Banned Book Recommendations

Every year more and more books are getting banned. This does not mean these books shouldn’t be read—it’s quite the opposite actually. The banning of books is a form of censorship within the United States. It’s important to understand why certain books were banned, and to read these books and form your own opinion of them before writing them off as “inappropriate” or “offensive.” 

This year, Banned Books Week is being celebrated from October 1-7. It's especially important to recognize Banned Books Week in 2023, as book bans are becoming more common.

You’ve probably already read a handful of banned books. Harper Lee’s classic To Kill A Mockingbird, John Green’s young adult hit Looking For Alaska, and the adorable picture book about penguins And Tango Makes Three have all been banned or challenged, among so many others. Find out how books get banned, read powerful quotes on banning books, and get more reading recommendations in the stories below.

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11 Challenged and Banned Books in 2024

The fight for the freedom to read is continuing throughout the U.S.

9 Banned Books for Kids to Read

Banned books have a little something for everyone.

20 Must-Have Books For Your Home Library

Stock your shelves with necessary novels.

The History of Sapphic Classic Thérèse et Isabelle

Discover the hidden classic that was censored for half a century.

The 10 Most Banned and Challenged Books in 2023

“Censorship is the child of fear and the father of ignorance.” ―Laurie Halse Anderson

Banned and Challenged Books Take the Spotlight in Free Voices

We’re proud to support challenged books and the right to free expression.

10 Books Like Lady Chatterley's Lover

Boundary-pushing books, from classic to contemporary.

23 Banned Book Quotes to Fire You Up

“Any book worth banning is a book worth reading.” ―Isaac Asimov

The History of Book Burning

"He who destroys a good book, kills reason itself.”

How Books Really Get Banned

"Banning books is one thing, killing them is something else."

13 Most Controversial Novels Ever Published

Indulge in these notorious novels—because free speech is a beautiful thing.