| BANNED Books, part 1 Books banned, challenged, or otherwise despised. Reasons, if any were provided, are in parentheses following the author. Books that are listed after a capital B (B) have also been burned in protest. This list should not be considered comprehensive. Books are listed alphabetically by title. |
| 100 Questions and Answers about AIDS: A Guide for Young People (1992) by Michael Thomas Ford (AIDS) 33 Snowfish (2003) by Adam Rapp 1984 (1949) by George Orwell ("Pro-communist and sexually explicit material"; "study of communism") 13: Thirteen stories that capture the agony and ecstasy of being thirteen (2003) edited by James Howe 100 Banned Books: Censorship Histories of World Literature (1999) by Nicholas J. Karolides, Rachel Bald, and Dawn B. Sova (B) 100% the Story of a Patriot (1920) by Upton Sinclair (B) 95 Theses (written 1517) by Martin Luther ("Heretical, or scandalous, or false, or offensive to pious ears, or seductive of simple minds, or repugnant to Catholic truth, respectively;" "a pestiferous virus"; after the church burned his books, Luther burned the papal bull, copies of the canon law, and the papal constitutions, saying, "Since they have burned my books, I burn theirs." He was excommunicated. When he was asked to recant, he said, "Should I recant at this point, I would open the door to more tyranny and impiety, and it will be all the worse should it appear that I had done so at the instance of the Holy Roman Empire.") 100 Greatest Tyrants (1997) by Andrew Langley (Challenged in the Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia High School [2006] by a legislator who described the book as offensive and inappropriate for history students in any Australian school. The school principal refused to remove the book from the library, describing it as a useful resource for generating debate and critical thinking skills among students.) |
| Books are listed alphabetically. *Wording: "School officials said the book is too difficult for middle school students and that it could cause harassment against students seen with it." The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) alleged that this removal is "a pretext for viewpoint-based censorship," claiming that no other books considered more difficult (works by Shakespeare and Dickens) were removed for this reason. The ACLU contends that the school officials engaged in unconstitutional viewpoints removed the book because it contains gay and lesbian material. **Parents Against Bad Books in Schools always uses the same wording when asking that a book be removed from the school system or library: "The book contains profanity and descriptions of drug abuse, sexually explicit conduct, and torture." |
| About David (1980) by Susan Beth Pfeffer Abduction! (2004) by Peg Kehret (Challenged but retained at the two Apple Valley, Massachusetts middle- and eight elementary-school libraries [2006] despite the complaint that the book was too violent.) The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007) by Sherman Alexie (Suspended from a Crook County High School classroom in Prineville, Oregon in 2008 after a parent complained that it was offensive. The New York Times bestseller and a National Book Award winner will remain out of the classroom until the school district can revamp its policies. The book is about a boy growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation who decides to attend an all-white school. The protagonist in Alexie's book discusses masturbation.) (B) The Accumulation of Capital (1930) by Rosa Luxembourg Achingly Alice (1998) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (Banned from the Webb City, Missouri school library in 2002 because the book promotes homosexuality and "discusses issues best left to parents.") Adam Bede (1859) by George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) ("vile outpourings of a lewd woman's mind") Adolescents Today (1986) by John S. Dacey The Advancement of Learning (1605) by Sir Francis Bacon The Adventures of Captain Underpants (1997) by Dav Pilkey ("causes unruly behavior") The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884) by Mark Twain (racist; degrading, insensitive, and oppressive; use of the word 'nigger'; banned in 1885 in the Concord, Massachusetts library for being what the Public Library Committee called "trash". From a newspaper clipping: Boston Evening Transcript March 17, 1885 p. 6 "Huckleberry Finn" Barred Out. The Concord (Mass.) Public Library committee has decided to exclude Mark Twain's latest book from the library. One member of the committee says that, while he does not wish to call it immoral, he thinks it contains but little humor, and that of a very coarse