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.


Compiled by:
Elizabeth G.
The Bluest Eye

Toni Morrison
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.

 


The Curious Incident of the Dog

Mark Haddon
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.

 


Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

Alison Bechdel
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.


The Handmaid’s Tale

Margaret Atwood
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.


The Holy Bible
220.52 Bib

This standard Christian religious text has been banned and challenged for its religious viewpoint.

 


The Kite Runner

Khaled Hosseini
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.

 


Persepolis

Marjane Satrapi
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.

 


Saga

Brian Vaughan, Fiona Staples
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.

 


Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

Ibram X. Kendi, Jason Reynolds
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.

 


A Stolen Life

Jaycee Dugard
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.

 


To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee
Lee

This Pulitzer prize-winning classic has been banned and challenged for offensive language and racism.