Read Any Good Banned Books Lately?

As the school year begins and new assignments are distributed, it’s hard not to reflect on the many books that have been lost to censorship across the country. According to the American Library Association (ALA), the number of unique book titles challenged has risen significantly from 378 in 2000 to 4,240 in 2023. This year alone, attempts to censor over 100 titles have been reported in 17 states, including Pennsylvania. Recently, pressure has mounted on public libraries as well, with a 92% increase in targeted titles in 2023.

There are numerous ways to support the fight against banned books. You can join campaigns, like “Unite Against Book Bans” and Let Freedom Read Day on October 7. And you can report instances of censorship to the ALA or attend library and school board meetings. But perhaps the most enjoyable action of all is simply to read! Purchasing books from local bookstores or requesting them at libraries not only supports authors, but also keeps these issues relevant and immediate.

Here are some beloved books that have faced censorship but whose stories continue to resonate.

Toni Morrison’s debut novel, “The Bluest Eye,” faced 62 banning attempts in 2023. The book tells the story of a young girl who endures abuse and yearns for blue eyes to conform to societal standards of beauty. A book I thought was even better, Morrison’s “Beloved,” explores themes of slavery, motherhood and trauma. It tells the story of Sethe, who kills her own child rather than let her grow up in bondage. “Beloved” is a powerful story that challenges readers to confront America’s history. It’s also a book I’d like to reread now as an adult and parent.

The graphic memoir “Persepolis” chronicles the author Marjane Satrapi’s childhood and early adult years in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. It’s been banned not only in the United States, but also in Iran and other countries. When listing it as one of the 50 Best Memoirs of the Past 50 Years for the New York Times, Parul Seghal described it as “A stunning graphic memoir hailed as a wholly original achievement in the form. There’s still a startling freshness to the book. It won’t age. In inky shadows and simple, expressive lines — reminiscent of Ludwig Bemelmans’s ‘Madeline’ — Satrapi evokes herself and her schoolmates coming of age in a world of protests and disappearances … A stark, shocking impact.”

Topping the ALA’s banned book list in 2023 and for many years before that is the graphic memoir “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe. The book explores Kobabe’s journey of self-discovery and understanding their gender identity. It chronicles their experiences growing up and grappling with societal expectations regarding gender, their exploration of different labels and identities, and the challenges they faced in coming to terms with being non-binary. “Gender Queer” is a book that provides insight and understanding to many who are grappling with similar issues or those who just want to understand what a friend, colleague or family member is experiencing.

Maybe this fall you’d prefer to read a challenged classic. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain explores race and society through the adventures of Huck Finn and Jim, a runaway slave. It remains a vital text for discussing racial issues in America.

Or you might read “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood. Set in a dystopian future, “The Handmaid’s Tale” depicts a society where women are subjugated and used for reproductive purposes. It raises profound questions about power, gender roles and individual freedoms. And yes, the book is better than the television series.

Another option is “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, the coming-of-age story of Scout Finch set in the racially charged South of the 1930s. This book explores themes of racial injustice and moral integrity as Scout’s father defends a Black man falsely accused of rape.

You can start the kids early on supporting banned books. After all, they’re the ones who are most affected. “Prince & Knight” by Daniel Haack along with “And Tango Makes Three” by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson tell stories of love and acceptance, challenging traditional family structures in gentle and relatable ways.

For your middle grader, “Drama” by Raina Telegemeir is wonderful and perennially popular. “Drama” is the story of Callie, who is passionate about theater and works as a set designer for her school’s drama productions. The novel follows her experiences navigating friendships, crushes and the challenges of putting on a successful school play.

Local bookseller Owen Elphick aptly summarized the impact of banning books. As he was reflecting on personal favorites that have often been banned: “Reading ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ and ‘Looking for Alaska’ as a teen opened up the world to me, helped me feel less alone, and showed me that many experiences are universal. Banning books often deprives young people of seeing themselves and understanding their own lives in transformative ways.”

These books, despite facing challenges and bans, continue to serve as essential tools for understanding and empathy, offering readers a mirror to reflect their own lives and a window into worlds beyond their own.

Cathy Fiebach is the owner of Main Point Books, located at 116 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne. Main Point Books is an independent bookstore with a handpicked selection of books for every member of the family. Please check out their events, book groups and children’s activities at MainPointBooks.com or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.