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1. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
When John Steinbeck published “The Grapes of Wrath” in 1939, it quickly became a symbol of American resilience during the Great Depression. Yet, this Pulitzer Prize winner faced swift backlash. In Kern County, California—the very setting of the novel—the local board of supervisors banned it, calling it “obscene” and “libelous.” The American Library Association (ALA) still lists it as frequently challenged. Many reasons for its ban stemmed from its portrayal of poverty, harsh language, and its criticism of landowners and politicians. Efforts to keep it off shelves continued into the late 20th century. Today, it remains a staple in many classrooms, but the history of its censorship is a reminder of how uncomfortable truths can provoke strong reactions.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” is often celebrated as an essential read on racial injustice and moral growth. Despite its revered status, it has been banned or challenged repeatedly across the United States. According to the ALA, the novel is frequently targeted for its use of racial slurs and portrayal of sexual assault. In 2022, a school district in Mississippi removed it from the curriculum, citing complaints about its “uncomfortable” language. Parents and educators have debated whether its themes are too difficult for younger readers, but others argue that’s exactly why it matters. Its banning reflects ongoing tensions about how America discusses race and history.
3. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” has been a lightning rod for controversy since its publication in 1951. It’s been banned in multiple states for reasons ranging from “offensive language” to “moral issues.” According to ALA statistics, it ranked high among the most challenged books of the 1980s and 1990s. Some schools still restrict access, fearing its themes of rebellion, mental health, and sexuality are too provocative for teens. Ironically, the book’s popularity seems to increase every time it’s pulled from shelves, with students often seeking it out precisely because it’s forbidden.
4. Beloved by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” is widely recognized as a masterpiece exploring the legacy of slavery in America. Yet, the book is no stranger to bans and challenges. In 2022, the book was pulled from several Virginia schools after parents objected to its depictions of violence and sexual abuse. The controversy reignited debates about whose history is told in classrooms and at what age. Despite winning the Pulitzer Prize, “Beloved” is frequently cited by groups pushing for curriculum changes. The fight over Morrison’s work underscores how literature about America’s darkest chapters continues to face scrutiny.
5. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
It’s almost ironic: Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451,” a novel about book burning, has itself been banned and censored. The book was challenged and sometimes removed from schools for its “vulgar language” and “discussion of drugs.” In the 1990s, a California school district even issued an edited version with lighter language. Bradbury’s dystopian warning about censorship seems to have come full circle. The ALA notes that the book remains a frequent target for its themes and language. The story’s ongoing censorship highlights the enduring discomfort some feel with its critique of conformity.
6. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
“Of Mice and Men” is another Steinbeck classic that’s faced the ban hammer. The novella has been removed from libraries and reading lists for its use of profanity and racial slurs. As recently as 2023, it was among the top ten most challenged books in the United States, according to PEN America. Critics claim its language and portrayal of mental disability are insensitive, while supporters see it as a vital exploration of loneliness and dreams. The debate over its place in education continues, reflecting America’s struggle with honest depictions of hardship.
7. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five” is known for its surreal take on war and trauma, but it’s also been a frequent target for censorship. Banned in Missouri in 1973 for its “obscene language and explicit sexual scenes,” the book’s ban history didn’t end there. In 2011, a Missouri school board removed it after complaints from parents. The novel’s frank depiction of violence and anti-war message have repeatedly landed it on banned books lists. Vonnegut himself famously defended his work, arguing that censorship was an attack on free thought.
8. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Another work by Toni Morrison, “The Bluest Eye,” has faced ongoing bans for its explicit content and disturbing themes. In 2023, the book was pulled from libraries in several Texas and Florida school districts. Critics point to its depictions of child abuse and sexual violence as reasons for removal. Yet, many educators and activists argue that Morrison’s honest portrayal of trauma and racism is essential for understanding America’s past. The book’s frequent challenges highlight the difficulties of confronting painful subjects in literature.
9. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple” has been both celebrated and censored since it won the Pulitzer Prize in 1983. The novel’s graphic depictions of sexual abuse and its frank discussion of race and gender have led to bans in schools across the U.S. The ALA has listed it among the most challenged books multiple times in the past decade. In 2024, a North Carolina school district considered removing it after parent complaints. Supporters argue that Walker’s story is a necessary exploration of survival and empowerment.
10. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is often hailed as a cornerstone of American literature. But since its publication, it’s been one of the most banned books in U.S. history. The primary reason is its use of racial slurs and depictions of racism, which some believe are offensive or outdated. In 2022, a Massachusetts school district debated whether to keep it in the curriculum. The controversy raises questions about how society should handle classic works that reflect historical prejudices.
11. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” is a celebrated novel in American literature, but it has not escaped censorship. In the 1990s, the novel was challenged in Virginia for sexual explicitness and language. More recently, it’s been questioned in Texas for similar reasons. Despite these challenges, the book endures in classrooms and libraries, seen as a powerful story about Black womanhood and independence. The ongoing debates show how books about race and sexuality can face obstacles even decades after publication.
12. Native Son by Richard Wright
“Native Son” by Richard Wright has long been a lightning rod for controversy. Its candid exploration of race, poverty, and violence in Chicago led to bans in New York and Illinois schools as recently as the 2000s. In 2023, it was challenged in Florida under new educational guidelines. Critics claim the novel’s violent content and language are too intense for teens, while advocates argue that it’s an essential account of systemic racism in America. Wright’s work continues to spark heated debate about what’s appropriate for young readers.
13. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s memoir “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” has been frequently challenged since its release in 1969. The book’s descriptions of sexual abuse and racism have led to bans in Alabama, Texas, and other states. In 2023, it was among the most challenged books in the U.S., according to PEN America. Many parents and administrators argue the subject matter is too disturbing for students, while others maintain it’s a powerful story of survival and self-acceptance. Angelou’s memoir remains a cornerstone in American literature, despite ongoing efforts to remove it.
14. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” is often seen as a dystopian warning, but it’s also faced bans in the U.S. for its sexual content and political themes. In 2022, a Texas school district temporarily removed the novel after complaints about its “anti-Christian” message and depictions of sexual violence. The book’s status as a banned book has only increased its popularity, with many readers drawn to its commentary on women’s rights and authoritarianism. The controversy speaks to ongoing anxieties about how fiction reflects real-world issues.
15. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
S.E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders” is a beloved coming-of-age story, but it’s also been banned for its portrayal of gang violence, underage drinking, and smoking. In the 1980s and again in 2022, several school districts in Oklahoma and Pennsylvania considered banning it from classrooms. The book’s realistic depiction of troubled teens unsettled some parents who felt it encouraged rebellion. Despite these objections, “The Outsiders” continues to resonate with young readers who see themselves in its outcast characters.
16. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Sherman Alexie’s semi-autobiographical novel has appeared on banned book lists nearly every year since its publication in 2007. In 2023, it was among the top ten most challenged books reported by the ALA. Reasons include its frank discussions of poverty, alcoholism, and sexual content. Some schools in Idaho and Washington have pulled it from shelves, sparking protests from students and teachers. Supporters argue the novel gives a much-needed voice to Native American experiences, even when uncomfortable.
17. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
Judy Blume’s classic about adolescence and religion has faced bans for decades. In 2022, it was again challenged in Texas and Florida for its candid discussions about puberty and menstruation. Some parents believe the book is too explicit for young readers, while others see it as a comforting guide through a confusing time. Blume’s willingness to tackle taboo topics has made her a frequent target for censorship, but also one of the most beloved children’s authors in America.
18. Looking for Alaska by John Green
John Green’s debut novel, “Looking for Alaska,” has faced repeated challenges for its depiction of teen smoking, drinking, and sexual behavior. In 2023, it was one of the most challenged books in the U.S., according to the ALA. Some school districts in Kentucky and Florida removed it from reading lists after parent complaints. Green has defended his work, saying it addresses difficult realities many teenagers face. The book’s ongoing controversy highlights the fine line between realism and what’s considered appropriate in schools.
19. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Ralph Ellison’s award-winning novel “Invisible Man” explores race, identity, and invisibility in mid-20th-century America. In 2013, a North Carolina school board voted to ban the book from its curriculum, citing its “inappropriate content.” The move sparked national outrage and was eventually reversed. Despite being recognized as a landmark in American literature, the novel still faces occasional challenges. Its ban history shows how even acclaimed works can fall victim to changing cultural standards.
20. Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir “Fun Home” has been banned or challenged for its frank depictions of sexuality and LGBTQ+ themes. In 2023, it was removed from several high school libraries in Florida and Missouri. The book’s unique mix of illustration and narrative has made it a target for those uncomfortable with its subject matter. Despite these bans, “Fun Home” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and is widely praised for its honesty and artistry. Its frequent challenges reveal the ongoing struggles over representation and inclusion in American literature.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
