Advanced Search

Search

Advanced Search

Jacket cover images copied to clipboard.

Topic Guide

Banned Books

By:

Fennville_Teens

Fennville District Library

Staff-created list

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

By:

Fennville_Teens

Fennville District Library

25 items

25 items

The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-time Indian

by Alexie, Sherman

Book - 2017

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was first challenged in 2009 because it was "offensive," and it has been challenged multiple tim...Show more The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was first challenged in 2009 because it was "offensive," and it has been challenged multiple times since for "vulgar language," depictions of race, violence, and "encouraging pornography." Show less

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was first challenged in 2009 because it was "offensive," and it has been challenged multiple tim...Show more The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was first challenged in 2009 because it was "offensive," and it has been challenged multiple times since for "vulgar language," depictions of race, violence, and "encouraging pornography." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

All American Boys

All American Boys

by Reynolds, Jason

Book - 2015

The first challenge against All American Boys was lobbied by the Fraternal Order of the Police who said that it was "almost an indoctrination of dist...Show more The first challenge against All American Boys was lobbied by the Fraternal Order of the Police who said that it was "almost an indoctrination of distrust of police and we’ve got to put a stop to that." Just this past year it was challenged again, with one parent saying that the police brutality it focuses on is "too much of a sensitive matter right now." Show less

The first challenge against All American Boys was lobbied by the Fraternal Order of the Police who said that it was "almost an indoctrination of dist...Show more The first challenge against All American Boys was lobbied by the Fraternal Order of the Police who said that it was "almost an indoctrination of distrust of police and we’ve got to put a stop to that." Just this past year it was challenged again, with one parent saying that the police brutality it focuses on is "too much of a sensitive matter right now." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Beyond Magenta

Beyond Magenta

Transgender Teens Speak Out

by Kuklin, Susan

Book - 2014

Beyond Magenta has been challenged for being LGBT+ content, for "its effect on any young people who want to read it," for being anti-family, and for providing sex education. Beyond Magenta has been challenged for being LGBT+ content, for "its effect on any young people who want to read it," for being anti-family, and for providing sex education. Show less

Beyond Magenta has been challenged for being LGBT+ content, for "its effect on any young people who want to read it," for being anti-family, and for providing sex education. Beyond Magenta has been challenged for being LGBT+ content, for "its effect on any young people who want to read it," for being anti-family, and for providing sex education. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Child of the Dark Prophecy

Child of the Dark Prophecy

by Barron, T. A.

Book - 2004

The first book in The Great Tree of Avalon series, Child of the Dark Prophecy, like so many books featuring magic, was challenged for "promoting the occult and/or Satanism." The first book in The Great Tree of Avalon series, Child of the Dark Prophecy, like so many books featuring magic, was challenged for "promoting the occult and/or Satanism." Show less

The first book in The Great Tree of Avalon series, Child of the Dark Prophecy, like so many books featuring magic, was challenged for "promoting the occult and/or Satanism." The first book in The Great Tree of Avalon series, Child of the Dark Prophecy, like so many books featuring magic, was challenged for "promoting the occult and/or Satanism." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Crank

Crank

by Hopkins, Ellen

Downloadable Audiobook - 2008

Crank by Ellen Hopkins is loosely based on the real life addiction of the author's daughter, and it's required reading in many drug and drug court program...Show more Crank by Ellen Hopkins is loosely based on the real life addiction of the author's daughter, and it's required reading in many drug and drug court programs. However, the book has also been banned and challenged because of its depiction of drug use, adult language, and sexual themes. Show less

Crank by Ellen Hopkins is loosely based on the real life addiction of the author's daughter, and it's required reading in many drug and drug court program...Show more Crank by Ellen Hopkins is loosely based on the real life addiction of the author's daughter, and it's required reading in many drug and drug court programs. However, the book has also been banned and challenged because of its depiction of drug use, adult language, and sexual themes. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Eleanor & Park

Eleanor & Park

by Rowell, Rainbow

Book - 2013

Eleanor & Park was challenged at a school in Minnesota in 2013 for being "filled with vile profanity." The complainants counted 227 instances of coarse language and sexuality within the book. Eleanor & Park was challenged at a school in Minnesota in 2013 for being "filled with vile profanity." The complainants counted 227 instances of coarse language and sexuality within the book. Show less

Eleanor & Park was challenged at a school in Minnesota in 2013 for being "filled with vile profanity." The complainants counted 227 instances of coarse language and sexuality within the book. Eleanor & Park was challenged at a school in Minnesota in 2013 for being "filled with vile profanity." The complainants counted 227 instances of coarse language and sexuality within the book. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Feed

by Anderson, M. T.

