“Red Hood” by Elana K. Arnold (2020)

“Red Hood” by Elana K.Arnold is a gripping retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, where 16-year-old, Bisou Martel confronts a predator in the forest, fighting for her life and autonomy. This dark and powerful coming-of-age tale was banned eight times in the first half of the 2022–23 school year for its sexually explicit content.

Why this Book is Banned?

“Red Hood” by Elana K. Arnold has faced bans due to its sexually explicit content. Some schools or communities have deemed the content inappropriate for the intended age group of readers, particularly due to its graphic portrayal of certain themes. As a result, the book has been restricted or removed from school libraries or curriculum. However, it’s important to note that perceptions of appropriateness may vary, and what is considered acceptable in one setting may not be in another.

A Comprehensive List of Banned Books of All Time

Banned books often tackle tough topics like racism, sexuality, and politics. But despite the bans, many of these books have become classics and are celebrated for their powerful messages. By exploring banned books, we can learn about different perspectives, challenge our own beliefs, and understand the importance of freedom of expression in our society.

In today’s world, some books are considered too controversial and get banned. These books challenge the rules and make people think differently. In this article, we’ll talk about banned books and why they’re not allowed in some places. We’ll look at a list of books that have been banned and discuss why they’re important.

Whether you love reading or just want to know more about free speech, this article is for you. Let’s dive into the world of banned books and see why they matter.

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List of Banned Books: Worldwide

Here is the list of the top banned books all over the world:...

1. “Flamer” by Mike Curato (2020)

“Flamer” by Mike Curato is a book about a boy named Aiden Navarro. Aiden is at summer camp, where he meets a new friend named Elias. Even though Aiden thinks he’s not gay, he starts to feel differently around Elias. The book is about Aiden figuring out who he is and dealing with bullies at camp....

2. “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson (2020)

“All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson is a memoir that shares the author’s experiences as a queer Black individual in the United States. Through personal essays, Johnson explores topics such as gender identity, racism, and queer love. The book is praised for its honest portrayal of these issues and its significance as a representation of LGBTQIA+ experiences....

3. “Red Hood” by Elana K. Arnold (2020)

“Red Hood” by Elana K.Arnold is a gripping retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, where 16-year-old, Bisou Martel confronts a predator in the forest, fighting for her life and autonomy. This dark and powerful coming-of-age tale was banned eight times in the first half of the 2022–23 school year for its sexually explicit content....

4. “A Court of Frost and Starlight” by Sarah J. Maas (2018)

“A Court of Frost and Starlight” by Sarah J. Maas is a fantasy novel that serves as a bridge between the events of “A Court of Wings and Ruin” and the subsequent books in the series. In this installment, readers follow the aftermath of a conflict as Feyre and her friends navigate the consequences....

5. “People Kill People” by Ellen Hopkins (2018)

“People Kill People” by Ellen Hopkins is a gripping novel that delves into the complexities of human nature and violence. Through compelling storytelling, Hopkins explores themes like gun violence, family dynamics, and societal pressures. The book offers readers a thought-provoking exploration of these issues, making it a powerful read for those willing to confront harsh realities....

6. “Monday’s Not Coming” by Tiffany D. Jackson (2018)

“Monday’s Not Coming” by Tiffany D. Jackson is a gripping young adult novel that follows Claudia’s search for her missing best friend, Monday. As Claudia investigates Monday’s disappearance, she uncovers dark secrets and unsettling truths about their neighborhood. Through compelling storytelling, Jackson explores themes of friendship, loss, and societal neglect....

7. “Damsel” by Elana K. Arnold (2018)

Elana K. Arnold’s “Damsel” is a dark and feminist retelling of the traditional fairy tale trope of the damsel in distress. The story follows Ama, who is rescued from a dragon by a prince and taken to his kingdom to be his bride. However, as Ama learns more about the prince and his kingdom, she begins to question the true nature of her rescuer and the role she is expected to play in this patriarchal society....