type. He regards it as the veriest trash. The librarian and the other members of the committee entertain similar views, characterizing it as rough, coarse and inelegant, dealing with a series of experiences not elevating, the whole book being more suited to the slums that to intelligent, respectable people." Read other press items HERE. Challenged in the Normal, Illinois Community high school’s sophomore literature class in 2003 as being degrading to African Americans. Pulled from the reading lists at the three Renton, Washington high schools in 2004 after an African American student said the book degraded her and her culture. The novel, which is not required reading in Renton schools but is on a supplemental list of approved books, was eventually retained for classroom usage. Pulled from classes in Taylor, Michigan, schools [2006] because of complaints about its liberal use of common racial slurs. Challenged as required reading at Cactus High in Peoria, Arizona [2006]. The student and mother have threatened to file a civil-rights complaint because of alleged racial treatment, the segregation of the student, and the use of a racial slur in the classroom. Challenged in the Lakeville, Minnesota High School [2007] and St. Louis Park High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota [2007] as required reading for sophomores. Retained in the Manchester, Connecticut School District [2008] with the requirement that teachers attend seminars on how to deal with issues of race before teaching the book in their classrooms.) The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby (2002) by Dav Pilkey (Challenged, but retained in the Riverside, California Union School District classrooms and libraries in 2003 despite a complaint of the book's "inappropriate scatological storyline.") The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) by Mark Twain (racist, dangerous; too full of racially charged language) Adventures in English Literature Aesop's Fables by Aesop (According to the legend, the Greek slave and storyteller was flung from the cliffs at Delphi for sacrilege.) The Affluent Society (1958) by John Kenneth Galbraith ("I will do anything to thwart permissive liberalism;" they should be "balanced by at least four books with conservative viewpoints.") After the First Death (1979) by Robert Cormier The Age of Reason (1794) by Thomas Paine (More than one publisher was prosecuted for printing this book, which argues for Deism and against Christianity and Atheism. "Blasphemous"; Theodore Roosevelt called Paine "a filthy little atheist") The Agony of Alice (1985) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Alan and Naomi (1977) by Myron Levoy ("has a sad ending") Alas, Babylon (1959) by Pat Frank The Alfred Summer (1980) by Jan Slepian Alice Alone (2001) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Alice in April (1993) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Alice In-Between (1994) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Alice in Jeopardy by (2005) Ed McBain (Evan Hunter) (Challenged at the Sno-Isle Libraries in Arlington, Washington [2006] because of "curse words and graphic sex scenes.") Alice in Lace (1996) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (Banned from the Webb City, Missouri school library in 2002 because the book promotes homosexuality and "discusses issues best left to parents.") Alice in Rapture, Sort Of (1989) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Alice On Her Way (2005) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (Restricted to students who have parental consent at the Icicle River Middle School library in Leavenworth, Washington [2008] due to its depiction of sexuality. Parents challenged the book's use of classroom reading because of 'two cuss words'.) Alice on the Outside (1999) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor ("sexually explicit") Alice the Brave (1995) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor ("sexual references") Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) by Lewis Carroll ("contains expletives, references to masturbation and sexual fantasies, and derogatory characterizations of a teachers and of religious ceremonies"; "Animals should not use human language, and that it was disastrous to put animals and human beings on the same level") All But Alice (1992) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor ("Alice and her brother discuss song lyrics dealing with sexual activities including necrophilia") All Over But the Shoutin' (1998) by Rick Bragg (B) All Quiet on the Western Front (1928) by Erich Marcia Remarque ("blasphemous"; "demoralizes and insults the Wehrmacht"; "anti- war propaganda"; "obscene"; "offensive language"; "globalism"; "far-right scare words") All the King's Men (1946) by Robert Penn Warren All the Pretty Horses (1992) by Cormac McCarthy ("vulgar language, sexual explicitness, and violent imagery that is gratuitously employed") Alt Ed (2003) by Catherine Atkins (Challenged as an optional reading in a bullying unit at the Lake Oswego, Oregon Junior High School [2007] because the novel is "peppered with profanities, ranging from derogatory slang terms to sexual encounters and violence." Students are given a list of book summaries and a letter to take to their parents. Four of the 8 optional books offered are labeled as having "mature content/ language.") Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned (1998) by Walter Mosley Always Running La Vida Loca: Gang Days in LA (1993) by Luis J. Rodriguez (Challenged, but retained in three Beyer High School classrooms in Modesto, California in 2003 despite complaints that the book is “pornographic.” The decision reversed the actions of district administrators who had removed the book in early November, 2003. The book won the Chicago Sun Times Carl Sandburg Literary Award and was designated as a New York Times notable book; "violence and sex"; "pornographic and offensive in its stereotyping of Latinos") The Amazing Bone (1976) by William Steig America (2002) by E.R. Frank (Challenged in the Ravenna, Ohio schools [2007] because, "What we kept finding and going over was sexual content and profanity," said the complainant. The novel has received several awards including the New York Times Notable Book Award. It was also a Garden State Teen Book Award nominee.) America (the Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction: With a Forward by Thomas Jefferson (2004) by Jon Stewart, Ben Karlin, and David Javerbaum ("Supreme Court is shown naked") American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (1969; 1980; 1992) ("objectionable words"; "has slang definitions for words such as bed, knocker, and balls") American Psycho (1991) by Bret Easton Ellis (was originally to be published by Simon and Schuster, but they withdrew after protests from the National Organization of Women calling the book "dangerously misogynistic." The New York Times headlined a review of the book "Don't Buy This Book.") Am I Blue?: Coming Out From the Silence (1994) edited by Marian Dane Bauer ("sexual identity confusion and gay fairy-godfather") The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimeaus Trilogy, Book 1) (2003) by Jonathan Stroud (Restored by the Lackawanna, New York school board [2008] following accusations of censorship by some parents and teachers. The book was pulled from the middle school library recommended list because of concerns that the book deals with the occult.) (B) Analects by Confucius (551 -- 479 BC) (The first ruler of the Chin Dynasty ordered all books relating to the teachings of Confucius burned. Oh, and he had hundreds of followers of Confucius buried alive [250 BC]. When Confucian books and scholars were burned by Qin dynasty officials, a single copy of the sage's works was saved in the state library.) An American Tragedy (1925) by Theodore Dreiser (B) An Appeal to Reason (1930) by Thomas Mann The Anarchist Cookbook (1971) by William Powell ("security reasons") Anastasia Again! (1981) by Lois Lowry ("refers to beer, playboy magazine, suicide") Anastasia At Your Service! (1982) by Lois Lowry ("subtle and filthy, sexually and socially perverts, abuses, and scandalizes innocent children") Anastasia Krupnik (1979) by Lois Lowry ("use of vulgarity for human waste"; "references to underage drinking"; "the phrase 'crock of shit' appears twice in the book") Anatomy of a Book Controversy (1995) by Wayne Homstad Andersonville (1955) by MacKinlay Kantor ("filth"; "1% history and 99% filth"; "unsuitable, objectionable language"; "obscene, promotes immorality") And Tango Makes Three (2005) by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell ("homosexuality"; "anti-family"; "unsuited to age group"; "religious viewpoint"; "anti-ethnic"; "sexism"; Moved from the children's fiction section to children's nonfiction at two Rolling Hill's Consolidated Library's branches in Savannah and St. Joseph, Missouri [2006] after parents complained it had homosexual undertones. The illustrated book is based on a true story of two male penguins who adopted an abandoned egg at New York City's Central Park in the late 1990s. Challenged at the Shiloh, Illinois Elementary School library [2006]. A committee of school employees and a parents suggested that the book be moved to a separate shelf, requiring parent permission before checkout. The school's superintendent, however, rejected