Read Anyway

20 banned books they don’t want you to read

By Ian Helms

Book bans aren’t just a thing of the past—they’re happening right now, and they’re targeting stories that matter.

Data from the American Library Association (ALA) shows a massive spike in book challenges, with 2023 marking the highest number of banned titles ever recorded. Over 4,200 unique books were challenged in 2023 alone, which is a 65% jump from 2022.

And here’s the kicker: nearly half (47%) of the books targeted focus on the experiences of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals. It’s clear that this wave of censorship is hitting marginalized voices the hardest.

Graph showing the number of unique titles challenged in the U.S. by year from 2000 to 2023. The numbers start at 378 in 2000, dip to 259 in 2005, and remain relatively stable until spiking sharply from 223 in 2020 to 4,240 in 2023. This data is presented by the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom.

To put things in perspective, censorship efforts have been ramping up for years. From 2021 to 2023, the number of unique titles being challenged has skyrocketed, driven by groups demanding the removal of multiple books at a time.

With censorship on the rise, efforts like the Banned Book Wagon are pushing back. This initiative, powered by Penguin Random House and partners like Unite Against Book Bans and Little Free Library, is making stops in nine cities where book bans are particularly bad.

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In no particular order, below is a list of 20 featured books that have faced bans and challenges in recent times, each of which also being distributed through the upcoming Banned Book Wagon tour:

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

Cover of the book Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo is a gripping historical novel set in 1950s San Francisco, during the height of the Red Scare. Seventeen-year-old Lily Hu, a Chinese American girl, discovers her feelings for Kathleen Miller after they walk into the Telegraph Club, a lesbian bar in Chinatown.

In a time and place where being queer is dangerous and Chinese Americans face the constant threat of deportation, Lily and Kathleen’s love puts them both at great risk. Lo masterfully captures the tension between love and fear, identity and duty, as Lily navigates her newfound feelings and the harsh realities of the era.

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

The cover of Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson is a poignant exploration of how family history, community, and societal pressures shape individual lives across generations. The novel opens in 2001 at 16-year-old Melody’s coming-of-age ceremony in Brooklyn, where she wears a custom-made dress originally intended for her mother’s own ceremony, which never took place.

Moving between past and present, Woodson delves into the lives of Melody’s parents and grandparents, unpacking themes of sexual identity, ambition, class, gentrification, and the difficult choices young people must make before fully understanding who they are.

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

The cover of Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

In Two Boys Kissing, New York Times bestselling author David Levithan presents a fictional yet compelling tale based on true events. Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds, embark on a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record.

As they increasingly struggle with dehydration and exhaustion, their feat becomes a focal point in the lives of other queer teens. Narrated by a Greek Chorus of gay men lost to AIDS, the story intertwines with the lives of boys dealing with coming out, navigating identity, and the complexities of modern relationships—all while Harry and Craig, a former couple, grapple with their own unresolved feelings.

Born Ready by Jodie Patterson

Cover for Born Ready by Jodie Patterson

Born Ready by Jodie Patterson is a powerful picture book about identity and acceptance, inspired by the real-life experiences of Patterson’s transgender son, Penelope. Penelope knows he’s a boy—and a ninja—but getting others to see him for who he truly is becomes his biggest challenge.

This affirming story, a companion to Patterson’s adult memoir The Bold World, follows Penelope’s journey as he navigates frustration and joy while revealing his true self to the world. With warmth and authenticity, this book encourages children to embrace their identity and shows how being true to yourself is a source of strength.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The cover of The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a profound exploration of the lives of African American women in early 20th-century rural Georgia. The novel follows sisters Celie and Nettie, whose bond endures across years of separation, through a series of letters that span two decades.

Walker’s powerful storytelling brings to life unforgettable characters like Celie, Nettie, Shug Avery, and Sofia as they navigate pain, abuse, resilience, and growth. The Color Purple broke new ground by addressing domestic and sexual abuse while celebrating the strength and solidarity of women on their path to redemption and love.

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

Cover of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez

In I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, Erika L. Sánchez explores the complexities of family, grief, and identity. Julia is nothing like her sister Olga, the “perfect” Mexican daughter who never left home and always put family first. But after Olga’s sudden death in a tragic accident on a busy Chicago street, Julia is left to deal with the overwhelming grief of her family—particularly her mother’s constant criticism.

