The Books They Don’t Want You to Read—And Why You Should
Books are being banned at an alarming rate across the U.S. This isn't just a random cultural moment—it’s a pattern as old as time, used to silence marginalized voices, control narratives, and suppress knowledge. Throughout history, books have been banned because they challenge power structures, expose uncomfortable truths, or encourage critical thinking. In today’s world, where misinformation spreads like wildfire, the act of reading and sharing banned books is a form of resistance.
Last night as we were driving home from VT I read about the recent closure of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library due to budget cuts and layoffs. This is yet another example of how institutions that safeguard knowledge and history are under threat. Libraries, archives, and historical repositories provide critical access to documents, books, and narratives that shape our understanding of the past and inform the present. Much like the banning of books, the shutting down of such institutions limits access to information and weakens public discourse. When we lose spaces dedicated to preserving knowledge, we risk erasing vital perspectives, much like when books are banned. The fight against censorship is not just about books—it’s about protecting all sources of truth and ensuring future generations have the ability to learn from the past. Now, more than ever, we must support libraries, educators, and initiatives that keep history accessible to all.
A Brief History of Book Bans
The practice of banning books is not new. It has been used throughout history as a means of silencing dissent and maintaining control over the population. The burning of the Library of Alexandria represents one of the earliest known acts of knowledge suppression. In medieval Europe, religious institutions banned texts that contradicted church teachings. During the Nazi regime, book burnings were used to eliminate works by Jewish authors, political dissidents, and others deemed "dangerous."
In the United States, the banning of books has a long and troubling history. During the early 20th century, books that discussed topics such as birth control, evolution, and racial equality were frequently challenged or removed from shelves. The McCarthy era of the 1950s saw a surge in book bans, as literature suspected of promoting communist ideals was blacklisted. Classic works such as The Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird have faced repeated bans for their portrayals of complex social issues, including sexuality, racism, and political dissent.
During the civil rights era, books that addressed systemic racism and the fight for equality were frequently challenged. Works by Black authors, including The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Native Son, were deemed too controversial for public consumption. This pattern continues today, with books that explore race, LGBTQ+ identities, and social justice frequently targeted by censors who claim these stories are "divisive" or "inappropriate" for young readers.
Today, the rise in book bans is largely fueled by political agendas that seek to control what young people learn about history, identity, and justice. School boards and lawmakers across the country are increasingly restricting access to books that present narratives outside the dominant cultural perspective. The alarming truth is that these bans are not just about limiting access to literature—they are about controlling whose stories get told and whose voices are heard.
Why Banned Books Matter
Books are banned because they make people think. They encourage discussion, spark new ideas, and often reveal truths that those in power would rather suppress. When a book is banned, it doesn’t just mean that a story is being removed from shelves—it means an entire conversation is being shut down. This is particularly dangerous in a time when misinformation spreads rapidly, and access to factual, nuanced narratives is more critical than ever.
Reading banned books is an act of resistance. It is a way to reclaim the stories that others would rather erase. By engaging with these books, we honor the voices of those who fought to tell their stories and ensure that future generations have access to the full spectrum of human experience.
Must-Read Banned Books for Adults
Here are twenty powerful books that have been banned or challenged, and why they are essential reading right now:
1984 by George Orwell – A dystopian novel about government surveillance, totalitarian control, and the dangers of state propaganda.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury – A novel exploring censorship and the suppression of knowledge through the burning of books.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood – A chilling vision of a dystopian society that strips women of their rights.
The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones – A historical exploration of slavery’s lasting impact on American society.
The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler – A dystopian novel that examines climate change, inequality, and survival.
Beloved by Toni Morrison – A haunting tale of a former enslaved woman and the trauma of slavery.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas – A novel about police brutality, activism, and racial injustice.