the proposal and the book remained on the library shelf. Pulled from four elementary school libraries in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina [2006] after a few parents and Mecklenburg County Commissioner Bill James questioned the controversial but true story. The books were returned after the local paper questioned the ban. It should be noted that there was no formal request for the book's removal. Returned to the general circulation shelves in the sixteen elementary school libraries in Loudoun County, Virginia [2008] despite a complaint about its subject matter. Withdrawn from two Bristol, England primary schools [2008] following objections from parents who claimed the book was unsuitable for children and that they had not been consulted on their opinions. Challenged but retained at the Eli Pinney Elementary School in Dublin, Ohio [2008] despite a parents concerns that the book "is based on one of those subjects that is best left to be discovered by students at another time or in another place." Challenged in the elementary school library in Ankemy, Iowa [2008] by parents who do not want their children to read the story due to the concern that it promotes homosexuality. On December 15, 2008, the Ankeny school board members voted six to one to keep the book. Retained in the Chico, California Unified School District [2008] over complaints that the book is inappropriate for elementary school students. The district review committee determined that the book meets library selection standards and district policy. Retained by the Calvert County Library in Prince Frederick, Maryland [2008] after requests that the book be removed from the children's section and shelved in a labeled alternative section. Retained in the Meadowview Elementary School in Farmington, Minnesota [2008] despite a parent's concern that "a topic such as sexual preference does not blong in a library where it can be obtained by young elementary students." Challenged at the Lodi, California Public Library [2007] by a resident deriding what she called its "homosexual story line that has been sugarcoated with cute penguins.") Angaray (1936) by Sajjad Zaheer (banned in 1936 by the British government) Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging (1999) by Louise Rennison (Retained with limited access at the Maplewood Middle School Library in Menasha, Wisconsin [2008]. The coming of age novel, which has sexual content, was found offensive by a parent. In addition to retaining the book, board members voted unanimously to adopt procedures intended to secure and record parental consent before limited access books are released to students.) Animal Dreams (1990) by Barbara Kingsolver ("vulgar language, sexual explicitness, and violent imagery that is gratuitously employed"; Challenged in the Manheim Township, Pennsylvania schools [2007] due to sexual references. The book was moved from ninth-grade English curriculum to the eleventh-grade curriculum.) Animal Farm: A Fairy Story (1945) by George Orwell ("Anti-Stalin theme"; "religious reasons"; "Orwell was a Communist;" publication was delayed in the UK due to anti-Stalin theme, confiscated in Germany by Allied troops, banned in 1946 in Yugoslavia, also banned in Kenya in 1991 and in the United Arab Emirates in 2002) Anna Karenina (1873 to 1877; published in installments) by Leo Tolstoy Anne Frank: the Diary of a Young Girl (1947) by Anne Frank (too depressing; sexually offensive passages; a real downer; pornographic) (B) Annie on My Mind (1982) by Nancy Garden (Challenged at the Cedar Mill Community library in Portland, Oregon in 1988 because the book promotes lesbian love and sex as normal. Challenged in the Colony, Texas public library in 1992 because it "promotes and encourages the gay lifestyle." Challenged because it "encourages and condones" homosexuality, but retained at the Bend, Oregon High School in 1993. Challenged but retained at the Lapeer, Michigan West high school library in 1993. Challenged at several Kansas City area schools in 1993 after the books were donated by a national group that seeks to give young adults "fair, accurate, and inclusive images of lesbians and gay men" -- at the Shawnee Mission school district the book was returned to general circulation; at the Olathe East High School the book was removed; protesters burned copies of the book but the Kansas City, Missouri school district kept the novel on the high school shelves. In Kansas City, Kansas, the school district donated the book to the city's public library; and in Lee's Summit, Missouri, the superintendent removed the book. The federal district court in Kansas later found the removal of the book unconstitutional