Banned Books

2010-2022: American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) and PEN America's Index of School Book Bans

Showing 1 - 20 of 27  There are a total of 381 valid entries on the list.
Book cover for "Shout"
Star rating for Shout
Description:
Laurie Halse Anderson is known for the unflinching way she writes about, and advocates for, survivors of sexual assault. Now, inspired by her fans and enraged by how little in our culture has changed since her groundbreaking novel Speak was first published twenty years ago, she has written a poetry memoir that is as vulnerable as it is rallying, as timely as it is timeless. In free verse, Anderson shares reflections, rants, and calls to action woven...
Book cover for "I know why the caged bird sings"
Star rating for I know why the caged bird sings
Average Rating:
4.3 stars
Description:
"Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou's debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide. Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey,...
Book cover for "The room where it happened"
Star rating for The room where it happened
Average Rating:
2 stars
Description:
John Bolton served as National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump for 519 days. A seasoned public servant who had previously worked for Presidents Reagan, Bush #41, and Bush #43, Bolton brought to the administration thirty years of experience in international issues and a reputation for tough, blunt talk. In his memoir, he offers a substantive and factual account of his time in the room where it happened.
Book cover for "Anne Frank's diary"
Star rating for Anne Frank's diary
Average Rating:
4.7 stars
Description:
"The only graphic biography of Anne Frank's diary that has been authorized by the Anne Frank Foundation and that uses text from the diary--it will introduce a new generation of young readers to this classic of Holocaust literature. This adaptation of Anne Frank's Diary of a Young Girl into a graphic version for a young readership, maintains the integrity and power of the original work. With stunning, expressive illustrations and ample direct quotation...
Book cover for "The diary of a young girl"
Star rating for The diary of a young girl
Average Rating:
5 stars
Description:
THE DEFINITIVE EDITION Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, the remarkable diary that has become a world classic—a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit.

Updated for the 75th Anniversary of the Diary’s first publication with a new introduction by Nobel Prize–winner Nadia Murad
“The single most compelling
...
Book cover for "Ordinary hazards"
Star rating for Ordinary hazards
Description:
"Growing up with a mother suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and a mostly absent father, Nikki Grimes found herself terrorized by babysitters, shunted from foster family to foster family, and preyed upon by those she trusted. At the age of six, she poured her pain onto a piece of paper late one night - and discovered the magic and impact of writing. For many years, Nikki's notebooks were her most enduing companions. In this accessible and inspiring...
Book cover for "I am Jazz!"
Star rating for I am Jazz!
Average Rating:
5 stars
Description:
The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere
"This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not. I wish I had had a book like this when I was a kid struggling with gender identity questions. I found it deeply moving in its simplicity and honesty."—Laverne Cox (who plays Sophia...
Book cover for "No girls allowed"
Star rating for No girls allowed
Description:
Based on legends, poems, letters and first-hand accounts, these seven biographical tales tell of women who disguised themselves as men. From ancient Egypt to the 19th century, this historically accurate graphic treatment transports readers to bygone eras. For the sake of freedom, ambition, love or adventure, these women risked everything.
Book cover for "Being Jazz"
Star rating for Being Jazz
Average Rating:
4.7 stars
Description:
Teen activist and trailblazer Jazz Jennings--named one of "The 25 most influential teens" of the year by Time--shares her very public transgender journey, as she inspires people to accept the differences in others while they embrace their own truths.
Book cover for "All boys aren't blue"
Star rating for All boys aren't blue
Average Rating:
4 stars
Description:
"In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson explores his childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia. From the memories of getting his teeth kicked out by bullies at age five, to flea marketing with his loving grandmother, to his first sexual relationships, this young-adult memoir weaves together the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys." --Publisher.
Book cover for "Gender Queer: A Memoir"
Star rating for Gender Queer: A Memoir
Author:
Average Rating:
5 stars
Description:
"In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last autobiographical comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Now, Gender Queer is here. Maia's intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to...
Book cover for "25 women who dared to go"
Star rating for 25 women who dared to go
Description:
"From the fearless to the feared, discover 25 women who dared. Dared to conquer their dreams, win wars, discover sights unseen, and more. Readers will learn about bold women who were determined to achieve something great in the face of adversity"--
Book cover for "A child called "it""
Star rating for A child called "it"
Series:
Average Rating:
5 stars
Description:
"A child called "It" is the unforgettable account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable alcoholic mother: a mother who played torturous, unpredictable games--games that left him nearly dead. He had to learn how to play his mother's games in order to survive because she no longer considered him a son, but a slave; and no longer...
Book cover for "Queer, there, and everywhere"
Star rating for Queer, there, and everywhere
Average Rating:
5 stars
Description:
This first-ever LGBTQ history book of its kind for young adults will appeal to fans of fun, empowering pop-culture books like Rad American Women A-Z and Notorious RBG. World history has been made by countless lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals--and you've never heard of many of them. Queer author and activist Sarah Prager delves deep into the lives of 23 people who fought, created, and loved on their own terms. From high-profile...
Book cover for "Three little words"
Star rating for Three little words
Average Rating:
5 stars
Book cover for "Jazz Jennings"
Star rating for Jazz Jennings
Description:
"A groundbreaking advocate for transgender youth and LGBTQ rights, Jazz Jennings is one of the first youth to speak publicly about her experiences as a transgender individual. A spokesperson, writer, and public figure, Jazz inspires all people to embrace themselves and be accepting of all people. Overcoming incredible struggles as a young transgender person, Jazz now uses her platform to make a difference in the LGBTQ community. A vocal advocate for...
Book cover for "Pride"
Star rating for Pride
Description:
The very first picture book about the remarkable and inspiring story of the Gay Pride Flag! In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today's world. Award-winning author Rob Sanders's stirring text, and acclaimed illustrator Steven Salerno's evocative images,...
Book cover for "Persepolis"
Star rating for Persepolis
Average Rating:
4.5 stars
Description:
"Persepolis paints an unforgettable portrait of daily life in Iran and of the bewildering contradictions between home life and public life. Marjane’s child’s-eye view of dethroned emperors, state-sanctioned whippings, and heroes of the revolution allows us to learn as she does the history of this fascinating country and of her own extraordinary family." --Publisher.
Book cover for "25 women who fought back"
Star rating for 25 women who fought back
Description:
Discover 25 women who challenged the status quo and fought for what they believed in. From all corners of the world, these women show us that barriers are meant to be broken and obstacles can be overcome. Learn about some of the fierce women who persevered in the face of adversity to fight for what they thought was right.
Book cover for "25 women who thought of it first"
Star rating for 25 women who thought of it first
Description:
"Discover 25 women who were trailblazers in science, technology, architecture, engineering, and defied expectations to introduce the world to new ideas and creations big and small. "--