15+ Books That Were BANNED

Banned: 1950s - Soviet Union; challenged in the US in the 1980s

This dystopian masterpiece was banned in the Soviet Union for being anti-communist, while in the US, it was seen as "pro-communist" due to its not-so-subtle critique of oppressive government. The book explores themes of government surveillance and totalitarianism, which really connect with fears of political control many of us feel on a day-to-day basis.

Banned: 1960s - 1980s in the US

Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has faced bans due to the way it speaks about racial issues and the use of racial slurs. It's set in the Deep South during the 1930s, and discusses themes of injustice, racism, and moral growth. While it may be controversial for its language, the book remains a very critical part of American literature.

Banned: 1960s to present in the US

Banned for its profanity, sexual content, and the way it shows adolescent rebellion, Salinger’s novel has been the target of censorship ever since its release! The story follows Holden Caulfield, a teenager struggling with identity and a lack of purpose. Despite its controversial nature, the book has been influential in shaping adolescent literature and is still considered a cornerstone of American coming-of-age stories.

Banned: 1920s in the US

The Great Gatsby faced bans in parts of the US for its outlandish show of adultery, drunkenness, and for criticizing the American Dream. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the Jazz Age and its general materialism struck a chord with those who viewed the book as promoting immoral values however, the novel has now become a staple in American classrooms for its perfect commentary on society and class.

Banned: 1885 and onward in the US

Twain’s story has been frequently banned for its use of racial slurs, particularly the N-word, and its impression of a friendship between a white boy and a runaway slave. Critics argued that the book could promote racist attitudes, but despite the controversy, Huckleberry Finn is usually celebrated for its anti-slavery message and the way it explores the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

Banned: 1930s - 1960s in the US

Huxley’s dystopian vision of a society founded on consumerism, genetic engineering, and enforced happiness faced censorship for its themes of promiscuity, drug use, and eugenics. It was also considered dangerous for the way it showed a controlled society, an the novel has remained a thought-provoking review of the modern world, technology, and the loss of individuality.

Banned: 1930s - 2000s in the US

This American classic has been banned because of its depiction of racism, violence, and the use of bad language (curse words). The novella looks at the dreams of two disenfranchised workers during the Great Depression and has faced censorship for its show of disability and social marginalization. Yet, it's still one of the most widely studied works in high schools today!

Banned: 1960s - 1980s in the US

.Ironically, Bradbury’s novel about censorship and the banning of books has, kind of hilariously, been banned in some places due to its anti-government and anti-authoritarian themes. The book imagines a society where books are outlawed, and "firemen" burn them, and many have found its radical ideas far too threatening.

Banned: 1980s - 2000s in the US

The Color Purple was challenged for its explicit descriptions of sexual abuse, incest, violence, and the struggles of African American women in the early 20th century. Despite its incredibly raw portrayal of trauma and survival, the book is still a very critically acclaimed piece of work and has earned both literary awards and a place in the feminist canon.

Banned: 1950s to present in the US

Nabokov’s controversial novel about a middle-aged man’s obsession with a 12-year-old girl has been banned for its explicit content and its talk of pedophilia, which we hope was pretty obvious. Despite the moral outrage, the book is lauded for its linguistic creativity and its very complex view of obsession, guilt, and, of course - morality.

Banned: 1987 - 2000s in the US

Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about the haunting effects of slavery faced challenges because of the way it graphically talks about violence, sexuality, and the psychological trauma of being a slave. It was banned and challenged in schools across America, but it is revered for its deep, emotional exploration of African American history and its confronting picture of a mother’s desperate love.

Banned: Various times throughout history.

The Bible has been banned, censored, and challenged throughout history, especially during times of political or religious upheaval. From being banned by the Catholic Church during the Inquisition to censorship in certain countries for its controversial ideas, it has long been a subject of controversy. Yet, it's still the most widely published book in the world and a core text in multiple cultures.

Banned: 2000s in the US

Hosseini’s novel explores the friendship and betrayal between two Afghan boys, but it faced bans for its portrayal of sexual assault and the complicated political context of Afghanistan itself. Despite the controversy, The Kite Runner has still been praised for its powerful storytelling, deep emotional quality, and the way it explores guilt, redemption, and the human condition.

