By Chris Olsen

Book bans and challenges involve the removal, restriction or attempted removal of certain titles from schools and libraries by school boards, government officials or other governing bodies because of objections to their content, ideas or themes. Challenged books often address topics like race and racism, sex and sexuality, LGBTQ+ relationships, historical injustices, and political and religious biases.

According to PEN America and the American Library Association, approximately 40 percent of banned and challenged books feature characters or people of color, and one-third to half include LGBTQ+ themes or characters. Book banning is a way to silence these underrepresented authors.

Reducing access to library materials based on an individual or group’s belief that the content is harmful or offensive is censorship. Book bans deny readers opportunities to develop critical thinking, build empathy and explore experiences different from their own.

Join Publish Her in taking a stand against book bans and amplifying the voices of women of color, women with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Read and recommend banned and challenged books like these:

“The 1619 Project” by Nikole Hannah-Jones

Nikole Hannah-Jones reexamines American history by centering the legacy of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans through essays, poetry, fiction and historical analysis. “The 1619 Project” has been challenged for its portrayal of American history, systemic racism and slavery.

“All My Rage” by Sabaa Tahir

Two Pakistani American teenagers’ lifelong friendship is tested by grief, addiction, family expectations and tragedy in a small California town. “All My Rage” has been challenged for profanity, sexual content, violence, drug use and portrayal of abuse, racism and Islam.

“American Street” by Ibi Zoboi

After being separated from her mother, a Haitian teenager ends up in Detroit, where she navigates identity, family and immigration. “American Street” has been challenged for profanity, sexual content, drug use, violence and portrayal of immigration and racism.

“Angela Davis: An Autobiography” by Angela Y. Davis

Angela Davis recounts her childhood, political activism, imprisonment and eventual acquittal as she reflects on race, justice and social change. The memoir has been removed or challenged for its views on communism, policing, prisons and systemic racism.

“Beloved” by Toni Morrison

A formerly enslaved woman is haunted by the trauma of slavery and the devastating choices she made to protect her children. “Beloved” has repeatedly been challenged for violence, sexual content, rape, incest, profanity and its portrayal of slavery.

“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison

A vulnerable young Black girl in Ohio internalizes racist beauty standards and prays for blue eyes to make her feel beautiful, loved and safe from her painful reality. “The Bluest Eye” has frequently been challenged for sexual violence, incest, child abuse, racism and explicit language.

“Clap When You Land” by Elizabeth Acevedo

Two teenage girls discover they are half-sisters after their father dies in a tragic plane crash, and they form a bond as they navigate grief and family secrets. “Clap When You Land” has been challenged for LGBTQ+ content and sexual references.

“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker

A young Black woman in rural Georgia overcomes abuse, finds her self-worth and learns the power of love and sisterhood. “The Color Purple” has repeatedly been challenged for sexual content, rape, incest, LGBTQ+ relationships, violence and profanity.

“The Disturbed Girl’s Dictionary” by NoNieqa Ramos

A Puerto Rican teenager navigates poverty, family instability and her mother’s mental illness, finding her own voice in the process. “The Disturbed Girl’s Dictionary” has been challenged for profanity, abuse and drug references.

“Dreaming in Cuban” by Cristina García

Three generations of Cuban women navigate the Cuban Revolution, exile and family divisions across political and geographic boundaries. “Dreaming in Cuban” has been challenged for sexual content, profanity and political themes.

“The DUFF” by Kody Keplinger

A high school student refuses to accept the labels others place on her as she explores self-esteem, friendship and first love. “The DUFF” has been challenged for sexual content, profanity and alcohol use.

“An Ember in the Ashes” by Sabaa Tahir

An epic fantasy in a terrifying Rome-like world about an orphan fighting for her family and a soldier fighting for freedom. “An Ember in the Ashes” has been challenged for violence, torture, slavery and sexual threats.

“Emergency Contact” by Mary H. K. Choi

The unexpected friendship of two young adults grows through text messages as they navigate family struggles and mental health. “Emergency Contact” has been challenged for profanity, sexual content and portrayal of depression and anxiety.

“Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley

An Ojibwe teenager becomes involved in the FBI’s investigation into a deadly drug operation affecting her community. “Firekeeper’s Daughter” has been challenged for sexual assault, drug use, violence and profanity.

