15 Banned Books That Became School Staples

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” once shocked communities across the United States, not only for its frank depiction of racism but also for its use of offensive language and controversial themes. In the 1960s and 70s, the novel was frequently challenged or outright banned in schools, especially in Southern states. Yet, according to the American Library Association, it now appears on nearly every high school reading list. Modern educators argue that its exploration of justice, empathy, and moral courage is essential for young readers. In a 2021 survey, over 85% of U.S. high schools included the book in their curriculum. The story’s ability to inspire critical conversations about history and humanity has solidified its status as an educational staple, despite ongoing debates about its content.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

When “The Catcher in the Rye” hit bookshelves in 1951, it was met with immediate controversy—banned for its profanity, sexual content, and rebellious protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Parents and school boards worried the book would corrupt young minds. According to the American Library Association, it was one of the most frequently challenged books of the 20th century. Yet, as time passed, educators recognized its raw honesty about teenage angst, isolation, and the struggle to find identity. A 2023 report from the National Council of Teachers of English found that the book is now taught in over 60% of U.S. high schools. Its honest voice continues to resonate with teens, making it a classroom fixture.

1984 by George Orwell

George Orwell’s “1984” was once considered so dangerous that teachers could lose their jobs just for assigning it. In the 1950s and 60s, the book’s themes of government overreach and thought control were seen as subversive, leading to bans in several states. Yet, by 2024, “1984” is not only widely read but also frequently cited in discussions about privacy and surveillance. The National Center for Education Statistics notes a sharp uptick in the book’s use in AP Literature courses since 2010. Today, “1984” is valued for teaching students about power, propaganda, and the importance of critical thinking in a digital age.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Mark Twain’s classic has long been controversial due to its racial language and portrayal of slavery. In the 20th century, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” was often removed from school libraries or restricted to older students. The NAACP called for its removal in the 1950s, citing its repeated use of racial slurs. However, recent studies show that almost 70% of U.S. high schools still teach the novel, using it as a tool to discuss historical context and race relations. Teachers often pair the book with lessons on critical analysis and the evolution of language, helping students wrestle with its complexities.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

“Lord of the Flies” faced immediate backlash upon publication for its violent depiction of young boys stranded on an island. School boards in the U.S., Australia, and Canada originally banned it, concerned it would promote chaos and undermine authority. Yet, according to data from the Modern Language Association, it is now a staple in literature classes worldwide. The novel’s exploration of human nature, morality, and social order is seen as a thought-provoking way to spark discussion. A 2022 survey found that 80% of English teachers believe the book is invaluable for helping students understand the darkness and complexity of human behavior.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” was one of the most frequently challenged books in the 1990s, according to the American Library Association. Critics feared its portrayal of drug use, sexual freedom, and criticism of authority would corrupt youth. However, today, schools use it to encourage debate about ethics, technology, and free will. In 2023, a Pew Research Center report showed that the book is taught in over 40% of U.S. high schools, often alongside other dystopian classics. Teachers report that students are captivated by its predictions about society and technology, finding it eerily relevant.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was banned in several states throughout the 1980s for its explicit language, sexual content, and depiction of abuse. Despite this, the book now appears on recommended reading lists in over 30% of U.S. high schools, based on recent statistics from the National Council of Teachers of English. Educators argue that its honest portrayal of trauma, resilience, and hope is essential for understanding marginalized voices. In classrooms, “The Color Purple” is often paired with lessons on civil rights and women’s history, sparking powerful discussions about race, gender, and healing.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Ironically, “Fahrenheit 451,” a novel about book burning and censorship, was itself banned and challenged for its language and themes. In the 1960s, some schools refused to teach it, worried its anti-authority message would inspire rebellion. Today, the book is a mainstay in American classrooms. The National Endowment for the Arts notes it’s one of the top books assigned in high school literature classes, with over 50% of schools including it in the curriculum. Teachers use it to prompt students to think about the value of free expression and the dangers of conformism.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Steinbeck’s novella was often banned for its language, depiction of mental disability, and portrayal of violence. In Texas alone, the book was challenged more than 30 times between 1990 and 2015. However, “Of Mice and Men” remains a classroom favorite. According to a 2022 survey by Scholastic, it is included in over 70% of American high school English programs. Educators say the book’s themes—friendship, dreams, and the plight of the working class—resonate deeply with students, helping them understand hardship and empathy in a historical context.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” has been a lightning rod for controversy since its publication in 1987. The novel’s graphic depictions of violence and trauma led to bans in several school districts, especially in the South. Yet, in the wake of renewed interest in Black history and literature, “Beloved” is now widely taught in AP and IB English classes. A 2024 study by the American Literature Association found that teaching the book helps students grasp the legacy of slavery and the power of storytelling. Teachers say Morrison’s poetic language and emotional depth make the novel unforgettable for students.

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Vonnegut’s darkly comedic novel about the bombing of Dresden was once banned for its anti-war stance, profanity, and depictions of sex. In 1973, the school board in Drake, North Dakota, infamously ordered copies to be burned. Despite its controversial past, “Slaughterhouse-Five” is now taught in nearly 40% of U.S. high schools, according to a 2023 American Library Association report. The book’s blend of science fiction and historical trauma inspires students to think critically about war, memory, and the meaning of free will.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou’s powerful autobiography was frequently banned for its honest discussions of racism, sexual abuse, and trauma. The American Library Association lists it among the top 10 most challenged books of the 21st century. Despite this, the book is now a foundational text in many middle and high school curricula. In a 2023 education poll, teachers described it as “life-changing” for students, providing a voice for those who feel marginalized. The book’s themes of resilience and hope make it a symbol of courage for generations of readers.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

“Animal Farm” was banned in both communist and capitalist countries for its political allegory. In the U.S., it faced censorship during the Red Scare for its criticism of totalitarianism. Today, the book is a standard part of high school English classes, with the National Council of Teachers of English reporting that nearly 90% of schools teach it. The story’s simple language and deep symbolism make it an accessible way to introduce students to the complexities of history, politics, and power.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

This children’s classic faced bans for its themes of death, grief, and imagined worlds that some adults believed promoted “occultism.” Despite these challenges, “Bridge to Terabithia” is now widely taught in elementary and middle schools. The National Education Association highlights its importance for teaching empathy and coping skills. In 2022, it was included in the top 20 most assigned books for grades 5-8. Teachers say the book helps children process loss and understand the power of friendship and imagination.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Lowry’s dystopian novel, “The Giver,” was frequently banned in the 1990s for its mature themes, including euthanasia and emotional suppression. Parents and school boards worried it was too dark for young readers. However, the book is now a favorite in middle school English classes across the country. The Association for Middle Level Education reports that “The Giver” is assigned in over 80% of U.S. middle schools. Teachers say the novel’s questions about memory, choice, and conformity make it a perfect starting point for discussing ethics and individuality.