Book banning has a long history, but in recent years it has been rising at an alarming rate. According to PEN America, nearly 16,000 books have been banned since 2021, a number not seen since the 1950s. What began with challenges to controversial books has expanded to include children’s classics and literary cornerstones. Whether from sexually explicit concepts to offensive language, religion, politics, and violence, even widely acclaimed books are not safe from bans. I’ve curated a list of titles pulled from shelves that may surprise you.
Children’s Books
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Starting off strong with a childhood classic, Where the Wild Things Are. Many of us grew up reading it, which makes its place on banned lists especially surprising. The celebrated masterpiece loved by children and parents for encouraging children’s imagination and exploration has faced bans in school libraries since its original publication in 1963. The book follows the protagonist Max, who uses his imagination to transform his bedroom into the land of the Wild Things after being sent to his room by his mother for causing mayhem. In the Wild Things, the animals try to scare Max, but Max intimidates the creatures, leading to him being declared their king.
The book has been banned for being “too dark” and “psychologically damaging” for young children. Critics blame this on Max’s rage being problematic, being sent to bed without dinner as child mistreatment, and including supernatural elements and intimidating creatures as frightening. Many adults found the imagery to be too intense for children. Although generations of children have embraced this book as magical, the controversy of Where the Wild Things Are, has kept it on the list of banned books.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Another beloved children’s tale, Charlotte’s Web, has also shockingly faced a history of being banned. The timeless classic explores themes of friendship, kindness, and life lessons through well-loved characters that have kept it on the children’s bestselling lists for generations. The story takes place on a farm and explores the relationship between a pig, Wilbur, and a spider, Charlotte. When Wilbur’s life is threatened, Charlotte saves his life by creating positive messages about him on her web shortly before her own lifespan ends.
Charlotte’s Web has been removed from shelves mostly due to religious groups’ objections to talking animals that acted like humans. They have deemed it “unnatural and blasphemous,” believing that only humans should have the ability to speak. The themes of death in the book have also been a cause for concern among parents who thought this was inappropriate for children. Despite controversy, the book has continued to be celebrated by countless readers for its heartwarming story.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Following in the footsteps of widely read children’s stories, The Lorax has also fallen victim to being surprisingly banned. The book gained popularity due to its message to children on environmentalism delivered in a simple yet profound story used to encourage activism. The narrative follows the Once-ler, a businessman, who destroys the environment, and the Lorax, who “speaks for the trees”. Through rhymes and colorful illustrations, Dr. Seuss uses the characters to speak about the danger of humanity’s greed destroying the natural environment.
Despite the story’s seemingly harmless message promoting environmental responsibility, it has still appeared on banned lists. The book was banned in California because it was perceived as portraying logging in a negative light and turning children against the forestry industry. The Lorax greatly upset members of the logging industry, who even sponsored a parody book, Truax, to show children the need for logging. Its challenges have not stopped it from remaining popular and even turning into an animated movie adaptation.
Historical/Nonfiction
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Moving on from children’s literature to a real-life, coming-of-age story, The Diary of a Young Girl, following Anne Frank’s diary records while she was in hiding for two years during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, has also faced controversy. Although some may not be shocked that the book has been banned, given people’s sensitivity to depictions of sexuality and the harsh realities of war, it remains on the surprisingly banned book list because the firsthand account of the Holocaust is widely recognized as an essential historical document and required reading in schools.
The book has been called “pornographic” and too explicit for middle schoolers due to passages on Anne’s sexual thoughts. Also included are graphic depictions of war, which have been believed to be too disturbing for students. These objections have led to censorship in schools and libraries, despite the book being widely regarded as an invaluable historical and educational resource.
Classic Literature
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Next, we have a literary cornerstone that has fluctuated between being beloved and challenged: A Tale of Two Cities. The surprisingly banned masterpiece is celebrated for its themes of sacrifice, redemption, oppression, and love and violence. The historical novel set during the French Revolution follows the lives of Charles Darnay, Lucie Manette, and Sydney Carton as they navigate the era of social upheaval in Paris and London.
