They ban books in the USA! That’s what Fascists do!

Banning books is fascism.

Banning books is the real obscenity.

A country that bans books is frightened of ideas!

A country that bans books is unsure of its philosophy.

A country that bans books is fascist.

Banning ideas is constricting minds.

I am literally boggled!! This list of banned books contains some of the greatest works of art and most powerful writing – From Orwell, Huxley and Atwood to Burroughs, Steinbeck, Morrison and Ann Frank!

To ban these books is repulsive!!

They’ll be banning mine next!!

Since 2001, the American Library Association has posted the top ten most frequently challenged books per year on their website.[4] Using the Radcliffe Publishing Course Top 100 Novels of the 20th Century, ALA has also noted banned and challenged classics.[5]

The ALA does not claim comprehensiveness in recording challenges. Research suggests that for each challenge reported there are as many as four or five which go unreported.[6]

The list is sorted alphabetically by default. Included is each book’s rank in the ALA’s lists of top 100 challenged books by decade (if applicable).

TitleAuthorReason(s) for ChallengeYear(s)
published
ALA rank
2010–2019[7]2000–2009[8]1990–1999[9]
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time IndianSherman AlexieContent regarding alcohol, bullying, violence; sexual references; profanity and slurs; allegations against the author20071
Adventures of Huckleberry FinnMark TwainCoarse language, racial stereotypes and use of the N-word188433145
The Adventures of Super Diaper BabyDav PilkeyEncouraging poor spelling20024147
The Adventures of Tom SawyerMark TwainCoarse language, racial stereotypes187683
Alice (series)Phyllis Reynolds NaylorSexual content1985–201321214
All American BoysJason Reynolds and Brendan KielyProfanity, drug use, and alcoholism; thought to promote anti-police views, contain divisive topics, and be “too much of a sensitive matter right now”[10]2015
All the King’s MenRobert Penn WarrenDepicting a “depressing view of life” and “immoral situations”1946
Almost PerfectBrian KatcherLGBT content200981
Always RunningLuis J. RodriguezGang violence, drug use and sexual references19936885
AmericaE. R. FrankSexual references, drug and alcohol use2002100
American PsychoBret Easton EllisSexual references, violence toward women199153
An American TragedyTheodore DreiserSexual content, abortion, murder1925
The Anarchist CookbookWilliam PowellContent related to the manufacturing of illicit narcotics and explosives197159
Anastasia Krupnik (series)Lois LowryReferences to beer, Playboy magazine, and suicide1979–19957528
And Tango Makes ThreePeter ParnellJustin RichardsonContent regarding homosexuality and same-sex marriage200564
Animal FarmGeorge OrwellPolitical (Communist) commentary1945
Anne Frank: Diary of a Young GirlAnne FrankDiscussions of puberty and teenage sexuality194662
Annie on My MindNancy GardenLGBT content198244
Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal SnoggingLouise RennisonCrude language, sexual content, LGBT content199935
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.Judy BlumeContent dealing with menstrual cycles and feminine hygiene19709960
The Arizona KidRon KoertgeLGBT content198875
Arming America: The Origins of a National Gun CultureMichael A. BellesilesContent dealing with firearms, later proven to have been fabricated200038
As I Lay DyingWilliam FaulknerDealing with issues of death; abortion1930
Asking About Sex and Growing UpJoanna ColeSexual education198857
Athletic Shorts: Six Short StoriesChris CrutcherContent dealing with eating disorders, child abuse, racism, LGBT themes and AIDS19914463
The AwakeningKate ChopinSexual content189982
A Bad Boy Can Be Good For a GirlTanya Lee StoneCrude language, sexual content, mature themes200644
Bad Kitty (series)Nick BruelCrude language[11]2005–202137
BelovedToni MorrisonThemes regarding slavery and violence1987452645
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak OutSusan KuklinAnti-family, offensive language, homosexuality, sex education, political viewpoint, religious viewpoint, unsuited for age group, and other (“wants to remove from collection to ward off complaints”)201427
