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Topic Guide

Banned Books

By:

Fennville_Adults

Fennville District Library

Staff-created list

These books have been challenged or banned at some point since they were published. Find out why below the title!

By:

Fennville_Adults

Fennville District Library

25 items

25 items

1984

1984

by Orwell, George

eBook - 1984

While some reviewers called 1984 a veiled attack against Joseph Stalin and the Soviet ruler's infamous "midnight purges," in 1981 a group of parents in Florida challenged it for being "procommunist." While some reviewers called 1984 a veiled attack against Joseph Stalin and the Soviet ruler's infamous "midnight purges," in 1981 a group of parents in Florida challenged it for being "procommunist." Show less

While some reviewers called 1984 a veiled attack against Joseph Stalin and the Soviet ruler's infamous "midnight purges," in 1981 a group of parents in Florida challenged it for being "procommunist." While some reviewers called 1984 a veiled attack against Joseph Stalin and the Soviet ruler's infamous "midnight purges," in 1981 a group of parents in Florida challenged it for being "procommunist." Show less

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Baby Teeth

Baby Teeth

A Novel

by Stage, Zoje

Book - 2018

While no information can be found as to why Baby Teeth was one of the many books challenged in 2020, it seems likely that it was challenged because of violence. While no information can be found as to why Baby Teeth was one of the many books challenged in 2020, it seems likely that it was challenged because of violence. Show less

While no information can be found as to why Baby Teeth was one of the many books challenged in 2020, it seems likely that it was challenged because of violence. While no information can be found as to why Baby Teeth was one of the many books challenged in 2020, it seems likely that it was challenged because of violence. Show less

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Between the World and Me

Between the World and Me

by Coates, Ta-Nehisi

eBook - 2015

Similarly to Baby Teeth, information has not yet been released as to why Between the World and Me was challenged in 2020. Based on challenges levied against similar books, it was likely related to race. Similarly to Baby Teeth, information has not yet been released as to why Between the World and Me was challenged in 2020. Based on challenges levied against similar books, it was likely related to race. Show less

Similarly to Baby Teeth, information has not yet been released as to why Between the World and Me was challenged in 2020. Based on challenges levied against similar books, it was likely related to race. Similarly to Baby Teeth, information has not yet been released as to why Between the World and Me was challenged in 2020. Based on challenges levied against similar books, it was likely related to race. Show less

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The Bluest Eye

The Bluest Eye

by Morrison, Toni

Book - 2000

The Bluest Eye was the ninth most challenged book in 2020. Most of the complaints were regarding the sexual violence and child sexual abuse in the book. The Bluest Eye was the ninth most challenged book in 2020. Most of the complaints were regarding the sexual violence and child sexual abuse in the book. Show less

The Bluest Eye was the ninth most challenged book in 2020. Most of the complaints were regarding the sexual violence and child sexual abuse in the book. The Bluest Eye was the ninth most challenged book in 2020. Most of the complaints were regarding the sexual violence and child sexual abuse in the book. Show less

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A Child Called "It"

A Child Called "It"

One Child's Courage to Survive

by Pelzer, David J.

Book - 1995

A Child Called "It" has been challenged numerous times because of graphic depictions of child abuse. A Child Called "It" has been challenged numerous times because of graphic depictions of child abuse. Show less

A Child Called "It" has been challenged numerous times because of graphic depictions of child abuse. A Child Called "It" has been challenged numerous times because of graphic depictions of child abuse. Show less

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Cujo

Cujo

by King, Stephen

eBook - 1981

One of just many Stephen King books to be challenged, Cujo specifically was challenged for "rough language, explicit sex scenes, profanity, and violence." One of just many Stephen King books to be challenged, Cujo specifically was challenged for "rough language, explicit sex scenes, profanity, and violence." Show less

One of just many Stephen King books to be challenged, Cujo specifically was challenged for "rough language, explicit sex scenes, profanity, and violence." One of just many Stephen King books to be challenged, Cujo specifically was challenged for "rough language, explicit sex scenes, profanity, and violence." Show less

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

by Haddon, Mark

Book - 2003

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time has primarily been challenged because of profane language, though it has also been challenged because "it promotes atheism." The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time has primarily been challenged because of profane language, though it has also been challenged because "it promotes atheism." Show less

