"Banning books is a sign that you don't trust your
citizens to think for themselves." — Holly Black
In the United States, we continue to see a steady increase in the frequency of banned books, particularly books by and about the queer community and BIPOC. The list for 2024 is still in progress, but during 2023 there were a documented 4,240 books targeted for censorship, and of those 4,240 books, 47% represented the voices of the queer and BIPOC communities.
Why We Should Be Concerned
Banned books hold immense value in promoting critical thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The reasons books are banned often reveal underlying societal tensions and fears about confronting uncomfortable truths, challenging the status quo, or presenting perspectives that differ from dominant cultural narratives. Their value lies in their ability to provoke thought, foster understanding, and challenge readers to see the world through different lenses.
Critical Thinking: Banning books often arises from a desire to shield readers, particularly young ones, from content deemed controversial or challenging. However, engaging with such content is essential for developing critical thinking skills. When readers encounter ideas that differ from their own or that challenge societal norms, they are prompted to think deeply, question their assumptions, and develop their own informed opinions. This process is fundamental to a healthy democracy, where individuals must be capable of analyzing different viewpoints and making reasoned decisions.
Empathy: Many banned books contain stories that explore the experiences of marginalized communities, such as those involving LGBTQIA+ individuals, BIPOC characters, or those addressing themes of mental health and poverty. Reading these stories allows readers to step into the lives of others, fostering empathy by understanding experiences and emotions outside their own. For instance, books like "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison, which is often banned for its portrayal of racism and sexual abuse, offer readers an opportunity to understand the profound effects of systemic oppression and internalized racism.
Inclusivity: Banned books often highlight voices and stories that have been historically silenced or marginalized. By suppressing these books, society risks perpetuating a narrow, exclusive narrative that ignores the richness of human experience. In contrast, reading and discussing banned books can be a powerful act of inclusivity, ensuring that diverse stories are heard and valued. Titles like "Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe and "All Boys Aren't Blue" by George M. Johnson, both of which have been frequently challenged, contribute to a broader understanding of gender and sexual identity, thereby promoting a more inclusive society.
Reading banned books as a family can be more than just a means of enjoying literature, but can also serve as a powerful tool for opening discussions on important social issues. By reading and discussing banned books together, families can create a safe and supportive environment where complex and often challenging topics, such as race, gender, sexuality, and social justice, can be explored in a meaningful way. By reading these books together, parents are able to guide these discussions, help their children develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding that is so crucial for for understanding the world around them.
Tips for Reading Banned Books
It’s important to approach this activity with care, especially when considering the diverse themes these books often cover.
Age Appropriateness: For younger children, look for books that introduce important themes in a more accessible way. For example, "And Tango Makes Three" by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, a frequently challenged book about a same-sex penguin couple, is appropriate for young children and opens the door to discussions about different types of families. As your children grow, you can gradually introduce more challenging books that tackle heavier subjects. For teens, novels like "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas or "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely are excellent choices that address racial injustice and police brutality in a way that resonates with older readers. By matching the book’s content with your child’s developmental stage, you can ensure that the reading experience is both meaningful and manageable.
Start Conversations: Once you’ve chosen a book, the next step is to foster open and thoughtful discussions about its themes. Start by asking open-ended questions that encourage your children to think critically and share their perspectives. Questions like, “What do you think the author is trying to say with this story?” or “How do you feel about the way the characters are treated?” can spark meaningful conversations. For instance, after reading "To Kill a Mockingbird," you might discuss the concepts of justice and fairness, and how they relate to today’s world. Help your children connect the book’s themes to real-life situations by discussing current events or personal experiences that relate to the story. This can deepen their understanding and make the lessons more relevant.
Create a Safe Space: Creating a safe and non-judgmental environment is crucial when discussing banned books. Let each family member express their thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism. Emphasize that all perspectives are valid and that it’s okay to have different opinions. This approach not only makes the discussion more inclusive but also teaches children the importance of listening to and respecting others’ viewpoints. If a topic becomes too intense or uncomfortable, take a break and revisit it later when everyone is ready. You might also provide additional context or support to help your children process the information. For example, if you’re reading a book that deals with trauma or violence, consider discussing how these experiences affect people and what support systems exist to help them. your role is to model how to have respectful and productive conversations, even about difficult subjects. Show your children how to articulate their thoughts clearly and considerately, and how to ask questions that lead to deeper understanding rather than conflict. This will not only enhance your family’s discussions but also equip your children with the skills to engage in meaningful conversations outside the home.
10 Family Read Aloud Banned Books
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee**
Themes: Racism, moral growth, and empathy.
Why It’s Important: A powerful exploration of prejudice and moral courage.
Recommended Age: 12+
"The Giver" by Lois Lowry
Themes: Individuality, freedom, and the dangers of conformity.
Why It’s Important: Encourages discussions on the value of diversity and free will.
Recommended Age: 12+
"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
Themes: Racial inequality, police violence, and activism.
Why It’s Important: A modern exploration of systemic racism and social justice.
Recommended Age: 12+
"1984" by George Orwell
Themes: Totalitarianism, surveillance, and freedom of thought.
Why It’s Important: A cautionary tale about the dangers of losing individual rights.