Big Hard Sex CriminalsMatt Fraction, illustrated by Chip ZdarskySexually explicit2015
Black BoyRichard WrightThemes of communism, sexual content, racism and atheism194681
Bless Me, UltimaRudolfo AnayaProfanity, crude language and violence1972633278
Blood and ChocolateAnnette Curtis KlauseSexual content; supernatural themes199757
BlubberJudy BlumeContent dealing with the issue of bullying19744330
The Bluest EyeToni MorrisonThemes of racism, incest and child sexual abuse1970101534
Bone (series)Jeff SmithReferences to smoking, drinking and gambling1991–200416
The Boy Who Lost His FaceLouis SacharThemes of the occult, sexuality and bullying; profanity19899246
Boys and SexWardell PomeroySexual education196861
Brave New WorldAldous HuxleyAnti-religion and anti-family themes, sexual content1931263654
Brideshead RevisitedEvelyn WaughThemes of homosexuality, alcoholism, infidelity1945
Bridge to TerabithiaKatherine PatersonAllegations that the book promotes secular humanism, New Age religion, occultism, and Satanism1977288
Bumps in the NightHarry AllardSupernatural and occult themes, anti-family, encourages disobedience19799356
BurnedEllen HopkinsSupernatural and occult themes, anti-family, encourages disobedience200683
The Call of the WildJack LondonAuthor’s pro-Socialism views1903
Captain Underpants (series)Dav PilkeyOffensive language, unsuited for age group, violence1997–2015213
CarrieStephen KingViolence, anti-religious themes, sexual themes197481
Cat’s CradleKurt VonnegutLanguage, animal abuse, anti-religious themes, and scatological humor1963
Catch-22Joseph HellerObscene language1961
The Catcher in the RyeJ. D. SalingerOffensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group1951491910
A Child Called “It”Dave PelzerChild abuse199536
The Chocolate WarRobert CormierNudity, offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group197434
ChristineStephen KingObscene language, sexual themes198395
A Clockwork OrangeAnthony BurgessObscene language196280
The Color PurpleAlice WalkerOffensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group1982501717
The Color of the Earth (trilogy)Tong-hwa KimNudity, sex education, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group2009
CrankEllen HopkinsDrugs, offensive language, sexually explicit200438
CrazyBenjamin LebertObscene language, sexual themes200077
Crazy Lady!Jane Leslie ConlyOffensive language19934562
Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your HatAlvin SchwartzSupernatural themes197447
CujoStephen KingViolence, obscene language, explicit sex scenes198349
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-TimeMark HaddonOffensive language, religious viewpoint, unsuited for age group, and other (“profanity and atheism”)200351
Curses, Hexes and SpellsDaniel CohenSupernatural themes, references to the Bible197471
CutPatricia McCormickReferences to cutting and self-harm200086
Daddy’s RoommateMichael WillhoiteLGBT themes19912
Daughters of EveLois DuncanObscene language, sexual content, and violence197951
A Day in the Life of Marlon BundoJill TwissLGBTQIA+ content, political and religious viewpoints201819
A Day No Pigs Would DieRobert Newton PeckReferences to animal slaughter and animal mating19728016
The Dead ZoneStephen KingObscene language197982
Deal with It!: A Whole New Approach to Your Body, Brain, and Life as a gURLEsther DrillExplicit sexual content and LGBT themes199982
DeenieJudy BlumeReferences to masturbation197342
Detour for EmmyMarilyn ReynoldsSexual content and references to teen pregnancy199383
The Dirty CowboyAmy Timberlake200360
DramaRaina TelgemeierIncludes LGBT characters, was deemed sexually explicit, and was considered to have an offensive political viewpoint20127
Draw Me a StarEric Carle199265
Dreaming in CubanCristina GarcíaSexual content and nude drawings of Adam and Eve19926461
The Drowning of Stephan JonesBette GreeneLGBT themes199196
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round ThingsCarolyn MacklerOffensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group200334