and ordered it restored to the school district's libraries. Challenged, but retained at the Liberty, Missouri High School library and access to them limited to only students with written parental permission because of concerns about its content.) Another Country (1962) by James Baldwin ("sex perversion at its vilest") The Antagonists (1971) by Ernest K. Gann Appointment in Samarra (1934) by John O'Hara The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1959) by Mordecai Richler (B) The Arabian Nights, or, The Thousand and One Nights (first English version: 1706) anonymous (Banned for decades from the US mail under the Comstock Law of 1873. Officially known as the Federal Anti-Obscenity Act, this law banned the mailing of lewd, filthy, obscene, or indecent materials. The Comstock laws, while now unenforced, remain for the most part on the books today. "contained obscene passages which posed a threat to the country's moral fabric"; "an extraordinary agglomeration of filth"; "promotes non-Muslin faith") A Raisin in the Sun (debuted on Broadway in 1959) by Lorraine Hansberry ("racially degrading") Areopagitica: A Speech for the Liberty of Unlicensed Printing to the Parliament of England (1644) by John Milton (banned in England for political reasons) Are You In the House Alone? (1976) by Richard Peck Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret (1970) by Judy Blume ("built around just two themes: sex and anti-Christian behavior"; "profane, immoral, and offensive") Arizona Kid (1988?) by Ron Koertge Arming America: The Origins of a National Gun Culture (2000) by Michael A. Bellesiles ("inaccuracy and political viewpoint") Arrangement in Literature (1979) by Edmund J. Farrell, Ouida H. Clapp, James L. Pierce, & Raymond J. Rodrigues (B) The Art of Love (Ars Amatoria) (published in 3 books between 1 BC and 1 AD) by Ovid (Upon publication of this sly love manual, Ovid was banished from Rome. US customs banned this work in 1928.) The Art of Loving (1956) by Erich Fromm As I Lay Dying (1930) by William Faulkner ("seven passages that made reference to God or abortion and used such words as bastard, goddamn, and son of a bitch"; banned in Kentucky for language and for being anti-Christian) Asking About Sex and Growing Up: A Question and Answer Book for Girls and Boys (1988) by Joanna Cole Athletic Shorts (1989) by Chris Crutcher ("homosexuality and offensive language") A Thousand Pieces of Gold: My Discovery of China's Character in the History and Meaning of Its Proverbs (2002) by Adeline Yen Mah (**) Atkol Video Catalogue ("carries gay titles") Atlas Shrugged (1957) by Ayn Rand Attack of the Mutant Underwear (2003) by Tom Birdseye (Removed from the Pinellas, Florida school district's Battle of the Books program [2006], although the book is on the Sunshine State Young Reader's Award list of books for third- through fifth-graders.) Autobiography: A Reader For Writers (1977) by Robert Lyons The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas (1932) by Gertrude Stein The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (written as "Memoirs" between 1771 to 1790) by Benjamin Franklin The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman (1971) by Ernest J. Gaines (Challenged as an eighth-grade district-wide reading assignment in the Puyallup, Washington schools [2006] because "racial slurs and stereotyping are used throughout the book, as well as scenes of sex, rape, and implied incest." The Puyallup School Board voted to uphold an earlier decision by a district committee requiring eighth-graders to read the novel. In explaining their vote, each board member recounted the difficulty of balancing valid concerns on each side of the debate. "It wasn't a sole issue of dealing with racism or the 'n-word.'" "But it is our hope by giving them an explanation of the word and where it came from they'll understand it's inappropriate to use it in the future.") The Awakening (1899) by Kate Chopin ("vulgar language, sexual explicitness, or violent imagery that is gratuitously employed"; Retained in the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 reading list in Arlington Heights, Illinois [2006], along with eight other challenged titles. A board member, elected amid promises to bring her Christian beliefs into all board decision-making, raised the controversy based on excerpts from the books she'd found on the Internet. First published in 1899, this novel so disturbed critics and the public that it was banned for decades afterward.) The A-Z Dictionary of Serial Killers (1996) by Harold Schechter and David Everitt (Challenged and retained in the Hillsborough County, Florida school district in 2002 because of a parent's objection to the book's "gruesome details.") |
