-old girl whose life revolves alternating between her mostly white prep school and primarily Black neighborhood.
Her unarmed companion being killed by a police officer makes Starr become part of national conversation around racial inequality, police brutality and the justice system.
Although lots of people have banned it due to its graphic brutality and racism, the significance of this text cannot be underscored when it comes to starting conversations about social justice.
Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor & Park
Rainbow Rowell’s “Eleanor & Park” is a tender love story that follows the experiences of two outcast teenagers, Eleanor and Park who were given seven suspensions in the 2022–2023 academic year.
The tale occurs in 1986 and it explores the deep connection between bullied girl Eleanor and Korean American child Park who both face domestic turmoil and bullying. Thus, the dual narrative perfectly captures first loves, friendships, struggles for self-discovery.
Even though it kindly tackles these topics, the book has been prohibited because of its explicit language and exploration of controversial subjects such as racism and abuse.
Jodi Picoult’s Nineteen Minutes
Jodie Picoult’s heartbreaking novel about a school shooting, “Nineteen Minutes”, was banned seven times during the 2022–2023 academic year. Josie Cormier is Peter Houghton’s best friend who carries out a mass shooting after years of bullying him in this book.
The story examines how several events led to tragedy including romantic violence, fame or parents’ relationship with their children among other issues. However, being graphic on an incident so tragic might have resulted in banning this book mainly due to “pornographic content”.
Ashley Hope Pérez’s book ‘Out of Darkness’
During the school year 2022–2023, a certain historical young adult novel Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez was banned on seven occasions. Set in 1930s Texas, it is basically about racial segregation and tells an untold story about the romance between a Mexican American girl and a Black boy.
The sensitive issues talked about within the book like racism, adolescent sexuality and rape have resulted into its censorship many times because of those concerned with this kind of subject matter.
Those wishing to appreciate American history must read “Out of Darkness” even though it has explicit content as it is a captivating exploration into love, identity, and harsh past realities.
Jennifer Niven’s Breathless
The beautiful story portrayed in Jennifer Niven’s YA novel “Breathless” has led to its being banned seven times during the school year 2022–2023. She remains strong amidst all these problems since she is a girl who will not indulge in self-pity.
The book discusses issues like family, grief, sexuality, and body image among other ones that would help her make decisions about major incidents i.e starting her independent life.
Nonetheless, despite its inspiring message and touching prose, the book is still an influential tale of conquering obstacles and finding oneself.
Ellen Hopkins’s Tilt
In the lyrical novel Tilt by Ellen Hopkins, three teenagers tackle love, sex, teenage pregnancy, and other difficult subjects. Like its predecessors that were adult-oriented books such as “Triangles,” this one too deals deeply with choices and their outcomes in the lives of its main characters who are young adults themselves.
For discussing subjects like abortion, homosexuality, and drug misuse during seven different times throughout the 2022–2023 school year, the book was banned despite the movie’s positive message. Yet it is a powerful and meaningful story because it does not sugar-coat or shy away from these issues.
Ellen Hopkins’s Impulse
This has been one of Ellen Hopkins’ books that have been banned since she received seven more bans for “Impulse” during her time as an educator. The story follows three teens who meet at a psychiatric hospital after attempting suicide.
It details their struggles with mental illness, self harm, addiction recovery processes, etc. due to her empathetic treatment of these heavy themes “Impulse” is a must-read for anyone trying to make sense of any complexities related to mental stability.
Despite being forbidden by some rules against such topics in schools today; thus making it still as important as ever even knowing how to touch it anymore!
John Green’s Looking for Alaska
Looking for Alaska by John Green is another novel on many ban lists including seven prohibitions that were recorded in the 2022-23 academic year alone. Miles, who is the main character, is a young man whose life takes a sharp turn when he meets boarding-school legend Alaska.
Friendship, love, loss, and purpose are among the themes touched on within this novel. This book contains explicit sex scenes and sentences prompting its prohibition even though it deals with heart-wrenching events elegantly portrayed on its pages.
Alex Gino’s Melissa (George)
The book “Melissa (George)” by Alex Gino is the first children’s book about transgender kids; it tells the story of a transgender girl called Melissa who becomes George among her peers at school.
Seven new bans were proposed during the first half of the 2022-2023 academic year alone since this novel contains LGBTQIA+ content that goes against some particular religious views.
She defies stereotypes and embarks on a transformative journey to becoming an actress playing a female role in the play at school. Regardless of the criticism faced by “Melissa”, critics have hailed it for giving an honest depiction of a child undergoing sex change making it recommended reading material for all advocating tolerance and understanding.
Elana K. Arnold’s Damsel
It was banned seven times over the 2022-23 school year: Elana K Arnold’s “Damsel” which is a feminist and remarkably dark version of a fairy tale. This variation of the classic damsel in distress motif presents a story that is significantly grimmer and more complex than the average fairy tale.
After being rescued by a prince from a dragon, she finds out that her new life may be even worse. The restriction of this book is because its themes are controversial and it makes readers question traditional notions of gender roles and power; however, the narrative remains important and demands further attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the #1 most banned book of all time?
Due to describing totalitarian regimes and dystopian themes, among our list of banned books George Orwell’s 1984 has been the most banned book of all time. As a reflection of the ever-present issues with LGBTQIA+ content in literature, Alex Gino’s George was the most frequently challenged book in 2020.
How many books are on the list of banned books?
PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans indicates that during the academic year of 2022–2023, there were 3,362 cases when schools prohibited reading specific books and chose 1,557 titles. Across America, schools are attempting to limit exposure to various controversial subjects as evidenced by this comprehensive list.
How to check if a book is banned?
To discover banned books one should visit the Banned & Challenged Books page on the ALA website. The site gathers lists of forbidden books under author names, years, and even decades; moreover, it distinguishes between challenges and bans indicating censorship patterns.
Why is 1984 banned?
It was its sexually explicit content and what are called “pro-communist” attitudes that resulted in the prohibition of George Orwell’s 1949 novel “1984”. Given all its celebrated criticisms about tyranny and Russia under Stalin, why did the book get suppressed?
Bottom Line
Knowing about the list of banned books of 2024, we can understand that the present problem of book prohibitions emphasizes the conflict between shielding young readers away from sensitive materials and upholding intellectual liberty as well as providing diversified perspectives.
Several times, books like George Orwell’s 1984 and Alex Gino’s “Melissa” have been banned or challenged; nevertheless, such actions normally testify to the significance of these works in facilitating critical faculties and comprehending complex communal affairs.