Earth’s Children (series)Jean M. AuelGraphic sexual content1980–201119
Eleanor & ParkRainbow RowellOffensive language201354
Ender’s GameOrson Scott Card198584
Extremely Loud & Incredibly CloseJonathan Safran Foer200555
The Face on the Milk CartonCaroline B. CooneySexual content, challenging authority, and unsuitable for age group19902980
The Facts Speak For ThemselvesBrock ColeSexual content, violence199754
FadeRobert CormierReferences to child sexual abuse, and violence198865
Fahrenheit 451Ray BradburyObscene language, references to smoking and drinking, violence, and religious themes195369
Fallen AngelsWalter Dean MyersOffensive language, racism, violence1988851136
The Family BookTodd Parr200367
Family SecretsNorma KleinSexual content, obscene language, references to adultery, smoking, and implied incest198576
A Farewell to ArmsErnest HemingwaySexual content1929
Fat Kid Rules the WorldKL GoingObscene language, sexual themes, and drug use200358
FeedM.T. Anderson200268
Fight ClubChuck PalahniukSexually explicit, violence, anarchist themes, smoking, drinking1996
Fifty Shades of Grey (series)E. L. JamesSexually explicit, unsuited to age group, and other (“poorly written,” “concerns that a group of teenagers will want to try it”)20118
The Fighting GroundAviObscene language198442
Final ExitDerek HumphryReferences to assisted suicide199129
Flashcards of My LifeCharise Mericle HarperSexual content and unsuitable to age group2006
Flowers for AlgernonDaniel KeyesSexual content196643
For Whom the Bell TollsErnest HemingwayPro-Communist views1940
Forever…Judy BlumeOffensive language, sexual content1975167
Friday Night LightsH. G. BissingerObscene language, sexual content, and racism199089
Fun HomeAlison BechdelViolence and other (“graphic images”).200631
MelissaAlex GinoIncludes a transgender child, and the “sexuality was not appropriate at elementary levels”20155
The GiverLois LowryObscene language, sexual content, violence, and unsuitable to age group1993612311
Girls and SexWardell PomeroySex education197098
GlassEllen HopkinsDrugs200786
The Glass CastleJeannette WallsOffensive language, sexually explicit200517
Go Ask AliceAnonymousDrugs19711825
Go Tell It on the MountainJames BaldwinObscene language, explicit sex, references to masturbationrape, violence and sexism1953
Go the Fuck to SleepAdam MansbachOffensive language201169
The GoatsBrock ColeObscene language and a scene describing the rescue of a naked woman198726
Gone with the WindMargaret MitchellSeveral uses of racial slurs, the book’s portrayal of slavery, and references to rape1936
Goosebumps (series)R. L. StineSupernatural themes, violence, and encouraging disobedience1992–1997469415
Gossip Girl (series)Cecily von ZiegesarDrugs, offensive language, sexually explicit2002–20115622
The Grapes of WrathJohn SteinbeckPortrays Kern County, California in a negative light1939
The Great GatsbyF. Scott FitzgeraldLanguage and sexual references1925
The Great Gilly HopkinsKatherine PatersonObscene language and racism19785220
GrendelJohn GardnerDepictions of torture and mutilation197196
Guess What?Mem FoxSupernatural things and references to punk rock199066
HabibiCraig ThompsonNudity, sexually explicit, and unsuited for age group201170
Halloween ABCEve MerriamPossible Satanic and cult references, as well as violence198731
The Handmaid’s TaleMargaret AtwoodSexuality, profanity, suicide, violence, anti-Christian themes1985298837
Harris and MeGary PaulsenObscene language199370
Harry Potter (series)J. K. RowlingUnsuited to age group, witchcraft, religious viewpoint, anti-family, darkness/scariness/violence, and for “setting bad examples”1997–2007148
The Hate U GiveAngie ThomasProfanity, violence, “thought to promote an anti-police message and indoctrination of a social agenda201730
Heather Has Two MommiesLesléa NewmanHomosexuality1989879
His Dark Materials (series)Philip PullmanPolitical viewpoint, religious viewpoint, violence1995–20008
The Holy BiblevariousReligious viewpoint, violence[3]Canon est. ca. 3rd century A.D.52
House of Night (series)P.C. Cast2007–201457
