The Top 5 Books Everyone’s Trying to Ban — and Why You Should Read Them
Books have always held the power to challenge ideas, provoke discussion, and spark social change. Today, some of the most talked-about titles are also the ones facing bans or restrictions. Ironically, controversy often makes these books even more compelling, drawing readers eager to explore the stories and ideas others might want to suppress.
Here, we highlight five specific books currently at the center of censorship debates, and why they deserve a spot on your reading list.
- Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
This graphic memoir explores themes of gender identity and self-discovery. Its candid depiction of LGBTQ+ experiences has made it both influential and controversial, leading to challenges in schools and libraries. Supporters argue that it provides critical representation for teens questioning their identities, while also fostering empathy among all readers.
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
A powerful young adult novel, it tells the story of a Black teen navigating systemic racism, police violence, and community pressures. Critics have challenged it for language and mature themes, but its impact is undeniable: it opens important conversations about race, justice, and activism, making it a vital read for teens and adults alike.
- Maus by Art Spiegelman
This Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel depicts the Holocaust through the lens of anthropomorphic animals. Its brutal honesty about historical atrocities has led to surprising censorship attempts, even in educational settings. Yet its storytelling and visual approach offer a unique, deeply moving understanding of history.
- All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
A memoir blending personal narrative and social commentary, it recounts growing up as a Black queer youth in America. The book’s openness about sexuality and identity has made it a target for bans, but it’s also celebrated for fostering empathy, understanding, and resilience among young readers navigating similar experiences.
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Despite being a classic of American literature, Steinbeck’s tale of friendship, dreams, and tragedy has faced ongoing censorship due to language and depictions of violence. Its enduring relevance lies in its exploration of human struggle, societal marginalization, and the pursuit of dignity, themes that remain universally compelling.
What unites these five books is their courage to tackle difficult subjects and spark conversation. Attempts to ban them often underscore their importance in promoting critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness. Literature reflects society in all its triumphs and contradictions, and engaging with challenging works encourages readers to confront uncomfortable truths and broaden their perspectives.
For readers hesitant about diving into banned or challenged books, the benefits are clear. These works offer not only compelling stories but also opportunities to encounter diverse perspectives and experiences. They encourage dialogue, challenge assumptions, and reaffirm the enduring power of literature to inspire change.
In a time when access to ideas can be contested, these five books remind us why we read: to explore, question, and connect. Controversy doesn’t diminish their value — it amplifies it. Whether drawn by curiosity, social conscience, or literary excellence, these books are essential reads.