Regardless of being one of the best-selling novels of all time and famous for its iconic opening line, A Tale of Two Cities has been banned as part of a broader removal in Florida that has banned any books containing sexual conduct. The book’s mature themes have caused it to be part of this list and for some schools and libraries to remove the title. This has caused a lot of pushback from publishers due to the loss of students being able to access historic and modern classics.
Young Adult
Normal People by Sally Rooney
While most book bans historically target classics, it is surprising to see modern bestsellers like Normal People now making their way on the banned book lists. The book attracted a following based on its relatable characters that deal with everyday issues and the complexities of human relationships. The story follows Marianne and Connell as they navigate friendship, love, and class through different phases of their lives.
The book has been banned based on a short list of allusive descriptions, not graphic, of consensual sex. In South Carolina, Normal People was removed from all public schools because of the decision that the subject material is not age- and developmentally appropriate. There has been some debate that the decision followed the release of the Hulu adaptation that included more graphic scenes.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Continuing in the world of contemporary young adult literature, They Both Die at the End has also been recently banned. The heart-wrenching story explores themes of life and mortality with LGBTQ+ and POC representation. Readers are drawn to the inspirational narrative and character development when Mateo and Rufus discover they only have one day left to live.
They Both Die at the End is banned because of its homosexual depictions, LGBTQ+ representation, and theme of death. This has been declared inappropriate for young readers. These factors have ultimately led to restrictions and removals, even though the profound book is widely praised for its emotional depth and exploration of identity and relationships.
Fantasy
The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien
A cornerstone of fantasy literature, The Lord of the Rings, has also faced censorship. The heartwarming tale examines unlikely heroes triumphing over evil, themes of love and hope, and self-sacrifice. The story follows the hobbit Frodo and his companions on their journey to destroy the powerful artifact, the One Ring.
The popular series that has also inspired movies has not always been widely accepted. Although Tolkien is a devout classic, his books were shockingly banned for allegedly promoting witchcraft and “satanic” themes. Some religious groups even went as far as burning copies of the book, despite the clearly positive theme of good triumphing over evil. For another series that inspired generations of readers and shaped the fantasy genre, the book remains controversial.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle Camp
The award-winning novel blending science and fantasy, A Wrinkle in Time, which has encouraged imagination and curiosity with its use of time-travel, has been pulled from shelves for years. The book explores themes of love and faith following the relatable protagonist Meg Murry, who becomes a hero by embracing her individuality. Meg’s journey, along with her brother and friend, through space and time has resonated with audiences worldwide.
A Wrinkle in Time’s mix of science, supernatural, and religious themes has sparked controversy. It has been criticized for being too religious and not religious enough. The book is believed to have opposed religious beliefs and sends mixed signals about good and evil, as well as religious leaders. Despite the challenges, the book remains popular and has also been adapted into a film.
Self-Help
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
To keep this surprising list varied, I wanted the final book to include a book banned from a genre that is designed to inspire and encourage readers. The 48 Laws of Power is banned in the federal prison system and 18 state prison systems. The New York Times bestseller includes 48 laws and tactics for gaining, maintaining, and defending against power. It emphasizes strategy, reputation, and manipulation through profound insights into human behavior.
The multi-million-dollar title that has changed perspectives on social interactions has been banned due to its allegedly manipulative tactics. This has been seen as a potential threat to order and security in the prison system. The book has been said to offer guidance that could be misused by prisoners to staff and encourage conflict. Although this was not Robert Greene’s intention, the book continues to face censorship issues due to its powerful content.
This list of books is a reminder that banned books are not always the obvious choice. Books that spark imagination, inspire reflection, and encourage growth can even be challenged.
Want to read more about Book Bans? Click here.
Find these books in the Bookstr Team Recs shelf on our Bookshop.org page and help support indie bookstores.