| Lady Chatterly's Lover by D.H. Lawrence (obscene; 4-letter words; sex scenes; filthy; smutty; degrading; offensive; disgusting; filthy words and passages; temporarily banned in the US and UK for violation of obscenity laws; banned in Australia) Lajja (Shame) by Taslima Nasrin (has created misunderstanding among communities; a fatwa was issued for Nasrin's death; she went into hiding; banned in Bangladesh, and a few states of India for anti-Islamic sentiments. Apart from Lajja, Taslima's first four autobiographical volumes had also been banned in Bangladesh.) The Land by Mildred D. Taylor (Removed from the Turner Elementary School media-center shelves in New Tampa, Florida [2008] as age- inappropriate. A parent challenged the book because the novel contains a racial epithet. The book was a 2002 Coretta Scott King Author Award recipient.) Land of the Free: A History of the United States by John W. Caughey, John Hope Franklin, and Ernest R. May (very distasteful, slanted, and objectionable; negative; biased; racist; has numerous inaccuracies; runs America down) A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith (Challenged, but retained in the Indian River County Schools in Vero Beach, Florida in 2003 despite two parents' complaints about racially offensive language. One of the parents said the book's use of the "N-word" created a hostile learning environment for his children.) The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis The Last Book In the Universe by Rodman Philbrick (Banned in Bellevue Union School District, California due to content about gangs.) Last Exit to Brooklyn by Hubert Selby, Jr. (obscene and pornographic; the effect of reading the book was to horrify, shock, disgust, and nauseate) The Lasting Scar by Andrew Osmond (banned from publication in the UK) The Last Mission by Harry Mazer (bad words) The Last of the Wine by Mary Renault (homosexuality) Last Tango in Paris by Robert Ailey The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis (heretical, blasphemous) The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. LeGuin Laughing Boy: A Navajo Love Story by Oliver LaFarge The Learning Tree by Gordon Parks (objectionable material, swearing, obscene language, explicit detail of premarital sexual intercourse, other lewd behavior, specific blasphemies against Jesus Christ and excessive violence and murder; indecent; contains vulgar and sexually explicit language, and descriptions of violent acts; Challenged on the summer reading list at LeFlore High School in Mobile, Alabama [2006] because the author frequently used inappropriate words, such as "nigga," "bitch," "bastard," and "ass.") Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman (This famous collection of poetry was withdrawn in Boston in 1881, after the District Attorney threatened criminal prosecution for the use of explicit language in some poems. The work was later published in Philadelphia. Obscene; too sensual) The Lesbian Kama Sutra by Kat Harding (Restricted minors' access in the Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas Public Library [2009] because a group contended that the material is "harmful to minors under state law.") (B) Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (Listed in the Index Librorum Prohibitorum in Rome from 1864-1959; Voted out of a library in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania because it mentioned a grisette) Le Morte D'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory (junk) A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines (Removed from the college book store at Louisiana College, Pineville, Louisiana in 2004 by the college president because a love scene described in the book clashes with the school's Christian values.) Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis Liberace by Raymond Mungo (gay related themes; **) The Life and Times of Renoir by Janice Anderson (because of nude paintings in the book) Life is Funny by E.R. Frank (sexually explicit; X-rated passage describing two teens' first experience with sexual intercourse) A Light In the Attic by Shel Silverstein (Challenged at the Cunningham Elementary School in Beloit, Wisconsin (1985) because the book "encourages children to break dishes so they won't have to dry them." Removed from the shelves of the Minot, North Dakota public school libraries in 1986 by the assistant superintendent "in anticipation of a parent's complaint." The superintendent found "suggestive illustrations" on several pages. Challenged at the Big Bend Elementary school in Mukwonago, Wisconsin in 1986 because some of Silverstein's poems "glorified Satan, suicide, and cannibalism, and also