Books unite us. They reach across boundaries and build connections between readers. Censorship, on the other hand, divides us and creates barriers. Celebrate Banned Books Week with this staff picks list of some of the most frequently challenged and banned books.
Morriso
Morrison’s classic novel which is frequently taught in universities has been banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and depicts child sexual abuse.
Haddon
The lauded story of a boy on the autism spectrum has been banned and challenged for offensive language, its religious viewpoint, as unsuitable for specific age groups, and profanity and atheism.
GN 741.5092 Bechdel Bec
Graphic novel Fun Home was nominated for numerous awards and turned into a stage musical. It has been banned and challenged for violence and graphic images.
Atwood
The Handmaid’s Tale is a multi award winning book that was turned into a popular television series. It was banned and challenged for profanity and for vulgarity and sexual overtones.
220.52 Bib
This standard Christian religious text has been banned and challenged for its religious viewpoint.
Hossein
This critically acclaimed, multigenerational novel was challenged and banned because it includes sexual violence and was thought to lead to terrorism and promote Islam.
GN 741.5092 Satrapi Sat
Persepolis is a critically acclaimed graphic novel which has been banned and challenged for gambling, offensive language, and its political viewpoint, as well as being considered politically, racially, and socially offensive and including graphic depictions.
GN Saga v. 1
Another critically acclaimed graphic novel makes the list, this time banned and challenged for being anti-family, nudity, offensive language, being sexually explicit, and unsuited for specific age groups.
305.8009 Rey
This recent title was banned and challenged because of the author’s public statements, as well as claims that the book contains “selective storytelling incidents” and does not encompass racism against all people.
921 Dugard Dug
Jaycee Dugard’s account of her kidnapping has been banned and challenged for drugs/alcohol/smoking, offensive language, being sexually explicit, and unsuited for specific age groups.
Lee
This Pulitzer prize-winning classic has been banned and challenged for offensive language and racism.