As Julia grapples with her own brokenness, she uncovers secrets about Olga’s life that challenge everything she thought she knew. With the help of her best friend Lorena and her first love, Connor, Julia embarks on a journey to understand her sister and herself. 

This Is Your Time by Ruby Bridges

Cover of This Is Your Time by Ruby Bridges

This Is Your Time by civil rights icon Ruby Bridges is a powerful and personal letter written to today’s generation, recounting her experiences as one of the first Black children to integrate into an all-white public school in New Orleans. At just six years old, Ruby had to be escorted by federal marshals to attend class, a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights.

In this deeply moving book, Ruby not only reflects on her past but also calls on young people to continue the work of creating meaningful change. Featuring historical photographs and Norman Rockwell’s famous painting The Problem We All Live With, this book serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Book cover for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a powerful coming-of-age novel that explores themes of identity, class conflict, and the search for belonging. The story follows 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis, a proud “greaser,” who has always seen the world divided between the wealthy “socs” and the underprivileged greasers.

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Tensions between the two groups reach a breaking point when Ponyboy’s friend Johnny kills a soc in self-defense, forcing Ponyboy to confront the harsh realities of his world. Through his struggles, Ponyboy learns that pain and hardship are universal, transcending the boundaries of social class. This classic novel remains a timeless reflection on youth, loyalty, and the complexities of right and wrong.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green book cover

In The Fault in Our Stars, John Green delivers a heart-wrenching yet uplifting story about love, loss, and the fragility of life. Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old cancer patient, has been living with the knowledge that her illness is terminal. Despite a medical treatment that has extended her life, Hazel’s fate seems inevitable—until she meets Augustus Waters at a cancer support group.

Augustus, with his charm and optimism, brings new light into Hazel’s life, rewriting her story in unexpected and beautiful ways. Filled with humor, raw emotion, and the bittersweetness of young love, this novel is a profound meditation on living with the knowledge of death.

My Rainbow by DeShanna Neal and Trinity Neal

Cover of My Rainbow by DeShanna Neal and Trinity Neal

My Rainbow is an empowering story based on the real-life experience of mother-daughter duo DeShanna and Trinity Neal. When Trinity, a young transgender girl, realizes she wants long, colorful hair to express her true self, her family steps in to help.

After searching through beauty supply stores without success, Trinity’s mother takes matters into her own hands, crafting a beautiful rainbow-colored wig that reflects Trinity’s spirit. With tender storytelling and radiant illustrations by Art Twink, this book celebrates love, self-expression, and the power of family support.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain 

Cover of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain is a classic tale of youthful mischief and adventure. Set in the small town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, along the Mississippi River, the novel follows the lively and clever Tom Sawyer, whose antics often get him into trouble with his strict Aunt Polly. From skipping school to whitewashing fences, Tom is a master of getting others to do his work, all while having adventures with his best friend, the town outcast Huckleberry Finn. And while the book includes a lot of outdated, offensive and racist language, it was originally meant to be an anti-racist work.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Book cover for The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, her debut novel, is a tragic, powerful exploration of race, beauty, and identity in America. Set in the 1940s in Lorain, Ohio, the story follows Pecola Breedlove, an eleven-year-old Black girl who yearns for blue eyes, believing they will make her as beautiful and loved as the white children around her.

As Pecola’s desire for societal acceptance grows, her life spirals into tragedy. With its rich language and bold vision, Morrison’s novel powerfully captures the deep-seated loneliness and despair of a child longing for a different reality. The Bluest Eye remains one of Morrison’s most enduring and significant works.

Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart

Cover of Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart

Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart is a touching and insightful dual narrative about two eighth graders navigating their unique challenges. Lily Jo McGrother, a transgender girl, struggles to express her true self while being perceived as a boy. Dunkin Dorfman, a boy dealing with bipolar disorder, is trying to adjust to a new town while carrying the weight of a painful secret.

When their lives intersect one summer morning, both characters find connection, understanding, and the courage to be themselves. Gephart’s novel addresses complex topics like identity and mental health with compassion and sensitivity.

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

Book cover of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, with illustrations by Vashti Harrison, is a story about the bond between a father and his daughter, Zuri, as they navigate the challenges of styling her natural hair. With her mom away, Zuri’s dad steps up to do her hair, determined to make her feel like the superhero she is.