encouraged children to be disobedient." Challenged at the West AllisWest Milwaukee, Wisconsin school libraries in 1986 because the book "suggests drug use, the occult, suicide, death, violence, disrespect for truth, disrespect for legitimate authority, rebellion against parents," and because it inspires young people to commit "acts of violence, disbelief, and disrespect." Challenged at the elementary schools in the Papillion-La Vista School District in Omaha, Nebraska in 1986 because the book "promotes behavior abusive to women and children, suicide as a way to manipulate parents, mockery of God, and selfish and disrespectful behavior." Challenged at the Appoquinimink schools in Middletown, Delaware in 1987 because the book "contains violence, idealizes death, and makes light of manipulative behavior." Challenged at the Moreno Valley, California Unified School district libraries in 1987 because it "contains profanity, sexual situations, and themes that allegedly encourage disrespectful behavior." The poem "Little Abigail and the Beautiful Pony" was banned from second-grade classes in Huffman, Texas in 1989 because a mother protested that it "exposes children to the horrors of suicide." Challenged at the Hot Springs, South Dakota elementary school in 1989 as suitable classroom material because of its objectionable nature. Challenged at the South Adams, Indiana school libraries in 1989 because the book is "very vile" and "contained subliminal or underlying messages and anti-parent material." Restricted to students with parental permission at the Duval County, Florida public school libraries in 1992 because the book features a caricature of a person whose nude behind has been stung by a bee. Challenged at the Fruitland Park Elementary School library in Lake County, Florida in 1993 because the book "promotes disrespect, horror, and violence." Challenged, but retained on the Webb City, Missouri school library shelves in 1996. A parent had protested that the book imparts a "dreary" and "negative" message. The poem “Little Abigail and the Beautiful Pony” is morbid; suggestive illustrations.)* Like Water For Chocolate: A Novel in Monthly Installments, With Recipes, Romance, and Home Remedies by Laura Esquivel (sexually explicit and inappropriate material)* Lily's Ghost by Laura Ruby (Removed from the Pinellas, Florida school district and Hillsborough County, Florida fourth-grade reading list [2006], although the book is on the Sunshine State Young Reader's Award list of books for third- through fifth-graders.) The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (Challenged in the Howard County, Maryland school system in 1990 because it depicts "graphic violence, mysticism, and gore.")* (B) Lisey's Story by Stephen King The Listeners by Christopher Pike Listen to the Silence by David Elliott The Literary Experience by Bruce Beiderwell and Jeffrey M. Wheeler, eds. (Retained in the Grand Rapids, Michigan Advanced Placement English classes [2007] despite considerations of returning the 1,846 page anthology to its publisher or clipping out about seventy pages with objectionable material, including a drama, "Topdog/Underdog" by Suzan-Lori Parks that contained profanity and descriptions of sexual activity.) Literature in Society (textbook) (uses the word 'nigger') The Little Foxes by Lillian Hellman Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder (promotes racial epithets and is fueling the fire of racism)* Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (Challenged at the Lafourche Parish elementary school libraries in Thibodaux, Louisiana in 1993 because the book is "offensive to Indians." Banned in the Sturgis, South Dakota Elementary school classrooms in 1993 due to statements considered derogatory to Native Americans.)* The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen* Little Red Riding Hood by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm (An illustrated edition of this book was banned in two California school districts in 1989 because the book shows the heroine taking food and wine to her grandmother. The school districts cited concerns about the use of alcohol in the story.)