Banned: 1950s - 2000s in the US

This incredibly moving account of a Jewish girl’s life in hiding during the Holocaust has faced bans mostly due to its sexual content and unsubtle depictions of adolescence - which is pretty crazy. Though it’s one of the most important (and famous) historical documents of World War II, it has been removed from some school libraries, which sadly is unsurprising.

Banned: 1999 - 2000s in the US

This Chbosky novel which follows a teenage boy dealing with his emotional struggles, sexuality, and traumatic experiences, has faced bans for the way it talks about drug use, sexual themes, and - believe it or not - bad language. However, it has really connected with many readers, and they couldn't ban the movie! (Although we're sure they tried).

Banned: 1960s in the US

This was a satirical novel about World War II, and as you can imagine, the absurdity of war became controversial because of its use of profanity and because the soldiers had a lot of dark humor and cynicism - Heaven forbid! It was banned in parts of the US for its anti-war stance and general obscenity, but is still remains a groundbreaking piece of work.

Banned: 2000s in the US

Yep, not even the Harry Potter books are safe! They've faced bans in various countries over the years, especially from religious groups who see the series’ picture of witchcraft and magic as promoting occultism, oh no! Not that this has stopped this series becoming a cultural phenomenon, like, at all.

Banned: 1980s - 2000s in the US

Atwood's incredible dystopian novel, which is set in a super-oppressive society where women are reduced to reproductive tools, has been banned due to its graphic sexual content, themes of feminism (feminism!!), and the way it critiques political oppression. Shocker. However, it's still a cornerstone of feminist literature, and honestly, seems more and more applicable to today's world every year.

Banned: 1970s in the US

Slaughterhouse-Five blends science fiction with a memoir of the Dresden bombing in World War II and has been banned for its anti-war message, profanity, and graphic description of death. The novel’s unusual structure and all the controversial violence it talks about as well as the human cost of war make it an anti-establishment classic.

Banned: 1960s - 1980s in the US

Hinton's The Outsiders was banned for the way it talks about teenage violence, class struggles, and underage drinking. Despite being controversial, it was still applauded for its honest show of youth, identity, and all social issues, especially when it comes to working-class teens.

Banned: 1970s in the US

This anonymous "diary" which documented a teenager's descent into drug addiction, has been banned due to... well, its explicit drug references, mature themes, and show of teen rebellion. Despite the criticism for its fabrication, it's still a key text when it comes to drug awareness education, and is often seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of substance abuse and peer pressure.

Banned: 1950s in the US

Ellison's masterpiece, which follows an unnamed Black narrator’s struggles with racism, identity, and social invisibility, has faced bans for its racial content and the way it shows Black suffering. It's considered one of the greatest works of American literature, and it's applauded for its powerful examination of race and individuality in a segregated society.

Banned: 1980s in Chile and US

Finally, a book that wasn't just banned in the US! Allende’s novel, which mixes political drama with magical realism, was banned in Chile due to its socialist themes, as they clashed with the military dictatorship at the time. In the US, it was challenged for its description of sexual violence and political unrest.

Banned: 2020s in the US

Maus, which is a graphic novel about the Holocaust, faced a ban in Tennessee for its show of nudity and curse words. The way Spiegelman’s described Jews as mice and Nazis as cats offers a powerful and, most importantly, accessible way to teach about the horrors of the Holocaust - in fact, it's a lot like a modern-day Anima Farm, in a way.

Banned: 2000s in the US

Sebold’s novel about a young girl’s murder and her experience in the afterlife, as she watches everyone else's life continue, has been challenged for its graphic words of violence, sexual content, and the emotional trauma of the victim's family- it's truly heartbreaking. It became a bestseller, though and, was even adapted into an incredibly successful film!

Banned: 2000s in the US

Oates’ novel about a family torn apart by trauma after a sexual assault was banned for its explicit content, which includes detailed descriptions of rape and its impact on the family’s dynamics. It may be controversial, but the way the book examines trauma, family, and social stigma has been highly praised for its rawness!

Banned: 1990s in the US

American Psycho, which puts a black mark on consumerism and the culture of excess through the eyes of a violent, psychopathic New York executive, was banned for its descriptions of gore and violence - especially sexual violence. The book's brutal honesty about the character’s descent into madness and its commentary on the emptiness of wealth have sparked intense debate about its impact on its readers.