The House of the SpiritsIsabel AllendeSexual content1982719773
The Hunger Games (series)Suzanne CollinsReligious viewpoint, dark themes/violence, unsuited to age group2008–201012
I Am JazzJessica Herthel and Jazz JenningsInaccurate, homosexuality, sex education, religious viewpoint, and unsuited for age group201413
I Know Why the Caged Bird SingsMaya AngelouIncest, Sexual Content19698863
I Saw EsauIona OpiePeter OpieObscene language200098
In Cold BloodTruman CapoteViolence, sexual content, and obscene language1966
In Our Mother’s HousePatricia Polacco200947
In the Night KitchenMaurice SendakNudity and sexual references exploiting a toddler19702421
Internet Girls (series)Lauren MyracleOffensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group2004–200799
Invisible ManRalph EllisonObscene language and sexual content1952
It’s A BookLane Smith201032
It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual HealthRobie HarrisNudity, sex education, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group. Additional reasons: “alleges it is child pornography”1994221213
It’s So AmazingRobie HarrisSex education, sexual content199937
JackA. M. HomesLGBT themes and references to divorce and domestic violence199074
Jacob’s New DressSarah HoffmanLGBT content201472
James and the Giant PeachRoald DahlSupernatural themes and references to drug use196150
The Joy of Gay SexCharles SilversteinEdmund WhiteLGBT themes and explicit sexual content197778
Julie of the WolvesJean Craighead GeorgeUnsuited to age group, violence19729132
Jump Ship to FreedomJames Lincoln CollierChristopher CollierObscene language, violence, and racism1981100
JumperSteven GouldReferences to physical and sexual abuse towards children199294
The JungleUpton SinclairAuthor’s pro-Socialism and anti-Communism views1906
Junie B. Jones (series)Barbara ParkEncouraging disobedience1992–201171
Kaffir BoyMark MathabaneReferences to male prostitution and sexual abuse19863933
Killing Mr. GriffinLois DuncanViolence and obscene language19782564
King & KingLinda De HaanStern NijlandHomosexuality200220
Kingdom of Little WoundsSusann CokalSexual content, homosexuality201378
The Kite RunnerKhaled HosseiniOffensive language, unsuited to age group, violence20031150
Lady Chatterley’s LoverD. H. LawrenceSexual content1928
Less than ZeroBret Easton EllisDrug abuse, sexual content, language and a bisexual main character1985
The Librarian of BasraJeanette WinterViolence, unsuited to age group, promotion of Islam, “un-American” content[12]200596
Life is FunnyE.R. FrankSexual content200040
A Light in the AtticShel SilversteinViolence and encouraging disobedience198151
Little Bill (children book series)Bill Cosby, illustrated by Varnette P. HoneywoodCriminal sexual allegations against the author1997–2000
LolitaVladimir NabokovReferences to pedophillia and sexual abuse195573
Looking for AlaskaJohn GreenOffensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited for age group.20054
Lord of the FliesWilliam GoldingObscene language, violence, and animal cruelty195468
The Lord of the RingsJ. R. R. TolkienSupernatural themes1954
The Lovely BonesAlice SeboldReligious themes200274
LushNatasha FriendDrugs, offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group200648
Madeline and the GypsiesLudwig BemelmansSlur195889
Make Something Up: Stories You Can’t UnreadChuck PalahniukProfanity, sexual explicitness, and being “disgusting and all around offensive”2015
Mein KampfAdolf HitlerGlorification of militant nationalism, Nazism and anti-semitism1925
MonsterWalter Dean Myers199974
Mick Harte Was HereBarbara ParkObscene language and references to death199664
Mummy Laid an EggBabette ColeSex education199477
My Brother Sam Is DeadJames Lincoln CollierChristopher CollierObscene language and violence19742712
My Mom’s Having a Baby!Dori Hillestad ButlerNudity, sex education, sexual content, and unsuitable for age group200558
My Princess BoyCheryl KilodavisLGBT content200990
My Sister’s KeeperJodi PicoultHomosexuality, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexism, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group, violence2004