Despite some initial difficulties, Zuri’s dad shows his love and dedication in making her hair just right. This tender picture book is a beautiful celebration of self-confidence, natural hair, and the love shared between fathers and daughters.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Book cover for The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is a poignant and enduring testament to the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Written by Anne Frank, a 13-year-old Jewish girl in hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam during World War II, the diary captures the two years she, her family, and another family spent concealed in the “Secret Annexe.”

Through hunger, fear, and the constant threat of discovery, Anne’s reflections are by turns thoughtful, humorous, and deeply moving. Her diary provides a compelling portrait of a young girl with immense courage and insight, offering a powerful reminder of the tragic toll of war.

Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña

The cover of Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña

In Milo Imagines the World, Matt de la Peña tells the story of a young boy named Milo, who takes a long subway ride with his older sister. To pass the time, Milo imagines the lives of the passengers around him, drawing pictures of their stories—like the whiskered man with the crossword puzzle, the bride-to-be with a dog in her purse, and the boy in a suit.

But when Milo notices that the boy in the suit is getting off at the same stop as him, heading to the same place, he learns an important lesson: you can’t truly understand someone’s life just by looking at them. Through rich storytelling and illustrations, this book explores themes of empathy, perception, and the stories we tell ourselves about others.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

The cover of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a chilling dystopian novel set in the Republic of Gilead, a theocratic society where women are stripped of their rights and valued only for their fertility. Offred, the protagonist, is a Handmaid whose sole purpose is to become pregnant by the Commander.

She remembers a time before Gilead when she had freedom, a family, and control over her own life, but now she is trapped in a world where women can no longer read, work, or even own property. Atwood’s novel is a powerful blend of satire and cautionary tale, exploring themes of power, control, and resistance.

How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

The cover of How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

In How to Be an Antiracist, Ibram X. Kendi redefines the conversation around racial justice, urging readers to move beyond simply acknowledging racism and actively work toward an antiracist society. Through a compelling blend of ethics, history, law, science, and personal narrative, Kendi outlines the concept of antiracism as a framework for creating a more just and equitable society.

His own journey to antiracism weaves throughout the book, making this an essential read for those committed to dismantling racism and rethinking how we understand race and identity in America

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

Cover of All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold is a beautifully inclusive story that follows a diverse group of children through a day at school, where acceptance and community are at the heart of everything. In this school, kids wearing patkas, hijabs, yarmulkes, and baseball caps all play, learn, and grow together, celebrating each other’s unique traditions, such as the Lunar New Year.

This book reassures young readers that no matter their background or beliefs, they belong and are welcomed in their school community.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a deeply moving memoir that has become a modern classic. Angelou recounts her childhood experiences with raw honesty, capturing the pain of abandonment, racism, and trauma. Sent to live with their grandmother in the segregated South, Maya and her brother, Bailey, face prejudice and loneliness.

Later, after a traumatic assault in St. Louis, Maya struggles with the lifelong consequences of that experience. Yet, through her love for literature and the strength of her spirit, Maya learns to rise above her circumstances.

More top-challenged books to read

Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2023 banner from the American Library Association. The image features book covers for some of the most frequently challenged books, including The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson. Other book covers showcase diverse illustrations and themes, reflecting issues like LGBTQ+ identities and racial representation. The banner includes the URL ALA.org/BBBOOKS

Outside of the 20 banned and challenged books already listed, several others have consistently appeared on the list of Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023, compiled by the ALA. While 2024’s list has yet to be released, this annual list highlights the books most frequently targeted for their themes of gender identity, LGBTQ+ experiences, mental health, and sexuality.

While The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is already included in the Banned Book Wagon list, here are the remaining 9 titles from the ALA’s most challenged books of 2023:

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How the Banned Book Wagon is fighting back

This Banned Book Wagon tour will kick off during Banned Books Week (September 22-28), and run through mid-October, handing out free copies of banned books to event attendees.

This year’s tour will stop in cities with a particularly high volume of book challenges, including Des Moines, Iowa; Milwaukee; Chicago; Indianapolis; Cleveland; Richmond, Virginia; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Gainesville, Florida; and Austin, Texas.

During the tour, the Banned Wagon will give out free copies of the 20 books outlined above that are currently being banned and challenged across the country to event attendees at each stop (while supplies last).

In addition to these giveaways, the Banned Wagon will also expand its reach by dropping off books at Little Free Libraries along the route, ensuring that more readers have access to these important stories.

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