Banned: 1990s - 2000s in the US

.Morrison’s first-ever novel looked at racism, beauty standards, and trauma through the story of a young Black girl who dreams of having blue eyes, and was banned for its themes of incest and child molestation. Despite being really controversial, the book is widely seen as an essential work in African American literature for its powerful view of identity, race, and self-worth.

Banned: 1970s - 2000s in the US

Morrison's second novel was banned for its sexual content, its study of African American culture, and the somewhat spiritual journey of its main character. The novel looks into identity, heritage, and self-discovery, and it's praised for its complex characters and beautifully lyrical prose! It also won the National Book Critics Circle Award and remains an very influential work on African American literature.

Banned: 1970s in the US

This dystopian novel about a teenager’s violent adventures and later, his brainwashing has been banned for its explicit violence, sexual content, and moral grey areas. Despite its controversial nature, A Clockwork Orange is still very celebrated for its creative language and the way it explores free will, the ethics behind punishment, and having control over society. Whew!

Banned: 1920s in the US

This much-beloved children’s book was banned in some regions in the 1920s due to concerns over its description of animals living human-like lives, especially because some found it super disrespectful to traditional Christian values (boo-hoo). Over time, The Wind in the Willows has been accepted as a classic, with its adorable, whimsical storytelling and story of friendship, loyalty, and the joys of life in nature.

Banned: 1990s in the US

This graphic novel, which analyses dictatorship and shows great support for individual resistance, was banned due to its anti-government themes, explicit violence, and radical political ideas - which is pretty predictable. Alas, it became a symbol of resistance and revolution, especially after it was adopted by various activist groups, and how could be possibly forget the movie starring Natalie Portman!? So good.

Banned: 1930s - 1960s in the US

Miller’s semi-autobiographical novel was banned for its VERY blunt sexual content and grim portrayal of a writer’s life in Paris. The book was banned under laws against obscenity, but over time, it gained some well-deserved recognition for the way it boldly explores individual freedom and the boundaries of social norms.

Banned: 2000s in the US

Picoult’s novel about a young girl who was conceived just to be a genetic match for her ill sister was banned for its intense emotions, difficult themes surrounding medical ethics, and really controversial ending. It may have been challenged for these reasons, but its also praised for its moral dilemmas - it's also really, really heart wrenching.

Banned: 1990s - 2000s in the US

There's nothing we love more than a dystopian novel, and this one by Lowry has been banned for its talk of euthanasia, abortion, and seemingly political agendas. Despite being challenged for its very controversial themes, it's still celebrated for its exploration of societal control, memory, and the cost of "perfect" societies. It sure is a doozy!

Banned: 2010s in the US

Who could forget the day this book appeared on our shelves!? James’ erotic novel has faced bans constantly for its graphic sexual content and the way it talks of BDSM relationships. While it definitely sparked a global phenomenon, its controversial themes around relationships, consent, and sexuality continue to divide its readers. Despite the criticism, Fifty Shades of Grey is still a best-seller!

Banned: 1980s - 2000s in the US

Angelou's memoir, which details her childhood and early adulthood in the segregated South, was banned for its honest and open discussions of rape, racism, and identity. Despite the controversy, it's considered a masterpiece for its wonderfully candid and powerful portrayal of overcoming trauma and finding your voice, especially when it comes to Black womanhood.

Banned: 1980s - 1990s in the US

Blume’s coming-of-age story about a young girl grappling with puberty, religion, and identity has been challenged for its frank discussions of menstruation and her adolescent curiosity about faith. The book has also been praised for its honest, though, as well as its empathetic words of growing up and is still an important resource for young readers who find themselves going through similar things.

Banned: 1960s - 1980s in the US

Kesey's novel is basically a critique of institutionalization and authority via the story of a man who pretends to be insane so he can avoid prison, so its no surprise it has been banned for the way it shows mental illness, rebellion against authority, and use of curse words. Jack Nicholson was great in the movie, too!

Banned: 1940s - 2000s in the US

Wright's powerful novel about racism and the oppression of Black people in America was banned for its words of violence, race relations, and social upheaval. Despite all these challenges, however, Native Son is still a very important text for understanding systemic racism and the psychological effects that can come from racial discrimination. It's a definite must-read for us!