Book - 2012

Feed, a science fiction book about people with computers in their heads, was challenged for explicit language. Or more specifically it was banned for being "covered in the f-word" and "trash." Feed, a science fiction book about people with computers in their heads, was challenged for explicit language. Or more specifically it was banned for being "covered in the f-word" and "trash." Show less

Feed, a science fiction book about people with computers in their heads, was challenged for explicit language. Or more specifically it was banned for being "covered in the f-word" and "trash." Feed, a science fiction book about people with computers in their heads, was challenged for explicit language. Or more specifically it was banned for being "covered in the f-word" and "trash." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Go Ask Alice

Go Ask Alice

Book - 1971

Go Ask Alice was removed from multiple schools in Michigan, as well as many more around the country, for language, sexual content, and drug use. A Superintendent in New Jersey once said that it "borders on pornography." Go Ask Alice was removed from multiple schools in Michigan, as well as many more around the country, for language, sexual content, and drug use. A Superintendent in New Jersey once said that it "borders on pornography." Show less

Go Ask Alice was removed from multiple schools in Michigan, as well as many more around the country, for language, sexual content, and drug use. A Superintendent in New Jersey once said that it "borders on pornography." Go Ask Alice was removed from multiple schools in Michigan, as well as many more around the country, for language, sexual content, and drug use. A Superintendent in New Jersey once said that it "borders on pornography." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

by Rowling, J. K.

Book - 1998

Harry Potter was first banned for occult/Satanism and anti-family themes. Since it has been banned for its focus on wizardry, magic, and witchcraft, and f...Show more Harry Potter was first banned for occult/Satanism and anti-family themes. Since it has been banned for its focus on wizardry, magic, and witchcraft, and for characters that use "nefarious means" to achieve goals. In 2020, one pastor who removed books from his Catholic school's library said that "the curses and spells used in the books are actual curses and spells which when read by a human being risk conjuring evil spirits into the presence of the person reading the text." Show less

Harry Potter was first banned for occult/Satanism and anti-family themes. Since it has been banned for its focus on wizardry, magic, and witchcraft, and f...Show more Harry Potter was first banned for occult/Satanism and anti-family themes. Since it has been banned for its focus on wizardry, magic, and witchcraft, and for characters that use "nefarious means" to achieve goals. In 2020, one pastor who removed books from his Catholic school's library said that "the curses and spells used in the books are actual curses and spells which when read by a human being risk conjuring evil spirits into the presence of the person reading the text." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give

by Thomas, Angie

eBook - 2017

A District Superintendent in Texas pulled the book from shelves in the school library in violation of the school's own rules, claiming he did so because o...Show more A District Superintendent in Texas pulled the book from shelves in the school library in violation of the school's own rules, claiming he did so because of the book's "pervasive vulgarity and racially-insensitive language...not its substantive content or the viewpoint expressed." One teenager collected 4,000 signatures for a petition to have the book restored. While it was put back on the shelves, students have to have parent permission in order to check it out. Show less

A District Superintendent in Texas pulled the book from shelves in the school library in violation of the school's own rules, claiming he did so because o...Show more A District Superintendent in Texas pulled the book from shelves in the school library in violation of the school's own rules, claiming he did so because of the book's "pervasive vulgarity and racially-insensitive language...not its substantive content or the viewpoint expressed." One teenager collected 4,000 signatures for a petition to have the book restored. While it was put back on the shelves, students have to have parent permission in order to check it out. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

by Collins, Suzanne

Book - 2008

The Hunger Games has been banned for insensitivity, offensive language, being anti-family and anti-ethic, and promoting the occult. Strangely enough, it has never been challenged for violence, which is one if its more prominent characteristics. The Hunger Games has been banned for insensitivity, offensive language, being anti-family and anti-ethic, and promoting the occult. Strangely enough, it has never been challenged for violence, which is one if its more prominent characteristics. Show less

The Hunger Games has been banned for insensitivity, offensive language, being anti-family and anti-ethic, and promoting the occult. Strangely enough, it has never been challenged for violence, which is one if its more prominent characteristics. The Hunger Games has been banned for insensitivity, offensive language, being anti-family and anti-ethic, and promoting the occult. Strangely enough, it has never been challenged for violence, which is one if its more prominent characteristics. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

by Angelou, Maya

Book - 1997

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the first of the seven volumes in Maya Angelou's autobiography. It has been challenged and banned for language, portray...Show more I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the first of the seven volumes in Maya Angelou's autobiography. It has been challenged and banned for language, portrayals of violence, sexuality, childhood rape, and teen pregnancy. It was once challenged in Alabama for "preach(ing) bitterness and hatred toward white people." Show less

