In recent years, book bans have been on the rise. While the reasoning behind book bans varies, they all aim to limit readers’ access to these books, whether by challenging their content, restricting availability, or removing them from public buildings. Some of the most famous banned books are also well-loved by readers, portraying crucial stories with beloved characters. Learn more about seven of these famous banned books below.
7. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Starting our list of famous banned books is The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. This novel was Morrison’s first and most recognized novel, but it has placed her squarely in the world of banned books. The novel’s story lines of sex, racism, child abuse, and incest have been brought to attention by several groups, including the Moms of Liberty, to keep sexually explicit books out of public schools. It has since been removed from several schools and libraries in multiple states.
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6. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Sixth on our list of famous banned books is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. While she may be known for her poetry, Angelou’s autobiographical book stands out for its cultural impact. However, its themes of rape, same-sex relationships, teenage pregnancy, and race relations have prompted challenges and removals of the book. The book has faced bans in many states, many due to parental objections, but some of these have been overturned.
5. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Next on our list of famous banned books is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The book is inspired by Lee’s upbringing in Alabama during the Jim Crow era of segregation. While it is often taught in high school, the novel has drawn teaching restrictions and removal for its depictions of Black people, use of racial slurs, and themes of rape and incest. This has stemmed from both parental and higher-up complaints.
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4. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Fourth on our list of famous banned books is The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Coined “dystopian fiction,” in the novel, the U.S. government is overthrown and turned into a dictatorship called the Republic of Gilead. Women in the country are subservient to men and have no bodily autonomy. The novel has been challenged in public schools for its descriptions of sex, exploitation, and criticisms of religion in government. However, the debate of The Handmaid’s Tale has boosted sales, in addition to the 2017 streaming series.
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3. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Rounding out the top three most famous banned books is Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. Writing his books during a different cultural time, Twain’s books have often been challenged for the views of Black people that today are considered insensitive or racist. In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, it has been removed due to “backward talking” dialect, themes of racism and slavery, and frequent use of a racial slur. The book has been repeatedly removed and reinstated from public schools across the country.
2. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Second on our list of famous banned books is Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. While it was a smash hit with younger audiences, many parents and religious groups targeted the novel for its subjects of magic, witchcraft, and the occult. There has been more controversy surrounding the book in recent years following comments from Rowling about women that fans and actors have criticized as anti–trans.
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1. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Last but not least on our list of famous banned books is The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. One of the most highly regarded and controversial books written in the 20th century, the novel has been challenged for profanity and episodes of sex and prostitution. In some places, the novel has been removed from shelves, while others have age limits placed on it.
Teachers have been fired for teaching the book, and it has also been blamed for inspiring antisocial behavior in teens and inspiring violence in those who don’t believe they fit in with their peers. The most charged appearance of the book was in Mark David Chapman’s hands, as he gave a copy to the police after shooting and killing musician John Lennon.
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