Here are reviews for my personal top ten favorite frequently challenged/banned books. For each of these books I have included synopses, reasons that the book has been challenged/banned, and my personal review. Of course, there are reasons these books have been banned. Some books can be more mature or heavy than others. I highly suggest you take a look at the reasons for banning. If you think a book may not be right for you, maybe hold off on reading it. If you find a book that does seem interesting and you believe you will have no problem reading it, by all means, go ahead and read it! Overall, take care of yourself, while also celebrating the joy of reading!
1. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Synopsis: In 1960’s Tulsa, Oklahoma, a teenage gang known as the Greasers have had a long lasting rivalry with the wealthy gang, the Socs. Ponyboy Curtis and his fellow Greasers have lived their whole lives fending for themselves, until the gang rivalry causes things to take a turn and Ponyboy’s whole world turns upside down.
Reasons for Banning: Gang violence, underage substance use, strong language/slang, family dysfunction.
My Review: I will just start with this: This is my favorite book ever. Its themes of family, friendship, and society are so well portrayed and the entire concept of this book revolves around the teenage experience in a way that no one has ever been able to put in words quite like S.E. Hinton has done in this book (she was also only sixteen years old when she wrote it!). The plot is riveting and adventurous, the characters are exceptionally vivid, and the numerous quotes you can pull from this book that are both so relatable and perfectly worded are unbeatable. This book will forever be a staple in and for the teenage experience.
2. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Synopsis: In this dark comedy, Greg Gaines spends his whole life trying to remain neutral in the choppy waters of high school cliques. However, he learns that he needs to take a hold of his life when a girl at his school, Rachel, is diagnosed with leukemia. With the help of Rachel and Greg’s best friend, Earl, Greg learns the meaning of friendship and living life to its fullest.
Reasons for Banning: Sexually explicit content, profanity, and offensive language.
My Review: This book is by far one of the funniest I have ever read. Though the title may suggest otherwise, and yes, this book does get rather serious and sad, it always manages to find a way to incorporate some humor in just the right timing. I also love these characters! They each have the most hilarious of quirks. And to bring it all together, the plot flows in a way that always has you invested.
3. Looking for Alaska by John Green
Synopsis: When Miles “Pudge” Halter moves to a boarding school in Indiana, he meets plenty of new and interesting personalities, one of those being the mysterious Alaska Young. He quickly falls in love with her and she draws him into a world he’d never before dreamed of. But, after tragedy strikes, nothing will ever be the same.
Reasons for Banning: Sexually explicit content, LGBTQIA+ content, substance use.
My Review: This book made me feel all the feels. It’s funny, happy, sad, mysterious, and emotions that don’t even have words to describe them. The genre/subject of this book is also so versatile it cannot be pinned down to one genre. It’s a young adult mystery/romance/coming-of-age/everything! Alaska’s character herself is certainly a wild one but in the most interesting and intriguing way possible. She’s lovable and hateable all at once, and honestly, I feel like all of the characters are the same way. They are all so well-rounded and perfectly written and the story has such a twisting yet flowing plot that never fails to satisfy.
4. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Synopsis: Leo Borlock and all of his friends are rather intrigued by the new student at their school, an adventurous yet strange young girl who goes by the name of Stargirl. They spend every day watching her waiting for her to do another out of the ordinary thing for them to talk about. But, as Leo gets to know Stargirl personally, he realizes just how extraordinary she is in a positive way, and he even feels as if he may be falling in love. Stargirl shows him the meaning of uniqueness and being yourself and Leo realizes that it’s our differences that make the world so much more magical.
Reasons for Banning: Themes of individuality and non-conformity, bullying.
Review: Stargirl is one of the best characters in all of literature. She is unique not for the purpose of being unique, but because she does what makes her happy. This book focuses much on the idea that being a follower will never make you as happy as doing what you love and feel good doing. The flow of this story, and especially the character arc of Leo really sends such a beautiful message that everyone needs.
5. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Synopsis: Theodore Finch knows he’s different, the way his emotions and thoughts tend to be out of his control and the way he constantly obsesses over death. He is close to losing all hope for himself until he meets Violet Markey, a girl at his school who is grieving the loss of her sister. Finch takes this as his chance to make a difference in someone’s life, and together, they help each other find their own bright places.
