Why You Need A Banned Book

May 5
5 min read

“Last year, 2,452 unique (book) titles were challenged, the third highest number ever documented by ALA (American Library Association) and significantly exceeding the annual average of 273 unique titles over the period from 2001–2020” [3]. The fight against banning books has become increasingly relevant. As college students, we understand the value of education, with literature being a vital component in this process. Many of us do not even realize that the books we read for class are banned across states in the U.S. As education and access to knowledge through books becomes challenged, we must understand the significance of books and why they are being banned at high rates. This is a nation-wide movement which has repercussions on institutions including libraries, colleges, and public schools [1].

How are books being banned?

Censorship by exclusion is when library workers are prevented from buying certain books or need to put books in different areas because of the controversy they may spark [2]. Legislative restrictions are when states pass laws to restrict or remove books often based on the ideas and topics presented [2]. Many of these book bans go unreported, which is dangerous as we get inaccurate information about what is unavailable to us.

Why are books being banned?

57% of books that are banned have sex or sex-related topics and content while 44% include people of color and 39% include LGBTQ+ characters [1]. These bans target young adult and adult literature and disproportionately impact marginalized identities. Books are important for people to feel represented and make a difference in their lives. On the other hand, censorship can make them feel invisible. Books are an important way adults and teenagers alike explore significant personal, social, and societal themes and problems. They are able to gain awareness, understanding, and acceptance of themselves and others. These books allow people to understand their current situation, potential solutions, and explore alternative ways of living. Books encourage analysis and critical thinking, which are crucial skills. Characters also provide role models and oftentimes inspiration for change. As President of The New York Public Library Tony Marx states, “What so many misunderstand about banning a book is that the repercussions stretch way beyond the book itself. We're not being dramatic when we say that banning a book is the first step toward erasing not just someone's work, but their humanity, and their surrounding culture…Really it's simple: The way to fight ignorance is to read everything you can, in order to foster and strengthen your own sense of empathy… you can make informed decisions and create a personal bulwark against hatred of every kind” [5].

In California the Freedom to Read Act was signed in September 2024 and went into effect in January 2025. This bill helped to prevent book banning “because of the topics, views, ideas, or opinions contained in them or in a manner that discriminates based on race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, political affiliation, or socioeconomic status. The bill will also require public libraries to develop a collection development policy, which includes how the public can challenge library materials” [4]. Because we have access to these books, we need to use them.

Here are a list of some of my favorite banned books:

Kindred by Octavia Butler

The book follows the story of Dana, who unexpectedly time travels to antebellum Maryland. As Dana struggles to cope with her time traveling episodes, she adapts to her new environment by pretending to be a slave. She realizes the cause of her time traveling is her ancestor, Rufus, heir of the Weylin plantation; to stop her abilities, she must save her family line. While she is trying to save and influence her ancestor Rufus she works against the systemic racism encouraging his abuses of power. Dana witnesses the cruelties of slavery while creating connections with other slaves. As her white husband Kevin gets sent back in time with her, she fears Kevin’s complacency in this horrific system but when she realizes her own acceptance, she restores her agency. Dana’s time traveling creates a powerful and direct connection between past and present.

I highly recommend the graphic novel adaptation by Damian Duffy and John Jennings.

Why it is banned: Its depiction of violence, slavery, and sexual assault.

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The city of Panem hosts the annual Hunger Games, a competition where the children of the districts fight to the death. This event was a consequence of the districts uniting to rebel against the wealthy capital, Panem. Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12, which is riddled with poverty, corruption from the Peacekeepers, and instability. On the day of the reaping, when two children are chosen from each district, Katniss’ sister Primrose gets chosen. Katniss volunteers to take her place and travels to Panem with Peeta, the male tribute from District 12 to prepare for the games. Their mentor Haymitch advises them in their fight for survival, with the games being an entertainment for the capital viewers. Katniss learns about the corruption of power, politics, wealth, and publicity. As Katniss struggles to survive, she makes an ultimate act, which is seen as defiance, leaving her in danger from the capital.

This is a milestone book and has come back to the spotlight with the 2023 movie “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and 2025 book release “Sunrise of the Reaping.”

Themes: rebellion, corruption, power, critique of hierarchy, and violence.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Starr Carter struggles between two worlds, her black neighborhood and Willamson Prep, a wealthy and predominantly white school. After attending a party and getting a ride with her childhood friend Khalil, their car gets stopped and Khalil gets searched by the police officer. When Khalil reaches the car door to check on Starr, he is shot and killed. Starr grapples with her guilt and faces the systemic injustices against Black people as she speaks up for Khalil’s death. However, the police decide to not convict the police officer responsible and the neighborhood protests in support for Khalil’s justice. The protest becomes violent as a gang leader King Lord commits revenge against Starr who had previously testified about Khalil’s drug involvement, but the community stands with Starr. Starr vows to pursue justice for her childhood friend.

Themes: identity, racism, weaponization of stereotypes, poverty, and community.

Other books I recommend:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Themes: human nature and the duality of good and evil, morality, prejudice and racism, and the legal system.

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel

Themes: gender identity, coming of age, death, repression and expression, and appearance.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Themes: slavery, trauma, family, memory, motherhood, and community.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

Themes: change and adaptation, hope, survival, community, religion, poverty, power, and truth versus denial.

1984 by George Orwell

Themes: control, censorship, totalitarianism, mass control, class, individuality and conformity, and loyalty.