Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s as intriguing as it is controversial: banned books. Yes, you read that right. Even in the land of the free and the home of the brave, and our friendly neighbors to the south, there are books that have been deemed too scandalous, too provocative, or too challenging for readers.
But why are books banned, you ask? Well, the reasons are as varied as the books themselves. Some are banned for their explicit content, others for their controversial themes, and some, believe it or not, for simply being too popular!
In this blog post, we’re going to explore seven such books that have been banned in the USA and Canada. We’ll delve into the reasons behind their censorship and discuss the implications of these bans.
“One glance at a book and you hear the voice of another person, perhaps someone dead for 1,000 years. To read is to voyage through time.”
Carl Sagan
The Concept of Banned Books
Before we dive into our list of banned books, let’s take a moment to understand what it means for a book to be banned.
When a book is banned, it means that it has been removed from a library, school, or bookstore due to its content. This is often a result of a challenge by a parent, educator, or other community member who believes the book is inappropriate for a certain audience, particularly children or young adults.
Books can be banned for a variety of reasons. Some are banned for explicit sexual content or offensive language, others for controversial themes or ideas, and some for portraying certain groups or individuals in a way that some people find offensive.
Now, you might be surprised to learn that book banning is quite common. According to the American Library Association, there were 273 reported book challenges in the United States in 2020 alone. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as many challenges go unreported1.
In Canada, Freedom to Read Week is celebrated every year to highlight issues of censorship. The Canadian Library Association reported over 100 challenges to books and magazines in Canadian libraries in a single year2.
It’s important to note that while some books are banned, many others are challenged but remain available. The goal of this blog post is not to endorse the banning of books, but to explore the reasons behind these bans and to encourage critical thinking and open discussion about these issues. So, let’s dive in and explore some of these banned books!
7 Controversial Banned Books in North America
1. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Let’s start our journey with the first book on our list: “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie.
This book is a first-person narrative novel from the perspective of a Native American teenager, Arnold Spirit Jr., also known as “Junior,” a 14-year-old promising cartoonist1. The book is about Junior’s life on the Spokane Indian Reservation and his decision to go to a nearly all-white public high school away from the reservation1. The novel includes 65 comic illustrations that help further the plot3.
Despite its critical acclaim, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” has been the subject of controversy and has consistently appeared on the annual list of frequently challenged books since 20083. It was banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and allegations of sexual misconduct by the author4. The book was removed from the curriculum in some schools due to “vulgar language” and “explicit reference to male or female genitalia of a sexual nature”56.
It’s important to respect the concerns of those who challenge the book. However, it’s also crucial to consider the value the book brings in terms of understanding and empathy. The book provides a candid and sometimes humorous account of Arnold’s struggles with poverty, racism, and the challenges of straddling two distinct worlds7. It’s an opportunity for readers to gain insight into experiences that may be different from their own. As with any book, it’s up to the individual reader to approach the content with an open mind and critical thinking.
2. Captain Underpants (series) by Dav Pilkey
Next on our list is a series that has brought laughter to many children but has also sparked controversy – the “Captain Underpants” series by Dav Pilkey.
The series revolves around two fourth-graders, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, living in Piqua, Ohio8. They create a superhero in their homemade comic books named Captain Underpants, who accidentally becomes real when they hypnotize their principal, Mr. Krupp8. The series is known for its humor, adventure, and heart9.
Despite its popularity, the “Captain Underpants” series has been challenged and even banned in some places. One of the main reasons is the book’s perceived inappropriate content, such as its humor and irreverence, which some believe challenges authority10. More recently, a spin-off book, “The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future,” was pulled from shelves due to accusations of perpetuating harmful racial stereotypes and passively racist imagery11.
While it’s crucial to take these concerns seriously, it’s also important to consider the value that these books can bring. They engage young readers with their humor and creativity, potentially fostering a love for reading. However, it’s essential for readers, parents, and educators to approach these books with an open mind and use them as a starting point for important conversations about the content and its implications.
3. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Let’s move on to our third book, “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher.
“Thirteen Reasons Why” is a gripping novel that tells the story of Hannah Baker, a high school freshman who takes her own life. Before her death, Hannah records a series of seven audio tapes, each side detailing a reason and a person who played a role in her decision to commit suicide. The tapes are sent to 13 of her classmates, including Clay Jensen, a fellow student who had cared about Hannah12. The book explores themes of suicide, bullying, and consent, sparking important conversations among readers.
Despite its popularity and critical acclaim, “Thirteen Reasons Why” has faced significant controversy and has been frequently challenged and banned. The primary reason for the ban was its depiction of suicide. Other reasons included the book’s explicit language, sexual content, and references to drugs and alcohol. The book was also criticized for its portrayal of helping professionals. Furthermore, allegations of sexual misconduct against the author, Jay Asher, added to the controversy.
The book provides a platform for discussing these serious issues and emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding. However, it’s essential for readers, especially young ones, to approach such content with caution and ideally, under the guidance of an adult.
4. Looking for Alaska by John Green
Let’s turn our attention to the fourth book on our list: “Looking for Alaska” by John Green.