8. “Lawn Boy” by Jonathan Evison (2018)

In “Lawn Boy,” Jonathan Evison crafts a coming-of-age story about Mike Muñoz, a young man struggling to find his place in the world. Despite his difficult circumstances, Mike remains determined to make a better life for himself through hard work and perseverance. The novel explores themes of class, race, and the American Dream, offering a poignant and often humorous portrayal of one young man’s journey to adulthood....

9. “The Nowhere Girls” by Amy Reed (2017)

Amy Reed’s “The Nowhere Girls” is a powerful and timely novel about three girls who come together to fight back against rape culture at their high school. Through their activism, they inspire other girls to speak out and demand change. The novel tackles difficult subject matter with sensitivity and honesty, shining a light on the importance of solidarity and standing up for what is right....

10. “What Girls Are Made Of” by Elana K. Arnold (2017)

Elana K. Arnold’s “What Girls Are Made Of” is a raw and unflinching exploration of girlhood, sexuality, and societal expectations. The novel follows Nina as she navigates the complexities of her relationships with boys, her mother, and herself. Through Nina’s journey, Arnold challenges traditional notions of femininity and offers a thought-provoking critique of the ways in which girls are often objectified and commodified in our society....

11. “A Court of Wings and Ruin” by Sarah J. Maas (2017)

Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Wings and Ruin,” part of the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series, follows Feyre’s journey with her sisters into the fae world. However, its romantic themes led to nine bans in the 2022–’23 school year, primarily due to concerns over sexual content. Despite this, the series remains popular on TikTok....

12. “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher (2007)

Jay Asher’s “Thirteen Reasons Why” evokes strong reactions as it explores high schooler Clay’s receipt of tapes from his deceased friend Hannah. The book prompts debate about its impact on readers, with concerns about glamorizing suicide or offering comfort to struggling individuals. Despite its potential resonance, the novel faced eight additional bans in the 2022–’23 school year....

13. “A Court of Mist and Fury” by Sarah J. Maas (2016)

Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Mist and Fury,” the second book in the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series, faced 11 bans in the first half of the 2022–’23 school year, primarily due to its sexual content. The novel continues Feyre’s journey as she grapples with the aftermath of the first book’s events, facing new challenges and discovering her strengths in a magical world threatened by evil....

14. “Scars” by Cheryl Rainfield (2010)

Cheryl Rainfield’s “Scars” is a raw and powerful novel about Kendra, a teenage girl struggling with self-harm and the trauma of sexual abuse. Through Kendra’s journey toward healing and self-acceptance, Rainfield explores themes of trauma, recovery, and the importance of finding support and understanding. The novel offers a sensitive portrayal of mental illness and the impact of violence on survivors, emphasizing the importance of empathy and compassion....

15. “Shine” by Lauren Myracle (2011)

This young adult mystery novel by Lauren Myracle revolves around a horrific assault that renders Patrick, a gay teen, unconscious and lifeless. Cat, his best friend, is sixteen years old, and she sets out to find out who did this to him....

16. “This One Summer” by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki (2014)

This beloved graphic novel, written by Mariko Tamaki and drawn by Jillian Tamaki, tells the heartwarming tale of a girl named Rose spending a perfectly typical summer vacation with her family....

17. “The Carnival at Bray” by Jessie Ann Foley (2014)

Jessie Ann Foley’s “The Carnival at Bray” offers a heartfelt coming-of-age story, exploring the challenges of adolescence amidst cross-cultural transitions and familial dysfunction....

18. “Melissa (George)” by Alex Gino (2015)

Alex Gino’s novel “Melissa” has faced repeated challenges since its 2017 release for its portrayal of a transgender girl. The story follows Melissa, previously known as George, as she navigates identity and acceptance....

19. “Watchmen” by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons (1987)

Six more bans were imposed on this well-known and critically acclaimed 1980s graphic novel by British authors Alan Moore and illustrator Dave Gibbons in the first half of the 2022–2023 academic year....