Recommended Age: 13+
"Harry Potter" Series by J.K. Rowling
Themes: Friendship, bravery, and the fight against prejudice.
Why It’s Important: Opens discussions on the importance of standing up against discrimination.
Recommended Age: 9+
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
Themes: Identity, cultural conflict, and resilience.
Why It’s Important: Offers insights into the experiences of Indigenous peoples.
Recommended Age: 12+
"Beloved" by Toni Morrison
Themes: Slavery, trauma, and the quest for identity.
Why It’s Important: A profound exploration of the legacy of slavery.
Recommended Age: 15+
"The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison
Themes: Race, beauty standards, and self-worth.
Why It’s Important: Encourages discussions on internalized racism and self-acceptance.
Recommended Age: 14+
"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain
Themes: Racism, freedom, and moral dilemmas.
Why It’s Important: A classic that challenges readers to think about racial attitudes and human decency.
Recommended Age: 10+
"Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson
Themes: Trauma, silence, and the power of voice.
Why It’s Important: Encourages conversations about consent, mental health, and speaking up.
Recommended Age: 12+
Banned books are not just controversial; they are often some of the most impactful, thought-provoking, and necessary stories we can share with our families. These books challenge us to confront difficult realities, question societal norms, and expand our understanding of the world. By reading banned books together, families can foster critical thinking, build empathy, and engage in conversations that promote inclusivity and social justice. Moreover, reading banned books together can strengthen family bonds by creating opportunities for shared learning and reflection. It can also empower children to engage with diverse perspectives and become more empathetic, informed, and open-minded individuals. This practice aligns with the broader goal of fostering inclusivity and promoting social change, as it encourages families to confront and challenge societal norms that may perpetuate exclusion or discrimination. These stories often give voice to marginalized communities and bring attention to issues that are essential for creating a more just and equitable society. Reading and discussing them as a family can help break down barriers, encourage open-mindedness, and prepare children to navigate a complex world with a sense of compassion and fairness.
I encourage you to take the next step: choose a family read aloud banned book. Whether it's a classic novel or a more contemporary work, these books provide invaluable opportunities for learning and growth. As you read, take time to discuss the themes, characters, and issues presented, allowing each family member to share their thoughts and feelings. By doing so, you are not only promoting literacy but also contributing to a culture of understanding and inclusion. This simple act of reading together can have a profound impact, fostering a home environment where curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking are valued.
To continue this journey of inclusive reading and social advocacy, we invite you to further explore Novel Designs Co. Here, you’ll find carefully curated book recommendations, resources, and custom-designed products that celebrate the power of diverse stories. Whether you're looking for a new book to read with your family or unique items that support a message of empowerment and change, Novel Designs Co. has something for you. Explore our collection, join the conversation, and be part of a movement that values every voice and every story. Together, we can make a difference—one book, one conversation, one family at a time.
Additional Resources:
Some information in this blog post was gathered from Gay City News and the American Library Association.
Further Reading
"Banned Books: Challenging Our Freedom to Read” by Robert P. Doyle – This book offers an in-depth examination of the history and reasons behind book bans, exploring the societal and political contexts that drive censorship.
“The Right to Read, The Battle Against Censorship” by Paul Blanshard – A look at censorship and freedom of the press in post-McCarthy America. The author discusses regulation of movies, books, comic books, tabloid newspapers, and other forms of popular publishing.
“Censored: A Literary History of Subversion and Control” by Dennis R. Perry – Examines the historical context of censorship in literature, offering a detailed analysis of why certain books are targeted and how they contribute to societal change.
Websites:
American Library Association (ALA) Banned Books Week: A comprehensive resource featuring lists of banned and challenged books, advocacy materials, and educational resources for promoting intellectual freedom.
PEN America: Provides reports, articles, and resources related to book bans and freedom of expression, including updates on recent challenges and ongoing advocacy efforts.
National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC): Offers information on recent book bans, resources for defending intellectual freedom, and ways to support efforts to protect the right to read.
Banned & Challenged Books Database: A searchable database of books that have been banned or challenged, with detailed information on each case and the reasons for the challenges.
Documentaries:
“The Book Wars” – A documentary that delves into the struggles of booksellers and librarians who work to keep access to controversial books available to the public.
“Banned in the U.S.A.” – Explores various instances of book censorship and its impact on free expression, featuring interviews with authors, librarians, and activists.
“This Film Is Not Yet Rated” – Although focused on film, this documentary provides insight into the broader issues of censorship and rating systems that also affect literature and other media.
Discussion Guides:
“Banned Books Discussion Guide” by Teaching Tolerance – Provides a variety of questions and prompts to help facilitate discussions about the themes, context, and impact of banned books. Available at Teaching Tolerance.
“Guide to Discussing Challenged Books” by Book Riot – Offers practical advice and questions for engaging with the themes and controversies surrounding challenged books. Available at Book Riot.
Interactive Tools:
“Family Reading Discussion Toolkit” by Common Sense Media – An interactive resource with tools and questions to guide family discussions about challenging or controversial books. Available at Common Sense Media.
“Interactive Reading Guide” by Reading Rockets – Features interactive elements to help families engage with the content of banned books and explore their themes through discussion. Available at Reading Rockets.
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