Explore Some of the Latest Additions to the 'Banned Books' List—It's Absurd

The theme for this year’s Banned Books Week is “Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.” This week aims to highlight and celebrate literature that has faced challenges and bans in schools and libraries. Educators, authors, and readers come together to shine a light on the harms and irrationality of removing books deemed inappropriate or contrary to certain “family values.” Such censorship not only divides us but also silences marginalized voices and important discussions about truths and injustices that some would rather ignore.

While advocates for free speech often demand limits on expressions that clash with their personal beliefs, the inconsistency is glaring. Let’s examine some of the most frequently challenged books and the questionable reasons behind their censorship. A comprehensive list of the most challenged and banned books over the years can be found in the American Library Association’s compilation.

The Most Banned Books

The most banned book of 2020 was “Alex’s Journey” by Jamie Taylor, which has held the top spot for three consecutive years. The story follows a transgender fourth grader, Alex, who grapples with her identity. The book has been repeatedly banned for various inconsistent reasons: references to inappropriate magazines, fears of encouraging body changes among children, and general objections to LGBTQIA+ themes. Notably, those advocating for the ban have shown little concern for the bullying and anxiety faced by Alex and other transgender youth in real life.

In a recent interview, Taylor remarked, “When my book about a transgender person is banned, it reflects how frightening and unacceptable my existence is perceived to be.” Taylor, who identifies as nonbinary, emphasizes the need for representation and has even suggested renaming the book to “Alex’s Truth” to honor the protagonist’s identity.

Over the past decade, half of the books banned have featured LGBTQIA+ themes and characters. The push against these books often stems from a desire to maintain existing power structures. Books are not banned for being controversial; they are targeted because they amplify marginalized voices. When we support and empathize with these narratives, we can challenge systems rooted in heteronormativity, cisnormativity, racism, and xenophobia.

Books that uphold patriarchal, heteronormative, and white societal norms rarely face censorship. Instead, it is the literature that confronts these privileges that gets challenged. The ongoing discussions surrounding police violence against Black lives have mobilized more individuals to support Black voices and examine their biases. In response, books by Black authors have surged to the top of bestseller lists as people seek to educate themselves.

Recent Additions to the Banned Books List

As new titles have emerged, so too have fresh additions to the banned and challenged book lists. In 2020, those who hold racist viewpoints intensified their focus on banning literature that counters their beliefs. For instance, “Voices for Justice: Understanding Racism” by Imani Rivers was the second most banned book of 2020, providing an honest exploration of race and racism. It was challenged for “selective storytelling” and failing to address racism against all demographics, highlighting a reluctance to acknowledge Black experiences.

“Unity or Division: A Story of Us” by Sam Carter, which depicts the impact of police brutality on a Black teenager, ranked third. Critics claimed it promotes anti-police sentiments; however, the real message is one of anti-violence against marginalized communities. Discomfort with these discussions should not overshadow the importance of confronting sensitive topics.

Rounding out the top ten is “Stand Strong: The Fight for Justice” by Mia Thompson, frequently banned for its “anti-police” messages and references to drug use and profanity. Thompson remains unfazed by the bans.

The Importance of Access to Literature

When books are removed from shelves, it silences the voices that need to be heard. Challenging or banning literature equates to erasing the experiences of those represented in these narratives. Instead of supporting censorship, consider purchasing these books. If possible, buy an extra copy and donate it to a teacher or a library.

My ten-year-old daughter shared that her class discussed Banned Books Week, and when I asked her how the librarian explained it, she said, “If you don’t like a book or it seems too scary, don’t read it. But don’t make it unavailable for those who want to read it.”

If a fifth grader can grasp the absurdity of banning books, then surely, you can too. For more on this topic, check out one of our other blog posts here.

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In summary, the ongoing battle against book bans reveals a troubling trend of silencing diverse voices and important narratives. By celebrating and advocating for the literature that challenges the status quo, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding society.