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the first of the seven volumes in Maya Angelou's autobiography. It has been challenged and banned for language, portray...Show more I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the first of the seven volumes in Maya Angelou's autobiography. It has been challenged and banned for language, portrayals of violence, sexuality, childhood rape, and teen pregnancy. It was once challenged in Alabama for "preach(ing) bitterness and hatred toward white people." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska

A Novel

by Green, John

Book - 2005

Looking for Alaska was named one of the most frequently challenged books in 2015 because of its "offensive language" and "sexually explicit descriptions." Looking for Alaska was named one of the most frequently challenged books in 2015 because of its "offensive language" and "sexually explicit descriptions." Show less

Looking for Alaska was named one of the most frequently challenged books in 2015 because of its "offensive language" and "sexually explicit descriptions." Looking for Alaska was named one of the most frequently challenged books in 2015 because of its "offensive language" and "sexually explicit descriptions." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Lush

Lush

by Friend, Natasha

Book - 2006

Lush was the 6th most challenged book in 2010 because of "drugs, offensive language," and "sexually explicit" activity. Lush was the 6th most challenged book in 2010 because of "drugs, offensive language," and "sexually explicit" activity. Show less

Lush was the 6th most challenged book in 2010 because of "drugs, offensive language," and "sexually explicit" activity. Lush was the 6th most challenged book in 2010 because of "drugs, offensive language," and "sexually explicit" activity. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Marked

Marked

A House of Night Novel

by Cast, P. C.

Book - 2007

The House of Night series, as well as other books with vampires, were challenged at a Texas library. A local minster requested that the "occultic (si...Show more The House of Night series, as well as other books with vampires, were challenged at a Texas library. A local minster requested that the "occultic (sic) and demonic room be shut down, and these books be purged from the shelves, and that public funds would no longer be used to purchase such material, or at least require parents to check them out for their children." Show less

The House of Night series, as well as other books with vampires, were challenged at a Texas library. A local minster requested that the "occultic (si...Show more The House of Night series, as well as other books with vampires, were challenged at a Texas library. A local minster requested that the "occultic (sic) and demonic room be shut down, and these books be purged from the shelves, and that public funds would no longer be used to purchase such material, or at least require parents to check them out for their children." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

The Perks of Being A Wallflower

The Perks of Being A Wallflower

by Chbosky, Stephen

Book - 1999

One of the reasons The Perks of Being a Wallflower was removed from the required reading list at a Connecticut high school was because it "glorifi[ed] alcohol use and drugs." One of the reasons The Perks of Being a Wallflower was removed from the required reading list at a Connecticut high school was because it "glorifi[ed] alcohol use and drugs." Show less

One of the reasons The Perks of Being a Wallflower was removed from the required reading list at a Connecticut high school was because it "glorifi[ed] alcohol use and drugs." One of the reasons The Perks of Being a Wallflower was removed from the required reading list at a Connecticut high school was because it "glorifi[ed] alcohol use and drugs." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Persepolis

Persepolis

by Satrapi, Marjane

Graphic Novel - 2003

Persepolis was originally very well received in the United States, and there were no public challenges or bans until March 2013 when Chicago Public School...Show more Persepolis was originally very well received in the United States, and there were no public challenges or bans until March 2013 when Chicago Public Schools administrators abruptly pulled it from some classrooms, reportedly because of "graphic language and images." Show less

Persepolis was originally very well received in the United States, and there were no public challenges or bans until March 2013 when Chicago Public School...Show more Persepolis was originally very well received in the United States, and there were no public challenges or bans until March 2013 when Chicago Public Schools administrators abruptly pulled it from some classrooms, reportedly because of "graphic language and images." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Speak

Speak

by Anderson, Laurie Halse

Book - 1999

Speak tells the story of a girl living in the aftermath of being raped. In 2010, a professor at Missouri State University challenged the book on the groun...Show more Speak tells the story of a girl living in the aftermath of being raped. In 2010, a professor at Missouri State University challenged the book on the grounds that discussion of rape is "soft pornography" and that the novel was "filthy." Show less

Speak tells the story of a girl living in the aftermath of being raped. In 2010, a professor at Missouri State University challenged the book on the groun...Show more Speak tells the story of a girl living in the aftermath of being raped. In 2010, a professor at Missouri State University challenged the book on the grounds that discussion of rape is "soft pornography" and that the novel was "filthy." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Stamped