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time has primarily been challenged because of profane language, though it has also been challenged because "it promotes atheism." The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time has primarily been challenged because of profane language, though it has also been challenged because "it promotes atheism." Show less

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The Diary of A Young Girl

The Diary of A Young Girl

The Definitive Edition

by Frank, Anne

Book - 1995

Anne Frank's diary has been banned in several schools over the years, mostly because some passages were considered "sexually offensive" and the tragic nature of the book, which some thought would be "depressing for young readers." Anne Frank's diary has been banned in several schools over the years, mostly because some passages were considered "sexually offensive" and the tragic nature of the book, which some thought would be "depressing for young readers." Show less

Anne Frank's diary has been banned in several schools over the years, mostly because some passages were considered "sexually offensive" and the tragic nature of the book, which some thought would be "depressing for young readers." Anne Frank's diary has been banned in several schools over the years, mostly because some passages were considered "sexually offensive" and the tragic nature of the book, which some thought would be "depressing for young readers." Show less

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Dumpty

Dumpty

The Age of Trump in Verse

by Lithgow, John

Book - 2019

Dumpty was challenged by a patron at an Illinois public library who said that "the picture on the front cover, the title of the book itself and the introduction are all political and extremely offensive." Dumpty was challenged by a patron at an Illinois public library who said that "the picture on the front cover, the title of the book itself and the introduction are all political and extremely offensive." Show less

Dumpty was challenged by a patron at an Illinois public library who said that "the picture on the front cover, the title of the book itself and the introduction are all political and extremely offensive." Dumpty was challenged by a patron at an Illinois public library who said that "the picture on the front cover, the title of the book itself and the introduction are all political and extremely offensive." Show less

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Educated

Educated

A Memoir

by Westover, Tara

Book - 2018

Educated is another book that was challenged in 2020, though the reason why has not been published yet. Can you guess why? Educated is another book that was challenged in 2020, though the reason why has not been published yet. Can you guess why? Show less

Educated is another book that was challenged in 2020, though the reason why has not been published yet. Can you guess why? Educated is another book that was challenged in 2020, though the reason why has not been published yet. Can you guess why? Show less

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Fifty Shades of Grey

Fifty Shades of Grey

by James, E. L.

Book - 2011

Fifty Shades of Grey has been banned and challenged since its first release because of sexual content. Fifty Shades of Grey has been banned and challenged since its first release because of sexual content. Show less

Fifty Shades of Grey has been banned and challenged since its first release because of sexual content. Fifty Shades of Grey has been banned and challenged since its first release because of sexual content. Show less

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The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle

A Memoir

by Walls, Jeannette

Book - 2005

The Glass Castle was number nine in the 2012 most challenged books, which is also when it was challenged in Traverse City, MI, though the city's board of ...Show more The Glass Castle was number nine in the 2012 most challenged books, which is also when it was challenged in Traverse City, MI, though the city's board of education voted to retain the title. It typically is challenged for "foul language and explicit and disturbing material." Show less

The Glass Castle was number nine in the 2012 most challenged books, which is also when it was challenged in Traverse City, MI, though the city's board of ...Show more The Glass Castle was number nine in the 2012 most challenged books, which is also when it was challenged in Traverse City, MI, though the city's board of education voted to retain the title. It typically is challenged for "foul language and explicit and disturbing material." Show less

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The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby

by Fitzgerald, F. Scott

Book - 2013

The Great Gatsby was one of five books that a school board in Alaska voted to remove from curriculum because of sexual content and that it "could cause controversy" if they were to maintain it. The Great Gatsby was one of five books that a school board in Alaska voted to remove from curriculum because of sexual content and that it "could cause controversy" if they were to maintain it. Show less

The Great Gatsby was one of five books that a school board in Alaska voted to remove from curriculum because of sexual content and that it "could cause controversy" if they were to maintain it. The Great Gatsby was one of five books that a school board in Alaska voted to remove from curriculum because of sexual content and that it "could cause controversy" if they were to maintain it. Show less

