Every year, the American Library Association (ALA) spends a week in September bringing awareness to censorship while embracing the freedom of reading. All around the country, books are being challenged and banned from schools for a variety of different reasons. This affects not only avid book readers, but students seeking creative education. This week is intended to celebrate the first amendment and provide an opportunity to spread the word with the hopes of creating a positive change. The truth is, at one point, famous young adult books such as Twilight and The Hunger Games were challenged for being sexually explicit and violent. In order to spread the world, here’s a compiled list of books that have been banned or challenged worthy of reading.
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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Challenged for everything from racism to sexual education, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian tells the story of a young boy named Junior as he first explores life outside the Indian Reservation where he grew up. Accompanied by illustrations, Alexie shares experiences inspired by his very own about it means to overcome issues such as poverty, race, death, and growing up.
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13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Before it was a hit Netflix show, this emotional drama was, and continues to be, a book challenged by many. 13 Reasons Why shares the story of a girl after she’s committed suicide through the 13 tapes she leaves behind. Though mature in content, this book carries a powerful message that has the power to effect and teach detrimental lessons.
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Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Set in 1986, Eleanor & Park is a story of first love perfect for anyone who enjoys an honest, realistic love story. The two meet for the first time on the school bus where they begin their awkward, yet heart-warming friendship. Don’t be mistaken by the light-heartedness of a love story, this book doesn’t fail to create important conversations around topics often overseen.
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Looking for Alaska by John Green
Despite being banned in schools all over the country, Looking for Alaska has won a series of awards, including the Michael L. Printz Award. This book brings together interesting characters, mystery, love, and poetic language to tell the story of a boy who attends boarding school after deciding that is life at home isn’t expansive enough. There he meets a beautiful, yet troubled girl named Alaska who changes him forever.
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
As a critically acclaimed novel, this coming of age story quickly became a young adult classic. Though being challenged for multiple offenses, this important story gives an insight on the real difficulties that come from being a socially uncomfortable teenager. Even if you’ve read this one before, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the perfect reread. Full of emotion and nostalgia, the impact of the story seems to always find its way back.