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe – A memoir exploring gender identity and self-discovery.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi – A book breaking down the history of racism in America.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison – A story about internalized racism and self-worth.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – A classic about teenage rebellion and mental health.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – A novel addressing racial injustice in the American South.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou – A memoir of trauma, resilience, and self-discovery.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley – A novel on a dystopian future dominated by technology.
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut – A satirical war novel about human suffering.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker – A powerful story of Black womanhood and resilience.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck – A novel about friendship and hardship.
A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn – A historical account from marginalized perspectives.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini – A novel about friendship, betrayal, and redemption in Afghanistan.
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison – A story exploring race, identity, and social invisibility.
Must-Read Banned Books for Kids and Teens
Here are twenty important books for younger readers that have faced bans and challenges:
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell – A true story about two male penguins raising a chick together.
Drama by Raina Telgemeier – A graphic novel about friendship and LGBTQ+ identity.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie – A semi-autobiographical novel about identity and racism.
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson – A guide for LGBTQ+ teens on identity and relationships.
George (Melissa) by Alex Gino – A novel about a transgender girl’s journey to self-acceptance.
New Kid by Jerry Craft – A graphic novel about race and belonging at a private school.
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson – A memoir about growing up Black and queer.
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones – A children’s book about the origins of Black history in America.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor – A historical novel about racism and resilience.
The Giver by Lois Lowry – A dystopian novel about memory, individuality, and control.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton – A coming-of-age novel about class struggles.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl – A Holocaust memoir.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson – A poetic memoir of growing up Black in America.
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel – A graphic memoir about family and LGBTQ+ identity.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle – A sci-fi adventure with themes of courage.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros – A novel about a Latina girl’s experiences.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson – A novel about sexual assault and empowerment.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – A novel about adolescence and mental health.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson – A touching story about friendship and loss.
El Deafo by Cece Bell – A graphic memoir about hearing loss and self-acceptance.
What You Can Do to Take Action Right Now
Book bans are an attempt to silence voices and control narratives, but we have the power to resist. Here’s how you can take action today:
Read banned books. Buy them new, borrow them from a library, or purchase them secondhand to keep them in circulation.
Talk about them. Share these books with friends, family, and your community. Start a banned books book club to discuss their impact.
Support libraries and independent bookstores. These institutions fight censorship daily and need our support.
Advocate against book bans. Attend school board meetings, sign petitions, and write to lawmakers to voice opposition to censorship.
Donate banned books. Provide copies to schools, little free libraries, and community centers to ensure access for everyone.
Where you can find these books WITHOUT supporting Amazon:
Bookshop.org – Supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
ThriftBooks – Sells affordable used books with free shipping in the U.S.
Better World Books – Funds literacy programs with every purchase.
Alibris – Offers new, used, and rare books from independent sellers.
Powell’s Books – A Portland-based independent bookstore with an extensive online catalog.
IndieBound – Helps you buy directly from local indie bookstores.
Half Price Books – Sells used and new books at discounted prices.
eBay – Offers new and used books from individual sellers.
PangoBooks – A marketplace where individuals can buy and sell books directly.
Reading banned books isn’t just an act of personal enrichment—it’s an act of defiance. It’s a statement that we refuse to let fear and ignorance dictate what we can learn, understand, and discuss. The more we read, the more we empower ourselves and future generations to think critically, challenge injustices, and create a more informed, inclusive world.
By educating ourselves and our children, keeping records of our experiences, and refusing to be silenced, we actively participate in the fight against censorship. Literature is one of the most powerful tools we have to preserve truth and history. Let’s ensure that future generations have access to the stories that matter.
Follow along with the most recent bans and how you can help with PEN America.
Thank you for this! Checking banned books out of libraries REALLY matters! I was ignorant of this fact before but my understanding is library systems take books out of circulation based on how many times they're checked out a given year. So if it's not in your budget to buy books right now, get to your local library 🙌🏼
I’ve been on a mission to build our banned books library and read them— reading Parable of the Sower right now and cannot get over how prescient it is!