“Fun Home” by Alison Bechdel

Alison Bechdel recounts growing up in a funeral home, her relationship with her closeted gay father and her own journey to embrace her lesbian identity. “Fun Home” has been repeatedly challenged for LGBTQ+ content, nudity and sexual imagery.

“The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy

The childhood of fraternal twins in India is forever altered by forbidden love, family secrets and rigid social expectations. “The God of Small Things” has been challenged for sexual content, political themes and criticism of caste and religion.

“The Grief Keeper” by Alexandra Villasante

A Salvadoran refugee agrees to carry another girl’s emotional pain in exchange for a chance to remain in the United States. “The Grief Keeper” has been challenged for LGBTQ+ relationships, immigration themes and portrayal of trauma and suicide.

“Grown” by Tiffany D. Jackson

A gifted teenage singer is groomed by a powerful music producer and becomes the prime suspect in the investigation of the producer’s death. “Grown” has been challenged for sexual abuse, grooming, violence and profanity.

“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas

A Black teenager’s life changes profoundly after witnessing a police officer shoot her unarmed friend. “The Hate U Give” has frequently been challenged for profanity, violence, drug references and portrayal of racism and police brutality.

“Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi

The descendants of two half-sisters are traced across multiple generations as they experience slavery, segregation and the lasting harm of racism. “Homegoing” has been challenged for violence, sexual assault, profanity and its depictions of slavery.

“Hood Feminism” by Mikki Kendall

Mikki Kendall contends that to truly serve all women, feminism must address issues such as poverty, hunger, housing, education and racism. “Hood Feminism” has been challenged for its analysis of systemic racism, policing and intersectional feminism.

“The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende

The lives of several generations of a Chilean family unfold against political upheaval, love and magical realism. “The House of the Spirits” has been challenged for sexual content, violence and political themes.

“The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros

A young Latina girl growing up in Chicago discovers her identity through a series of interconnected vignettes. “The House on Mango Street” has been challenged for sexual references, abuse, profanity and portrayal of gender and race.

“I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai recounts her brave fight for girls’ education in Pakistan after surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban. “I Am Malala” has been challenged for political and religious objections to its criticism of extremism.

“I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” by Erika L. Sánchez

A Mexican American teenager grieves the death of her sister while confronting depression, family expectations and questions about identity. “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” has been challenged for profanity, sexual content, suicide, substance use and mental health themes.

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou explores her childhood, trauma, resilience and the power of finding her own voice. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” has repeatedly been challenged for its depictions of rape, child sexual abuse, racism and explicit language.

“An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

A reexamination of American history through Indigenous perspectives that emphasizes colonization, resistance and survival. “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” has been challenged for its views on colonialism, genocide and systemic racism.

“In the Dream House” by Carmen Maria Machado

Carmen Maria Machado shares her experience surviving an abusive relationship as she explores the absence of cultural narratives about abuse in queer relationships. “In the Dream House” has been challenged for LGBTQ+ content, sexual material and domestic abuse.

“Juliet Takes a Breath” by Gabby Rivera

A Puerto Rican college student travels across the country from the Bronx to better understand feminism, sexuality and her own identity. “Juliet Takes a Breath” has been repeatedly challenged for LGBTQ+ content, sexual references, profanity and portrayals of race and gender.

“Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo

A Chinese American teenager discovers San Francisco’s lesbian community during the Red Scare of the 1950s. “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” has been challenged for LGBTQ+ content, sexual references and portrayal of gender and identity.

“Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me” by Mariko Tamaki

A teenage girl struggles to end an unhealthy relationship and learns about self-worth, friendship and first love. “Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me” has been challenged for LGBTQ+ relationships and sexual references.

“Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur

Rupi Kaur explores love, trauma, healing, femininity and survival through a collection of brief, emotionally powerful poems. “Milk and Honey” has been challenged for sexual content, assault and illustrations of the human body.

“Monday’s Not Coming” by Tiffany D. Jackson

As a teenager searches for her missing best friend, she uncovers abuse, neglect and institutional failures. “Monday’s Not Coming” has been challenged for child abuse, violence and profanity.

“The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander

Michelle Alexander examines how mass incarceration has created a racial caste system that disproportionately affects Black Americans. “The New Jim Crow” has been challenged for its views on systemic racism, policing and the criminal justice system.

