Every year in the last week of September, the American Library Association and others celebrate Banned Books Week. The name can be confusing because libraries as institutions are focused on providing access to information and the freedom to read, so why would we celebrate book banning? Good news, we're not! Rather, we are calling attention to the fact that many books are challenged every year in libraries and schools across the country. Some of the most common reasons why books are challenged include being "unsuited to their age group", including LGBTQ content, or including violence or profanity. We are celebrating the fact that the first amendment allows libraries to collect books with challenging points of view.
As libraries and librarians, we know that not every book is appropriate to every reader, but we think that readers should be allowed to make that decision for themselves and their families. We want to provide access to all sorts of titles, knowing that information and representation is important, essential, and affirming.
The following list collects the top ten most challenged books from 2018. Click on the titles to view and request them from our catalog and celebrate your freedom to read.
|
|
George by Alex Gino Knowing herself to be a girl despite her outwardly male appearance, George is denied a female role in the class play before teaming up with a friend to reveal her true self. Reasons: banned, challenged, and relocated because it was believed to encourage children to clear browser history and change their bodies using hormones, and for mentioning “dirty magazines,” describing male anatomy, “creating confusion,” and including a transgender character |
|
|
A day in the life of Marlon Bundo by Marlon Bundo The story of a lonely bunny, Marlon Bundo, who lives with his Grampa, Mike Pence, the Vice President of the United States, and the very special day when he met another boy bunny named Wesley that changed his life forever. Reasons: banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ content, and for political and religious viewpoints. |
|
|
The adventures of Captain Underpants : an epic novel by Dav Pilkey Captain Underpants, the former school principal turned crime-fighting, wedgie-dodging superhero, uses his wacky talents to outwit the evil Dr. Diaper. Reasons: series was challenged because it was perceived as encouraging disruptive behavior, while Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot was challenged for including a same-sex couple |
|
|
The hate u give by Angie Thomas After witnessing her friend's death at the hands of a police officer, Starr Carter's life is complicated when the police and a local drug lord try to intimidate her in an effort to learn what happened the night Kahlil died. Reasons: banned and challenged because it was deemed “anti-cop,” and for profanity, drug use, and sexual references. |
|
|
Drama by Raina Telgemeier Designing sets for her middle school's play, Callie tries to overcome limited carpentry skills, low ticket sales and squabbling crew members only to find her efforts further complicated by the arrival of two cute brothers. Reasons: banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ characters and themes. |
|
|
13 reasons why by Jay Asher When Clay Jensen receives a box containing thirteen cassette tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah, who committed suicide, he spends the night crisscrossing their town, listening to Hannah's voice recounting the events leading up to her death. Reasons: banned, challenged, and restricted for addressing teen suicide. |
|
|
This one summer by Mariko Tamaki The team behind Skim presents the sumptuous graphic tale of a young teen whose latest summer at a beach lake house is overshadowed by her parents' constant arguments, her younger friend's secret sorrows and the dangerous activities of older teens. Reasons: banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and certain illustrations. |
|
|
Skippyjon Jones by Judith Byron Schachner A mischievous Siamese kitten named Skippyjon Jones transforms himself into the legendary Spanish sword fighter Skippito when he is banished to his room, in a hilarious picture book that celebrates the power of imagination. Reason: challenged for depicting stereotypes of Mexican culture. |
|
|
The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie Leaving the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school, Junior struggles to find his place in his new surroundings in order to escape his destiny back on the reservation. Reasons: banned and challenged for sexual references, profanity, violence, gambling, and underage drinking, and for its religious viewpoint. |
|
|
This day in June by Gayle E. Pitman A picture book illustrating a Pride parade. The endmatter serves as a primer on LGBT history and culture and explains the references made in the story. Reason: challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content. |
|
|
Two boys kissing by David Levithan A chorus of men who have died of AIDS observes and yearns to help a cross-section of today's gay teens who navigate new love, long-term relationships, coming out, self-acceptance and more in a society that has changed in many ways. Reason: challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content. |