Banned books are a practice of censoring books. Though nowadays banning books does not mean book burning, but rather doubling down on taking books out of libraries and schools. In 2024 alone, over 10,000 books were banned all over the country. These bans usually happen for several reasons, sometimes to do with national security; see Operation Dark Heart. However, a large number of book challenges and bans happen because of debates around diversity and 'explicit content.'

I committed to read numerous banned books, and decide for myself– should these books be taken off the shelves? Here is my answer: absolutely not. Every challenged book I have read and analyzed has affected me fundamentally; I get to see perspectives from characters who reflect what the world looks like and learn about difficult topics.

Image Credit: Charles Hackey at Wikimedia Commons

Many people feel that some topics discussed in books are too complex for certain age groups, which is why they are removed from school libraries and curricula. However, at the middle-high school level, I feel that these 'complex issues' are exactly what we should be discussing.

In this article, I will explore a few banned books and prove why they should be available for students.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Sherman Alexie

For example, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie has been challenged since 2009 for having sexually explicit language or for being offensive. I read the book independently, and it brought me back into reading after a six-month-long slump. Not only was it funny, but it also discussed heavy topics.

I had little to no exposure to reservations, and was informed about the prejudice against Native Americans. I think it is important for teenagers to read this book because it is eye-opening, but never loses its relatability– featuring the common experiences of a lot of teenagers.

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The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas

Another novel that I love, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, was banned most recently in 2024 for explicit sexual content, and before that in 2022 for profanity, violence, and promoting an anti-police message. I read the book for a class, and did not really pick up on the sexual content. It is nothing more than other YA novels. Yes, there is violence in the story as it does discuss police brutality, but I do not feel it should be banned because of that.

Teens and adults alike, need to be exposed to the realities of systemic racism in the US, and how that plays out in society. The book does not promote an anti-police message, but rather looks at how the policing system is broken. It features a prominent character, Uncle Carlos, who is a police officer.

The story never puts him down for being an officer, but rather uses him to show that police officers are not evil or bad, but it is the system that is corrupt. This book is essential, especially in the context of the BlackLivesMatter movement.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky

Though having been challenged since 2003, in 2025, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky was removed from the Wilson County School District for being sexually explicit, having LGBTQIA+ content, and mentioning drugs, rape and profanity.

I read this novel in 9th grade, and it changed me forever. I had never really read anything that explored so many different topics so sensitively. It encourages dialogue around topics like abusive relationships, mental health, and sexuality, which are all very real things experienced by young people everywhere.

A quote from the book, "We accept the love we think we deserve," shaped a lot of my thinking when I entered high school. I saw the characters learning to accept healthy love, since they focused on self-love and growth. I read this book and did not feel alone in my experiences, which is important for everyone my age to know. Image Credit: John Ramspott at Wikimedia Commons

The list of banned books goes on and on, some titles not previously mentioned include: The Catcher in the Rye, The Hunger Games, 1984, To Kill a Mockingbird, Red, White & Royal Blue, etc.

When reading banned books, it is important to understand why it is banned, and who is doing the banning. I believe that any type of censorship is negative, and I can see that playing out in the removal of iconic and essential novels from schools and libraries.

I want to be exposed to the realities of life– I want to know about intersectionality– I want to understand how people experience society. Banned books are indispensable to breaking down complex concepts. They teach empathy and promote change. Banned books make me aware, something everyone should have the chance to be.