“Looking for Alaska” is a coming-of-age novel that tells the story of Miles “Pudge” Halter, a high school junior who decides to attend the Culver Creek boarding school to seek a “Great Perhaps,” inspired by the famous last words of François Rabelais13. At Culver Creek, Miles befriends his roommate, Chip “The Colonel” Martin, and falls in love with the enigmatic Alaska Young. The novel is divided into two parts: “before” and “after” a life-changing event that readers discover later in the novel.
The book has been frequently challenged and banned. The primary reasons for the ban were its explicit language and sexually explicit descriptions. More specifically, the book includes a scene where Miles and his girlfriend engage in oral sex. This scene, in particular, has been a point of contention, leading to the book being removed from some school curriculums.
“Looking for Alaska” explores themes of meaning, grief, hope, and youth-adult relationships, providing an opportunity for readers to engage with these often complex and challenging topics. As with any book, it’s up to the individual reader to approach the content with an open mind and critical thinking.
5. George by Alex Gino
Our fifth book is a groundbreaking one in children’s literature – “George” by Alex Gino.
“George” introduces us to a ten-year-old character who, despite being perceived as a boy by the world, knows she’s a girl. The story revolves around George, who prefers to be called Melissa, and her journey of self-acceptance1. The narrative is both touching and enlightening, providing readers with a glimpse into the experiences of a young transgender individual.
Despite its poignant message and popularity, “George” has faced significant controversy and has been frequently banned. The primary reasons for the ban were its sexual content, which some found conflicting with their religious viewpoint, and not reflecting ‘the values of their community‘. Some critics believed the book encouraged children to clear browser history and change their bodies using hormones. Others objected to the book’s mention of ‘dirty magazines,’ describing male anatomy, ‘creating confusion,’ and including a transgender character14.
While it’s important to respect the concerns of those who challenge the book, it’s also crucial to consider the value the book brings. “George” provides a platform for understanding and empathy, offering readers a chance to walk in the shoes of a character whose experiences might differ from their own. It’s an opportunity to foster conversations about identity, acceptance, and respect. As with any book, it’s up to the individual reader to approach the content with an open mind and critical thinking.
6. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Our sixth book is a tale that’s stirred up quite a bit of controversy – “And Tango Makes Three” by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell.
“And Tango Makes Three” is a children’s book based on a true story from the Central Park Zoo in New York. The book tells the story of two male penguins, Roy and Silo, who create a family together. With the help of the zookeeper, Mr. Gramsay, Roy and Silo are given an egg which they help hatch. The female chick, that completes their family, is consequently named “Tango” by the zookeepers15.
Despite its touching narrative and positive message about diverse families, “And Tango Makes Three” has faced significant controversy and has been frequently banned. The primary reasons for the ban were its portrayal of homosexuality, violation of a religious viewpoint, and being deemed unsuitable for a certain age group. The book was also criticized for being anti-family and anti-ethnic. More recently, it was pulled from libraries in Florida’s Lake County school district under the state’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” legislation.
7. Drama by Raina Telgemeier
Our final book is a vibrant and engaging graphic novel that has stirred up quite a bit of controversy – “Drama” by Raina Telgemeier.
“Drama” is a graphic novel that centers on the story of Callie, a middle school student and theater-lover who works in her school’s drama production crew. While navigating seventh grade, Callie deals with tween hardship, including confusing crushes, budding friendships, and middle school drama. The book is critically acclaimed and spent 240 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list16.
Despite its popularity and critical acclaim, “Drama” has faced significant controversy and has been frequently banned. The primary reasons for the ban were its inclusion of LGBTQ characters. Some critics believed the book encouraged children to clear browser history and change their bodies using hormones. It was also objected to for its mention of ‘dirty magazines,’ describing male anatomy, ‘creating confusion,’ and including a transgender character. The book was removed from some school curriculums and libraries due to these reasons.
Final Thoughts
Our journey doesn’t end here. I encourage you to think critically about the concept of banned books and censorship. Remember, every book, every word, every idea has the power to open minds and foster understanding. And sometimes, the books that challenge us the most are the ones that teach us the most.
So, keep reading, keep questioning, and keep exploring. After all, as the great author Neil Gaiman once said, “The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.”
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FOOTNOTES
- Censorship by the Numbers
- The Shifting Landscape for Intellectual Freedom: Recent Challenges in Canadian Libraries
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
- Top Ten Banned Book: Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian
- Sherman Alexie young-adult book banned in Idaho schools
- Banned books 2023 – the absolutely true diary of a part-time indian
- The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-time Indian
- Captain Underpants
- Book Review: The Captain Underpants Series by Dav Pilkey
- Captain Underpants’ Dav Pilkey on Being Banned for No Good Reason
- Captain Underpants: Children’s book withdrawn over ‘passive racism’
- Thirteen Reasons Why Full Book Summary
- Looking for Alaska Full Book Summary
- America’s Most Banned Book, George, Is About a Trans Girl
- And Tango Makes Three
- Drama: A Graphic Novel