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The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale

by Atwood, Margaret

Book - 2017

The Handmaid's tale has been repeatedly banned and challenged because of descriptions of sexual encounters, "inappropriate subject matter," bein...Show more The Handmaid's tale has been repeatedly banned and challenged because of descriptions of sexual encounters, "inappropriate subject matter," being "violently graphic and morally corrupt," and being "detrimental to Christian values." Show less

The Handmaid's tale has been repeatedly banned and challenged because of descriptions of sexual encounters, "inappropriate subject matter," bein...Show more The Handmaid's tale has been repeatedly banned and challenged because of descriptions of sexual encounters, "inappropriate subject matter," being "violently graphic and morally corrupt," and being "detrimental to Christian values." Show less

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The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner

by Hosseini, Khaled

Book - 2013

In 2018, a class was in the middle of reading The Kite Runner when it was pulled from the curriculum with no explanation. When the students spoke up about censorship, the administration shut down the school newspaper to halt them. In 2018, a class was in the middle of reading The Kite Runner when it was pulled from the curriculum with no explanation. When the students spoke up about censorship, the administration shut down the school newspaper to halt them. Show less

In 2018, a class was in the middle of reading The Kite Runner when it was pulled from the curriculum with no explanation. When the students spoke up about censorship, the administration shut down the school newspaper to halt them. In 2018, a class was in the middle of reading The Kite Runner when it was pulled from the curriculum with no explanation. When the students spoke up about censorship, the administration shut down the school newspaper to halt them. Show less

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Montana 1948

Montana 1948

A Novel

by Watson, Larry

Book - 1993

Montana 1948 was challenged at a school in Minnesota because of "concerns about the content...from our American Indian community." Montana 1948 was challenged at a school in Minnesota because of "concerns about the content...from our American Indian community." Show less

Montana 1948 was challenged at a school in Minnesota because of "concerns about the content...from our American Indian community." Montana 1948 was challenged at a school in Minnesota because of "concerns about the content...from our American Indian community." Show less

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My Sister's Keeper

My Sister's Keeper

A Novel

by Picoult, Jodi

Book - 2004

My Sister's Keeper, about a young girl who sues for medical emancipation when her parents plan to have her undergo surgery to donate a kidney to her dying...Show more My Sister's Keeper, about a young girl who sues for medical emancipation when her parents plan to have her undergo surgery to donate a kidney to her dying sister, has been challenged and banned for "inappropriate displays of drug use, violence, suicide, offensive language, sexually explicit behaviors, and homosexuality." Show less

My Sister's Keeper, about a young girl who sues for medical emancipation when her parents plan to have her undergo surgery to donate a kidney to her dying...Show more My Sister's Keeper, about a young girl who sues for medical emancipation when her parents plan to have her undergo surgery to donate a kidney to her dying sister, has been challenged and banned for "inappropriate displays of drug use, violence, suicide, offensive language, sexually explicit behaviors, and homosexuality." Show less

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The Odyssey

The Odyssey

by Homer

Book - 1996

Homer's Odyssey was removed from the curriculum of a Massachusetts school in late 2020 because of violence and sexism. Homer's Odyssey was removed from the curriculum of a Massachusetts school in late 2020 because of violence and sexism. Show less

Homer's Odyssey was removed from the curriculum of a Massachusetts school in late 2020 because of violence and sexism. Homer's Odyssey was removed from the curriculum of a Massachusetts school in late 2020 because of violence and sexism. Show less

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Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

by Steinbeck, John

Book - 1994

In 2020, Of Mice and Men was temporarily removed from curriculum at a Minnesota school because of its use of the n-word. In 2020, Of Mice and Men was temporarily removed from curriculum at a Minnesota school because of its use of the n-word. Show less

In 2020, Of Mice and Men was temporarily removed from curriculum at a Minnesota school because of its use of the n-word. In 2020, Of Mice and Men was temporarily removed from curriculum at a Minnesota school because of its use of the n-word. Show less

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Ready Player One

Ready Player One

by Cline, Ernest

Book - 2011

In 2020, the Hamilton, MI school board established a book club to encourage reading in grades 5 and up. Ready Player One was one of several titles on the list that parents expressed concern over because it was "not age appropriate." In 2020, the Hamilton, MI school board established a book club to encourage reading in grades 5 and up. Ready Player One was one of several titles on the list that parents expressed concern over because it was "not age appropriate." Show less

