Did you know that there are some must-read banned books that are recommended by published authors.
Books are really important because they help us understand history. They help us see things from different viewpoints and can also help us find our place in the world. It is interesting that the value of books is being proven by the efforts to block them.
In 2023, the number of books being challenged for censorship increased by 65% compared to 2022. This number is one of the highest levels ever recorded by the American Library Association (ALA). These challenges mostly happen in schools and libraries, and they have been growing a lot since 2020. Yet, they show no signs of stopping.
A lot of the books that are banned or challenged focus on certain topics. For instance, books about LGBTQIA+ people and people of color (BIPOC) made up almost half of the books targeted for censorship, according to the ALA. This list contains a list of banned books recommended by eight authors. These books cover topics like slavery, forced immigration, and stories about LGBTQIA+ people growing up.
1. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
This book is a personal story by George M. Johnson. It is about his life growing up as a Black queer person. Although the book is honest and open about tough topics, it also includes happy and loving moments with his family. When Maia Kobabe, author of Gender Queer, a book banned in 2023, first read it, they said it felt different from anything they had seen before, especially for young readers.
“I really enjoy stories about being queer, and I hope that even though some people have tried to ban the book, it reaches more readers”, they said.
2. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Nineteen minutes is about a school shooting and the terrible reality of violence that often happens in schools. It tells the story of a student who has been bullied and becomes angry. The student eventually took violent action.
The book explores the reasons behind this violence and might help people understand how to prevent it. But for that to happen, people need to be able to read the book. This is the review of Chris Bohjalian, author of Midwives, a bestselling book that was also banned.
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3. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
This short novel, The House on Mango Street, tells the story of Esperanza Cordero as she grows up in a Mexican American neighborhood in Chicago. The book is made up of different short scenes that come together to show Esperanza’s experiences from childhood to adolescence.
The book has been banned or challenged in schools because it deals with sensitive topics like sexuality, racism, and poverty. According to Shannon Bowring, author of Where the Forest Meets the River, What makes this book special is how the author uses beautiful language to bring Esperanza’s journey to life. It made it feel real and emotional.
4. Beloved by Toni Morrison
This book explores the painful history of racism in the United States. The story follows Sethe and her daughter, Denver. It showed how they were affected by the horrors of slavery. This novel is not just about one country but offers a powerful message that can apply to people everywhere.
Nicola Lagioia, author of The City of the Living, reviewed this. She said, “With rich, beautiful writing, the book touches readers deeply. It evokes both sadness and hope. It inspires a desire for justice and reminds readers of the importance of humanity.
5. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Homecoming is a powerful novel that tells the story of two sisters from Africa who were separated forever because of slavery. The book spans three centuries, and it shows how their families were affected by slavery and forced migration over time.
According to Juliet Grames, the author of The Lost Boy of Santa Chionia, Gyasi’s writing is captivating. Gyasi made the difficult history of slavery easier to understand. It encouraged readers to think about the lasting effects of enslavement. The fact that the book has been banned in some places shows how deeply it challenges readers to face uncomfortable truths.
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6. A Time to Kill by John Grisham
A Time to Kill by John Grisham is a gripping legal thriller. It tells the story of a father who takes revenge after two men brutally attacked his daughter.
Kimberly McCreight, author of Like Mother, Like Daughter, reviewed the book. “The book explores racism and the American justice system. This makes it an important read, even though it has been banned in some places for its portrayal of violence and racism. The story reminds readers that ignoring problems does not make them go away,” she said.
7. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
According to Irene Graziosi, author of The Other Profile, the book is a controversial novel. It is about a man who is attracted to a young girl. While the story is disturbing, it also challenges readers to think deeply about moral questions.
The book has been banned by some because of its difficult subject matter. However, it is also an important work in English literature. It shows that literature can make people face uncomfortable truths about the world.
8. The Rabbits’ Wedding by Garth Williams
The Rabbits’ Wedding by Garth Williams is a children’s book that tells the story of two rabbits getting married.
It was banned in the 1950s because one rabbit was white and the other was black. This made some people think it would encourage children to accept interracial relationships.
Despite its sweet message about love, the book was banned by a racist group in Alabama. According to Nancy Furstinger, author of The Forgotten Rabbit, the action shows how fear of change can lead to the censorship of innocent stories.