The Naked and the DeadNorman MailerObscene language1948
Naked LunchWilliam S. BurroughsSexual content1959
Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from AfghanistanJeanette WinterReligious viewpoint, unsuited to age group, and violence200975
Native SonRichard WrightViolence and sexual content194069
NeonomiconAlan MooreRitualistic sex, psychiatric disorders201059
The New Joy of Gay SexCharles SilversteinEdmund WhiteFelice PicanoLGBT themes and sexual content199324
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in AmericaBarbara EhrenreichDrugs, inaccurate, offensive language, political viewpoint, religious viewpoint200139
Nineteen Eighty-FourGeorge OrwellPro- and anti-Communist views, sexual content, and violence194979
Nineteen MinutesJodi Picoult200723
Of Mice and MenJohn SteinbeckOffensive language, racism, violence19372856
Olive’s OceanKevin HenkesObscene language and sexual content200359
On My HonorMarion Dane BauerReferences divorce, death, suicide, and defeat198672
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s NestKen KeseyObscene language, violence, and references to mental illness196249
Ordinary PeopleJudith GuestObscene language and sexual content197652
The OutsidersS. E. HintonObscene language, gang violence, underage smoking and drinking, strong language/slang, and family dysfunction, legitimisation of murder and anti-religious content196738
The Perks of Being a WallflowerStephen ChboskyDrugs/alcohol/smoking, homosexuality, offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group. Additional reasons: “date rape and masturbation”19991410
Persepolis (series)Marjane SatrapiGambling, offensive language, political viewpoint. Additional reasons: “politically, racially, and socially offensive,” “graphic depictions”2000–200340
The PigmanPaul ZindelObscene language196839
The Pillars of the EarthKen FollettSexual content and references to violence toward women198991
A Prayer for Owen MeanyJohn IrvingAnti-religion and criticism of the Vietnam War and the Iran-Contra incident198976
Prince & KnightDaniel Haack, illustrated by Stevie LewisLGBTQIA+ content; featuring a gay marriage; being “a deliberate attempt to indoctrinate young children” with the potential to cause confusion, curiosity, and gender dysphoria; conflicting with a religious viewpoint201891
Private PartsHoward SternSexual content199386
Rabbit, RunJohn UpdikeSexual content1960
Rainbow BoysAlex SánchezLGBT themes, sexual content200148
Revolutionary VoicesAmy SonnieHomosexuality, sexually explicit200092
Roll of Thunder, Hear My CryMildred D. TaylorOffensive language197666
Running LooseChris CrutcherRacial slurs, sexual content198392
The Rules of AttractionBret Easton EllisGraphic sexual content, strong suicide scene, language, LGBTQ+ themes1987
Saga (series)Brian K. VaughanAnti-family, nudity, offensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited for age group2012–present76
The Satanic VersesSalman RushdiePortrayal of Muhammad in a negative light1988
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (series)Alvin SchwartzUnsuited for age group, violence1981–19912471
A Separate PeaceJohn KnowlesSexual content1959
SexMadonnaSexual content199218
Sex EducationJenny DavisSexual content199593
Sex is a Funny WordCory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona SmythLGBTQIA+ content, discussing gender identity and sex education, concerns that the title and illustrations were “inappropriate,” believed to lead children to “want to have sex or ask questions about sex”201520
Shade’s ChildrenGarth NixSexual content and nudity199795
Skippyjon Jones (series)Judy SchachnerDepicting stereotypes of Mexican culture2001–present93
Slaughterhouse-FiveKurt VonnegutSexual content, anti-religious content, violence19694667
The Sleeping Beauty Quartet (series)Anne RiceSexual content1983–201555
Snow Falling on CedarsDavid GutersonSexual content199433
So Far from the Bamboo GroveYoko Kawashima WatkinsReferences to rape and violence against women19869484
Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial InjusticeMarianne CelanoMarietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin“Divisive language”, thought to promote anti-police views[10]2018
