What and why?
A banned book is a literary work that has been removed from availability in a library, school, or public setting due to objections to its content, ideas, or themes by individuals or organizations. When a book is banned or challenged, the right to that information gets taken away from all community members, including those who might need the information the most. And when access to information is denied somewhere, it sets a precedent that can imperil access to information everywhere.
1.
Persepolis
Mariane Satrapi
Why is it banned?
One of the key themes in Persepolis is censorship of art by a repressive government. Several countries that are ruled by dictatorships have banned the book either because of how their country is represented or because of the blasphemy of Marjane wishing to become a prophet. Supporters emphasize the graphic novel’s educational value in teaching about history and freedom of expression.
2.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky
Why is it banned?
Frequently banned and challenged due to its depiction of mature themes common during adolescence, which some critics find too explicit for young readers; however, supporters of the book argue that it addresses difficult issues that many teenagers experience in real life and that seeing their struggles reflected in literature can help them feel less alone.
3.
Looking for Alaska
John Green
Why is it banned?
The book’s core themes revolve around grief, love, forgiveness, and the complex journey of growing up; however it has been challenged on the grounds of smoking, drug and alcohol use, LGBTQIA+ content, and sexual content, leading some to find it unsuitable for the age group of its readers.
4.
The Kite Runner
Khaled Hosseini
Why is it banned?
Proponents of the book argue that it offers a powerful opportunity for students to learn about complex historical and social issues such as ethnic conflict and religious extremism. The book has been banned in some schools due to sexual violence, offensive language, and explicit content.
5.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Sarah J. Maas
Why is it banned?
Banned from many schools due to themes of power dynamics, complex relationships, and violence, which are considered unsuitable for a younger audience by some. The book is often mistaken for young adult fiction but is meant for a more mature audience.
6.
The Things They Carried
Tim O’Brien
Why is it banned?
Banned for its depiction of violence, sexual content, profanity, and its questioning of war and authority, supporters argue that the book’s honest depiction of war is important for readers to understand the harsh realities of combat and the human cost of conflict.