The American Library Association (ALA) has tracked and reported challenged and banned books in the U.S. since 1990. Author Toni Morrison’s work is among the top 10 most challenged. “The Bluest Eye” appeared on the ALA’s list multiple times—in 2006, 2013, 2014, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Her Pulitzer Prize winning novel, “Beloved,” made the list in 2006 and 2012.

According to the ALA, since the pandemic, there has been an unprecedented volume of challenges targeting books written by authors of color and those that explore race and gender identity. Dr. Morrison’s books are controversial because they address racism and are centered on aspects of American history that make readers uncomfortable. “Beloved” was inspired by the true story of an enslaved woman who killed her daughter to spare her from a life of slavery. Her books have also been challenged or banned because they depict sex and sexual and abuse.

Reading books like “Beloved” and “The Bluest Eye” is important for a number of reasons. It exposes us to different perspectives, helps us appreciate diverse experiences and fosters empathy. It also provides insight about the social contexts and history that surround censorship and challenges to our intellectual freedom.

Join Publish Her in amplifying underrepresented voices by reading and recommending these challenged and banned books. When you purchase these titles from Publish Her’s shop on Bookshop.org, you help fund publishing and program grants for underrepresented authors.