Song of SolomonToni MorrisonSexual content, bestiality, and racism19777284
Sons and LoversD. H. LawrenceSexual content and incest1913
Sophie’s ChoiceWilliam StyronSexual content1979
SpeakLaurie Halse AndersonReferences to rape19992560
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and YouIbram X. Kendi and Jason ReynoldsAuthor’s public statements, and because of claims that the book contains “selective storytelling incidents” and does not encompass racism against all people.[10]2020
Staying Fat for Sarah ByrnesChris CrutcherObscene language, sexual content199385
A Stolen Life: A MemoirJaycee DugardDrugs/alcohol/smoking, offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group2011
The Story of Little Black SamboHelen BannermanRacism189990
Stuck in the Middle: 17 Comics from an Unpleasant AgeAriel Schrag200777
The Stupids (series)Harry AllardJames MarshallPromoting negative behavior, references to death, and obscene language1974–19896227
Summer of My German SoldierBette GreeneOffensive language, racism, sexually explicit19735588
The Sun Also RisesErnest HemingwaySexual content1926
Taming the Star RunnerS. E. HintonOffensive language1988
The TerroristCaroline B. CooneyPortrays Muslims in a negative light199763
That Was Then, This Is NowS. E. HintonViolence, drug use, obscene language197197
Their Eyes Were Watching GodZora Neale HurstonAuthor’s political views1937
The Things They CarriedTim O’BrienViolence, animal abuse, obscene language, and criticism of the Vietnam War19903465
Thirteen Reasons WhyJay AsherDrugs/alcohol/smoking, sexually explicit, suicide, unsuited for age group20073
This Book Is GayJuno DawsonLGBTQIA+ content, provides sexual education201453
This Day in JuneGayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Kristyna LittenLGBT content201342
This One SummerMariko Tamaki, illustrated by Jillian TamakiIncludes LGBT characters, drug use and profanity, and considered sexually explicit with mature themes201443
Tiger EyesJudy BlumeSexual content, drug use, and language19818789
A Time to KillJohn GrishamReferences to slavery, rape, and the text includes racial slurs198967
To Kill a MockingbirdHarper LeeOffensive language, racism, unsuited to age group1960152140
TricksEllen Hopkins200998
Tropic of CancerHenry MillerSexual content1934
Twilight (series)Stephenie MeyerReligious viewpoint, violence, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group2005–2008
Two Boys KissingDavid LevithanHomosexuality and other (“condones public displays of affection”). Also considered to include sexually explicit LGBT content201318
UlyssesJames JoyceReferences to masturbation1922
Uncle Bobby’s WeddingSarah S. BrannenLGBT themes200899
The Upstairs RoomJohanna ReissObscene language and references to the Holocaust197279
The Walking Dead (series)Robert KirkmanGraphic content, violence, harsh language, and sexual content.2004–201997
We All Fall DownRobert CormierOffensive language, sexual content19913041
Whale TalkChris CrutcherRacism, offensive language200141
What My Mother Doesn’t KnowSonya SonesNudity, offensive language, sexually explicit, sexism, unsuited to age group20013531
What’s Happening to My Body? Book for BoysLynda MadarasSex education1987/200758
What’s Happening to My Body? Book for GirlsLynda MadarasSex education1987/20077335
When Dad Killed MomJulius LesterViolence, sexual content200156
Where Did I Come From?Peter MayleSex education197379
Where’s Waldo?Martin HandfordNudity198787
The Wish GiverBill BrittainSupernatural themes198399
The WitchesRoald DahlMisogyny, encouraging disobedience, violence, animal cruelty, obscene language, and supernatural themes198322
Women in LoveD. H. LawrenceSexual content and misogyny1920
Women on TopNancy FridaySexual content199170
A Wrinkle in TimeMadeleine L’EngleSupernatural themes and religious themes19639023
Year of WondersGeraldine Brooks2001100
You Hear Me?Betsy FrancoObscene language and topics200053

See also

https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-50-most-banned-books-in-america/8

Leave a Reply