“Ordinary Hazards” by Nikki Grimes

Nikki Grimes recounts surviving childhood trauma, foster care, abuse and her mother’s mental illness while discovering hope through poetry and writing. “Ordinary Hazards” has been challenged for its depictions of abuse, sexual assault and mental illness.

“The Other Black Girl” by Zakiya Dalila Harris

A young Black editorial assistant’s excitement about gaining a Black co-worker turns into suspicion and psychological horror. “The Other Black Girl” has been challenged for profanity, racism and workplace discrimination.

“Out of Darkness” by Ashley Hope Pérez

An interracial romance in 1930s Texas unfolds against the backdrop of the New London school explosion. “Out of Darkness” has frequently been challenged for sexual content, violence, racism and portrayals of abuse.

“Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler

A young woman with extraordinary empathy struggles to survive the collapse of American society and develops a new belief system. “Parable of the Sower” has been challenged for violence, sexual assault, profanity, religion and social commentary.

“Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi

Marjane Satrapi recounts her childhood during the Iranian Revolution and her coming of age amid political repression and war. “Persepolis” has been challenged for political themes, violence, torture, profanity and brief nudity.

“The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo

While struggling with faith, family expectations and first love, a Dominican American teenager discovers her voice through slam poetry. “The Poet X” has been challenged for sexual content, profanity and religious themes.

“Red at the Bone” by Jacqueline Woodson

An unexpected teenage pregnancy shapes the lives of two Black families across several generations. “Red at the Bone” has been challenged for sexual content and mature discussions of race, class and family relationships.

“The Round House” by Louise Erdrich

A 13-year-old Ojibwe boy seeks justice and ultimately takes matters into his own hands after his mother survives a brutal assault on their North Dakota reservation. “The Round House” has been challenged for rape, violence and profanity.

“The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” by Deesha Philyaw

A collection of stories about the private desires, relationships and struggles of Black women whose lives are shaped by faith, family and community. “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” has been challenged because of sexual content, LGBTQ+ relationships, profanity and themes objectors consider inappropriate for students.

“Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward

A Mississippi family’s journey across the South reveals the enduring effects of racism, incarceration, addiction and generational trauma. “Sing, Unburied, Sing” has been challenged for profanity, drug use, violence and sexual references.

“Sister Outsider” by Audre Lorde

A collection of essays and speeches examining racism, sexism, homophobia, identity and the importance of speaking out against injustice. “Sister Outsider” has been challenged for addressing race, feminism, sexuality and LGBTQ+ identity.

“Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison

A young Black man’s search for his family history leads him to discover identity, freedom and the legacy of slavery. “Song of Solomon” has been challenged for sexual content, profanity and violence.

“Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston

A Black woman searches for independence, love and self-determination through three marriages in the early 20th-century South. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” has been challenged for sexual content, profanity and portrayal of race and gender.

“This Book Is Gay” by Juno Dawson

Juno Dawson provides an accessible guide to LGBTQ+ identity, relationships, health and coming out for young adults. “This Book Is Gay” has repeatedly been challenged for its LGBTQ+ content, sex education and material that objectors consider sexually explicit.

“This One Summer” by Mariko Tamaki

Two teenage friends’ carefree summer changes as they encounter family conflict, first love and the realities of growing up. “This One Summer” was the most challenged book in the United States in 2016 for its LGBTQ+ characters, sexual references, profanity and drug use.

“When the Emperor Was Divine” by Julie Otsuka

After being removed from their California home, a Japanese American family is forced into incarceration camps during World War II. “When the Emperor Was Divine” has been challenged for its portrayal of racism, wartime injustice, violence and criticism of the U.S. government’s treatment of Japanese Americans.

You can find these titles on Bookshop.org, an online book marketplace that donates a portion of its profits to local, independent booksellers like Publish Her.

Photo: Maya Angelou by PA Photo

About the Author

Chris Olsen is a book designer, publisher, educator and the author of “Whyography: Building a Brand Fueled by Purpose.” The founder of Publish Her and Publish Her Story, Chris has helped thousands of women tell their stories and publish their books.

About Publish Her

Publish Her is a female-founded publisher dedicated to educating authors and elevating the words, writing and stories of women. We are passionate about amplifying the voices of women of color, women with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We aim to make publishing an attainable, exciting and collaborative process for all.