For many, reading is more than a pastime; it’s a gateway to self-discovery and understanding one’s place in this world.
Books offer an outlet for exploration, providing diverse ideas, opinions, perspectives, and experiences, all without censorship.
However, across the U.S., the freedom to read is increasingly under threat; each year, a growing number of books are being challenged and removed from public institutions, limiting access to stories that reflect human experiences and ideas.
Most book bans predominantly occur in K-12 school libraries and classrooms, but public libraries have also faced increasing pressure to restrict certain titles.
According to PEN America, in the 2023-2024 school year, there were 10,046 recorded instances of book bans across 29 states and 220 public school districts.
States such as Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Missouri have led the ban on multiple books. Many of these titles are targeted for removal due to their standpoint or content
Many of the books being banned address themes of race, gender, sexuality, and social justice– topics that are relevant to this day and age, but have gained criticism from certain groups.
Commonly banned books: Please note: This list is merely informative with no intention of suggesting any books.
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
- A memoir about Kobabe’s gender identity and sexuality journey. Some explicit illustrations are included, used to describe Kobabe’s sexual discovery.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
- The book tells the heartbreaking story of Pecola Breedlove, a young black girl growing up in the 1940’s Ohio. Pecola longs for blue eyes, believing they will make her beautiful and loved in a world that devalues her because of her race and appearance. The book explores themes like racism, identity, beauty standards, and the impact of generational trauma on individuals and communities.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- The story follows Starr Carter, a 16-year old who witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil. As Starr navigates the pressure of speaking out while balancing life in her divided community, the novel tackles themes of racism, police brutality, and the fight for justice.
This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson
- This book is gay by Juno Dawson is a guide that explores LGBTQ+ identities, relationships, and experiences. Written with humor and honesty, it provides advice, personal stories and information for anyone questioning their sexuality or wanting to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community.
Sold by Patricia McCormick
- The book tells the story of Lakshmi, a 13-year-old girl from Nepal who is sold into human trafficking by her stepfather. Through Lakshmi’s perspective, the novel reveals the harsh realities of exploitation and her resilience as she fights to survive and reclaim her freedom.
A report from the Teachers College at Columbia University highlights how the removal of targeted books is an effort to suppress discussion on topics surrounding race, gender, and sexuality, topics argued to be vital for fostering a well-rounded education.
This trend raises important questions about free expression and the role of literature in our society, critics also question the legality of book bans, claiming that restrictions infringe on the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
According to the First Amendment Museum, the act of banning books from public institutions is a form of censorship that can undermine the rights of authors and readers.
This increasing prevalence of book bans in the U.S. highlights a complex struggle between differing societal values and the principles of free expression. While proponents of these bans often mention concerns over age-appropriate content, some critics argue that suppressing books addressing critical topics like race, gender, and other social justice topics, deprives students and readers of opportunities to engage with diversity. Like my grandma always says “Be careful with what they advertise to the masses, there is truth in the obscure.”