Reasons for Banning: Sexual content, suicide, graphic depictions of mental illness.
My Review: This book is absolutely beautiful. Though surely a tear-jerker this book is a brilliant masterpiece that tackles the topics of mental health, mental illness, and suicide, with the goal of tearing down the stigma surrounding these topics. Both of the main characters in this book are so well-rounded and beautifully written, both dealing with their own challenges but helping each other through them in the most amazing of ways. The poetics and metaphors in this book are nothing short of perfect and the way that this book really makes you feel is beyond anything you could ever imagine. It truly is a masterpiece.
6. Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Synopsis: Simon Spier is a closeted gay teenager who has recently found solace in back-and-forth messaging with an anonymous classmate of his who goes by ‘Blue’. Blue is also gay and in the closet, and over weeks of messaging, Simon develops feelings for him. When another classmate finds out about Simon’s sexuality and his secret messages, he blackmails him so Simon will set him up with a friend of his. While trying to avoid his secret from coming out, Simon tries to figure out who Blue really is, and also finds himself in the process.
Reasons for Banning: LGBTQ+ themes.
My Review: This is an amazing story with the concept of romance in mind, but not completely dominated by it. The mystery and build-up to the revelation of the mystery messenger is so suspenseful and riveting. Plus, Simon’s identity journey resonates with so many people of all sexualities, genders, races, etc. The storyline will always keep you entertained and the characters will have you laughing all book long.
7. Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Synopsis: Following a devastating experience with police violence, African American high school student, Justyce McAllister begins writing to Martin Luther King jr. about the injustice and racism he sees in his life. Gaining confidence through these letters, Justyce’s life finally starts looking up.
Reasons for Banning: Themes of racism, police brutality, profanity, and sexual content.
My Review: The plot of this book is unmatched. Constant twists, great development, perfect flow. Even just the concept is amazing. A teenager writing letters to Martin Luther King jr.? I loved it and the message it sends is so important. Everyone should read this book.
8. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Synopsis: Eleanor is new to the school and Park isn’t quite sure he fits in there. However, when the two meet on the school bus, they slowly bond over music and comic books. Once they enter speaking terms with each other, their friendship skyrockets into something so much more– love.
Reasons for Banning: Offensive language, sexual themes and teen sexuality, themes of abuse, depictions of racial issues.
My Review: I’m not an avid romance reader, but this book is so much more. Yes there is romance, and I’ll be honest, this is the best romance ever, because it is truly rooted in the desire to help one another and connect over shared interests, not just lust and attraction like some other romances. Also, this storyline will have you absolutely riveted. I couldn’t put it down! Overall, this book is a work of art in itself, so well-rounded and beautiful.
9. If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
Synopsis: Tish and Fonny are the definition of true love. However, in 1970’s Harlem, a place of racism and prejudice, Fonny is wrongly committed of a crime and sentenced to prison. Additionally, Tish is pregnant with Fonny’s baby and needs him back to be the father their baby will need. Tish and her family engage in a race against time to get Fonny out of prison, facing the consequences of systemic racism.
Reasons for Banning: Racism, sexual situations, profanity, political viewpoint.
My Review: This book is riveting and beautiful all at the same time. The message, the themes, and the overall purpose of this book is amazing and something that everyone needs to hear or read about. The story will always keep you interested and something new is always coming up. It is a wonderful story that still applies today as much as it did when it was written.
10. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, Ellen Forney (illustrator)
Synopsis: Junior, a budding cartoonist, has spent his entire life on a Native American reservation. In high school, he makes the decision to leave the reservation to attend a school that he believes will grant him better opportunities. He is faced with a conflict as his new school is predominantly white and he feels as though he doesn’t fit in, but he also loses his best friend back at the reservation, who is angry at him for changing schools. Junior has to learn how to do what is best for himself while also maintaining relationships and coping with constant devastation in his life.
Reasons for Banning: Offensive language, sexual content, violence, racism.
My Review: This book is rather unique. Its use of both writing and drawing really brings the story together in such an amazing way. The drawings are hilarious while also bringing further understanding to the story. The storyline as well, is ever changing and always keeps you interested. Additionally, the characters and their experiences are so relatable to any teenager, especially those who have felt prejudice or looked down upon at any point in their life.