In 2020, the Hamilton, MI school board established a book club to encourage reading in grades 5 and up. Ready Player One was one of several titles on the list that parents expressed concern over because it was "not age appropriate." In 2020, the Hamilton, MI school board established a book club to encourage reading in grades 5 and up. Ready Player One was one of several titles on the list that parents expressed concern over because it was "not age appropriate." Show less

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The Round House

The Round House

[a Novel]

by Erdrich, Louise

Book - 2012

Louise Erdrich's 2012 novel The Round House won the National Book Award for Fiction. This novel about racial injustice has also been challenged. Can you guess why? Louise Erdrich's 2012 novel The Round House won the National Book Award for Fiction. This novel about racial injustice has also been challenged. Can you guess why? Show less

Louise Erdrich's 2012 novel The Round House won the National Book Award for Fiction. This novel about racial injustice has also been challenged. Can you guess why? Louise Erdrich's 2012 novel The Round House won the National Book Award for Fiction. This novel about racial injustice has also been challenged. Can you guess why? Show less

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Saga

Saga

by Vaughan, Brian K.

Graphic Novel - 2013-

Saga was the sixth most challenged book in 2014. One of the challenges was at an Oregon public library, where a challenge was put forth on the grounds that the book was sexually explicit and propagated anti-family values. Saga was the sixth most challenged book in 2014. One of the challenges was at an Oregon public library, where a challenge was put forth on the grounds that the book was sexually explicit and propagated anti-family values. Show less

Saga was the sixth most challenged book in 2014. One of the challenges was at an Oregon public library, where a challenge was put forth on the grounds that the book was sexually explicit and propagated anti-family values. Saga was the sixth most challenged book in 2014. One of the challenges was at an Oregon public library, where a challenge was put forth on the grounds that the book was sexually explicit and propagated anti-family values. Show less

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A Stolen Life

A Stolen Life

A Memoir

by Dugard, Jaycee Lee

Book - 2011

A Stolen Life was removed from a public school in 2014 because a parent was upset when their seventh grader chose it for elective reading because of it's "graphic nature." A Stolen Life was removed from a public school in 2014 because a parent was upset when their seventh grader chose it for elective reading because of it's "graphic nature." Show less

A Stolen Life was removed from a public school in 2014 because a parent was upset when their seventh grader chose it for elective reading because of it's "graphic nature." A Stolen Life was removed from a public school in 2014 because a parent was upset when their seventh grader chose it for elective reading because of it's "graphic nature." Show less

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The Things They Carried

The Things They Carried

A Work of Fiction

by O'Brien, Tim

Book - 2009

The Things They Carried was one of five books that a school board in Alaska voted to remove from curriculum because of sexual content and that it "could cause controversy" if they were to maintain it. The Things They Carried was one of five books that a school board in Alaska voted to remove from curriculum because of sexual content and that it "could cause controversy" if they were to maintain it. Show less

The Things They Carried was one of five books that a school board in Alaska voted to remove from curriculum because of sexual content and that it "could cause controversy" if they were to maintain it. The Things They Carried was one of five books that a school board in Alaska voted to remove from curriculum because of sexual content and that it "could cause controversy" if they were to maintain it. Show less

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White Fragility

White Fragility

Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

by DiAngelo, Robin

eBook - 2018

When a class in Florida read White Fragility in 2020, the teacher received calls from the parents in complaint, where they said things like "Racism i...Show more When a class in Florida read White Fragility in 2020, the teacher received calls from the parents in complaint, where they said things like "Racism is not an issue in American and you are making it one." While the complaints did lead to the temporary removal of the book, when teacher appealed the decisions, she was allowed to use excerpts, though not the whole book, for class discussions. Show less

When a class in Florida read White Fragility in 2020, the teacher received calls from the parents in complaint, where they said things like "Racism i...Show more When a class in Florida read White Fragility in 2020, the teacher received calls from the parents in complaint, where they said things like "Racism is not an issue in American and you are making it one." While the complaints did lead to the temporary removal of the book, when teacher appealed the decisions, she was allowed to use excerpts, though not the whole book, for class discussions. Show less

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