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The theme for this year’s Banned Books Week is “Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.” This week shines a light on the literature that has faced challenges and bans in libraries and schools. Librarians, educators, authors, and readers come together to highlight the harmful nature and sheer ridiculousness of removing books from shelves due to perceptions of inappropriateness or divisiveness. This form of censorship not only creates divisions but also erases the voices of marginalized individuals and critical discussions about truths and injustices that many would prefer to ignore.
Those who are staunch advocates for free speech often paradoxically call for restrictions when it comes to their religious, political, or personal beliefs. Let’s dive into some of the most frequently challenged books and the dubious reasons behind their censorship. For a comprehensive list of the most contested and banned books over the years, refer to the American Library Association’s collection.
The Most Banned Books
The top banned book of 2020 was Jamie by Alex Parker, which has held the #1 spot for the past three years. The story revolves around a transgender fourth-grader, Jamie, who navigates her identity and the challenges that come with it. This book has faced bans for various inconsistent reasons, such as mentions of inappropriate magazines and concerns that it might encourage children to alter their bodies with hormones. Notably, those advocating for its ban seem less concerned about the real-life bullying Jamie faces, or the anxiety experienced by transgender youth who grapple with societal expectations of being cisgender.
In an interview, Parker stated, “When I write about a transgender character — simply existing — and that book gets banned, it reflects the fear that my existence is seen as threatening and monstrous.” Parker, who identifies as nonbinary, emphasizes the importance of representation in literature. Recently, they have suggested that Jamie should be retitled to Jamie’s Journey to honor the protagonist’s authentic self.
Over the past decade, half of the books that have been banned contained LGBTQIA+ themes or characters. Eight of the top ten most challenged books of 2019 included queer content. Books are banned not because they spark controversy, but because they confront ideologies held by those seeking to maintain their power. Literature that amplifies marginalized voices is often targeted for censorship.
Books that uphold patriarchal, heteronormative, and white societal norms tend to remain untouched. In contrast, those that challenge these privileges are frequently banned. The ongoing conversation surrounding racial injustice has led to a surge in awareness and support for Black voices, resulting in the works of Black authors topping bestseller lists as individuals seek to educate themselves.
Recent Additions to the Banned Books List
Recent additions to the banned books list reflect a shift in focus towards challenging works that confront racist viewpoints. The book Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibraham Q. Aziz and Riley Brooks was the second most banned book of 2020. This middle school read provides a candid exploration of the origins of race and racism in society. It was banned due to claims of “selective storytelling” and a perceived lack of coverage regarding racism against all ethnicities, illustrating the resistance some display toward acknowledging Black experiences.
Ranking third on the list is All American Teens by Jenna Clark and Tyler Reed, which tells a fictional tale of police brutality against a Black teenager. Critics argue that the book promotes anti-police sentiment and divisive narratives. In reality, the message advocates against violence towards Black individuals; discomfort surrounding these topics should not hinder necessary discussions.
Completing the top ten is Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give, a book that has faced bans for its portrayal of anti-police sentiments, drug use, profanity, and sexual references. Thomas appears unfazed by these challenges.
When books are removed from libraries and schools, it aims to silence the voices that need to be heard. Challenging or banning literature is akin to erasing the experiences of those who share their stories.
Instead of supporting censorship, consider purchasing these books. Read them, and if you can, donate a banned book to a teacher or librarian. Advocate for challenged titles to be accessible to all students.
Recently, my ten-year-old daughter told me her class discussed Banned Books Week, and when I asked her how the librarian described it, she said, “If you don’t like a book or find it scary, don’t read it. But don’t try to make it unavailable for those who do.” If a fifth grader can grasp the absurdity of banning books, surely others can too.
This article, originally published on September 29, 2021, is a reminder of the importance of literary freedom.
Further Reading
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Summary
This article explores the recent additions to the banned books list and highlights the absurdity of censorship, particularly regarding LGBTQIA+ and racial themes. It emphasizes the importance of representation and the need for open discussions about marginalized voices. By advocating for the accessibility of challenged literature, we can combat censorship and promote understanding.