Stamped

Racism, Antiracism, and You

by Reynolds, Jason

Book - 2020

Stamped was banned and challenged because of claims that the book contains "selective storytelling incidents" and does not encompass racism against all people. Stamped was banned and challenged because of claims that the book contains "selective storytelling incidents" and does not encompass racism against all people. Show less

Stamped was banned and challenged because of claims that the book contains "selective storytelling incidents" and does not encompass racism against all people. Stamped was banned and challenged because of claims that the book contains "selective storytelling incidents" and does not encompass racism against all people. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Thirteen Reasons Why

Thirteen Reasons Why

by Asher, Jay

eBook - 2016

Thirteen Reasons Why has frequently been challenged and banned because it addresses teen suicide. One parent who challenged it was especially concerned th...Show more Thirteen Reasons Why has frequently been challenged and banned because it addresses teen suicide. One parent who challenged it was especially concerned that there was a lack of mental health care in the book and that the author didn't provide a "moral lesson for those suffering depression." It was also banned at a school in Canada because staff were concerned readers would then watch the Netflix series which "glamorized teen suicide." Show less

Thirteen Reasons Why has frequently been challenged and banned because it addresses teen suicide. One parent who challenged it was especially concerned th...Show more Thirteen Reasons Why has frequently been challenged and banned because it addresses teen suicide. One parent who challenged it was especially concerned that there was a lack of mental health care in the book and that the author didn't provide a "moral lesson for those suffering depression." It was also banned at a school in Canada because staff were concerned readers would then watch the Netflix series which "glamorized teen suicide." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

This One Summer

This One Summer

by Tamaki, Mariko

Graphic Novel - 2014

One of the primary reasons this award-winning book gets challenged is because of its "inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters." One of the primary reasons this award-winning book gets challenged is because of its "inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters." Show less

One of the primary reasons this award-winning book gets challenged is because of its "inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters." One of the primary reasons this award-winning book gets challenged is because of its "inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird

by Lee, Harper

Book - 1995

Since 2002, To Kill a Mockingbird has been challenged because of its use of the n-word. It also also been challenged because it "portray[s] Atticus Finch as a white savior" and discusses rape. Since 2002, To Kill a Mockingbird has been challenged because of its use of the n-word. It also also been challenged because it "portray[s] Atticus Finch as a white savior" and discusses rape. Show less

Since 2002, To Kill a Mockingbird has been challenged because of its use of the n-word. It also also been challenged because it "portray[s] Atticus Finch as a white savior" and discusses rape. Since 2002, To Kill a Mockingbird has been challenged because of its use of the n-word. It also also been challenged because it "portray[s] Atticus Finch as a white savior" and discusses rape. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Twilight

Twilight

by Meyer, Stephenie

eBook - 2005

Administrators at a school in Australia not only banned the titles from school collections, but they even asked parents not to let kids bring their own copies to school on the grounds that the books are too sexual and go against religious beliefs. Administrators at a school in Australia not only banned the titles from school collections, but they even asked parents not to let kids bring their own copies to school on the grounds that the books are too sexual and go against religious beliefs. Show less

Administrators at a school in Australia not only banned the titles from school collections, but they even asked parents not to let kids bring their own copies to school on the grounds that the books are too sexual and go against religious beliefs. Administrators at a school in Australia not only banned the titles from school collections, but they even asked parents not to let kids bring their own copies to school on the grounds that the books are too sexual and go against religious beliefs. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Twisted

Twisted

by Anderson, Laurie Halse

eBook - 2007

Twisted was challenged for foul language and for topics covering sex, child abuse, suicide, and drug abuse. Twisted was challenged for foul language and for topics covering sex, child abuse, suicide, and drug abuse. Show less

Twisted was challenged for foul language and for topics covering sex, child abuse, suicide, and drug abuse. Twisted was challenged for foul language and for topics covering sex, child abuse, suicide, and drug abuse. Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Two Boys Kissing

Two Boys Kissing

by Levithan, David

eBook - 2013

All of the challenges lobbied against Two Boys Kissing are because of "homosexuality," including that the cover has an image of two boys kissing...Show more All of the challenges lobbied against Two Boys Kissing are because of "homosexuality," including that the cover has an image of two boys kissing on it. It has also been challenged because it "condones public displays of affection." Show less

All of the challenges lobbied against Two Boys Kissing are because of "homosexuality," including that the cover has an image of two boys kissing...Show more All of the challenges lobbied against Two Boys Kissing are because of "homosexuality," including that the cover has an image of two boys kissing on it. It has also been challenged because it "condones public displays of affection." Show less

Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf

Powered by BiblioCommons.

BiblioCore: app17 Version 9.12.0 Last updated 2023/02/02 15:25

[]

[]

To Top