20. “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood (1985)

Margaret Atwood’s dystopian masterpiece, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” imagines a totalitarian society in which women are stripped of their rights and forced into reproductive servitude. The story is told from the perspective of Offred, a Handmaid who struggles to survive in this oppressive regime while holding onto her memories of freedom and autonomy. Atwood’s chilling portrayal of a world gone wrong serves as a warning against the dangers of extremism and the erosion of civil liberties....

21. “Forever…” by Judy Blume (1975)

Judy Blume is a modern literary classic; her 1975 novel Forever is among her best-known works. Blume talks candidly about what it’s like to be a young woman in the world, focusing on Katherine, a classmate whom she “does it” for when she falls in love for the first time. They are made to part ways despite their declarations of love and assurance that they will be together forever. Katherine has to learn how to live in a society where issues like abortion, birth control, choice, and responsibility are all present....

22. “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison (1970)

Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” offers an entry point into her lyrical prose, depicting Percola Breedlove’s desire for blue eyes and the disturbing aftermath of her wish....

23. “Lucky” by Alice Sebold (1999)

Originally written as a moving, brave, devastating, but ultimately uplifting memoir, Lucky told the story of author Alice Sebold’s survival of a vicious rape and assault while she was a college student, as well as her subsequent path to justice and recovery....

24. “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie (2007)

Sherman Alexie’s semi-autobiographical novel “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” follows Junior, a teenage boy who leaves his reservation school to attend an all-white high school in a nearby town. Through Junior’s humorous and poignant observations, the novel explores themes of identity, culture, and the quest for belonging. With its blend of humor and heartache, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” offers a poignant and deeply personal exploration of the Native American experience....

25. “Oryx and Crake” by Margaret Atwood (2003)

Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel “Oryx and Crake” imagines a future world ravaged by corporate greed, genetic engineering, and environmental collapse. The story is narrated by Snowman, one of the last surviving humans, who reflects on his past and the events that led to the near-extinction of the human race. Through its provocative vision of the future, “Oryx and Crake” raises important questions about the ethical implications of scientific advancement and the consequences of unchecked technological progress....

Most Banned Books –

This table represents a list of banned books along with the reasons for their ban:...

Banned Books (Release Dates)

Book Title Release Date Publisher Flamer 2020 Henry Holt and Co. All Boys Aren’t Blue 2020 Farrar, Straus and Giroux Red Hood 2020 Balzer + Bray A Court of Frost and Starlight 2018 Bloomsbury YA People Kill People 2018 Margaret K. McElderry Books Monday’s Not Coming 2018 Katherine Tegen Books Damsel 2018 Balzer + Bray Lawn Boy 2018 Algonquin Young Readers The Nowhere Girls 2017 Simon Pulse What Girls Are Made Of 2017 Carolrhoda Lab A Court of Wings and Ruin 2017 Bloomsbury YA Thirteen Reasons Why 2007 Razorbill A Court of Mist and Fury 2016 Bloomsbury YA Scars 2010 WestSide Books Shine 2011 Amulet Books This One Summer 2014 First Second Books The Carnival at Bray 2014 Elephant Rock Productions Melissa (George) 2015 Scholastic Press Watchmen 1987 DC Comics The Handmaid’s Tale 1985 McClelland & Stewart Forever… 1975 Simon & Schuster The Bluest Eye 1970 Holt, Rinehart, and Winston Lucky 1999 Scribner The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian 2007 Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Oryx and Crake 2003 McClelland & Stewart...

Conclusion

Exploring the list of banned books helps us grasp how society sets rules, controls what we read, and values freedom of expression. Understanding the reasons behind these bans is vital for building a community that embraces diverse perspectives in literature, fostering an environment where everyone’s ideas are respected and appreciated....

A Comprehensive List of Banned Books of All Time – FAQs

1. What are banned books?...

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