* Little Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman (banned because Red carries a bottle of wine in her basket for grandmama)* The Little Red Schoolbook by Soren Hansen and Jesper Jensen Lives of Girls and Women by Alice Munro (B) The Living Bible by William C. Bower Living in the World by Alice Walker Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov (reflected moral disintegration and reviled humanity; pedophilia; sheer unrestrained pornography; "even a single little girl was likely to be seduced as a result of its publication) Longarm In Virginia City by Tabor Evans (pornographic, sexual encounters) Long Day's Journey Into Night by Eugene O'Neill The Long Secret by Louise Fitzhugh (book is demented) (B) The Long Walk by Stephen King Looking for Alaska by John Green (Challenged, but retained for the eleventh-grade Regents English classes in Depew, New York [2008] despite concerns about graphic language and sexual content. The school sent parents a letter requesting permission to use the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature novel and only three students were denied permission to read the book.) The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (Challenged in the Laytonville, California Unified school district in 1989 because the book "criminalizes the forest industry." Banned from schools in parts of the US for being an allegorical political commentary)* Lord of the Flies by William Golding (racist terminology) (B) Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (Burned in Alamagordo, New Mexico in 2001 outside the Christ Community Church along with other Tolkien novels as satanic.) The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy (vulgar language, sexual explicitness, violent imagery that is gratuitously employed; profanity and descriptions of sadomasochistic acts) Lost Horizon by James Hilton Lost Prophet: The Life of Bayard Rustin by John D'emilio (has gay characters) Love and Other Four Letter Words by Carolyn Mackler (talks about getting wasted) Love and Sex in Plain Language by Eric W. Johnson Love and Sex: Ten Stories of Truth by Michael Cart Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez Love Is One of the Choices by Norma Klein The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (Challenged at the Coleytown Middle School library in Westport, Connecticut [2007]. The school superintendent acknowledged that the book is "for mature readers" and also acknowledged that "the book is appropriate to be part of a middle- school library collection serving students from ages 11--14, many of whom possess the maturity level to read this book. Moved to the faculty section of the John W. McDevitt Middle School Library in Waltham, Massachusetts [2008] because its content was too frightening for middle school students.)* Love Story by Erich Segal Lucky by Alice Sebold* Luna by Julie Ann Peters Lunch Poems by Frank O'Hara Lysistrata by Aristophanes (Banned for decades from the US mail under the Comstock Law of 1873. Officially known as the Federal Anti- Obscenity Act, this law banned the mailing of lewd, filthy, obscene, or indecent materials. The Comstock laws, while now unenforced, remain for the most part on the books today. The anti-war Lysistrata was banned again in 1967 in Greece, which was then controlled by a military junta.) |
| Baby Be-Bop (1995) by Francesca Block ("homosexual agenda"; "discussion of sex, exploration of gay teen lives, and profanities"; "there are just plain too many teenager-aimed books nowadays that have this sort of choppy, half-conscious, half-delirious, not quite stream of consciousness style of writing"; "offensive language"; "portrays an unconventional family"; "pervasive vulgarity and obsessive obscenities") (B) Bag of Bones (1998) by Stephen King Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress (2000) by Dai Sijie ("sexually explicit") Banned From Public Radio: Humor, Commentary, and Smart Remarks Your Government Doesn't Want You to Hear (1991) by Michale Graham Baseball Saved Us (1993) by Ken Mochizuki (Challenged, but retained on the second-grade reading list in the New Milford, Connecticut schools [2006] despite the fact the word "Jap" is used to taunt the main character in the book. The children's story is about the World War II Japanese-American internment.) The Bastard (1974) by John Jakes Bastard of Istanbul (2006) by Elif Shafak (Prize-winning novelist went on trial in Istanbul, Turkey [2006], accused of belittling Turkishness. The novel had been at the top of Turkish bestsellers lists since its publication, but its treatment of the mass murder of Ottoman Armenians in 1915 angered government officials.) Bastard Out of Carolina (1993) by Dorothy Alison Beach Music (1995) by Pat Conroy (Suspeded from the Nitro High School, Kanawha County, West Virginia honors English and Advanced Placement Literature classes [2007] after parents complained about the book's scenes of violence, sexual assault, child rape, suicide, and more. A Kanawha County Board of Education member suggested the institution of a book rating system. Eventually the book was approved for return to the classroom, as long as students are offered alternate texts.) The Bean Trees (1988) by Barbara Kingsolver ("vulgar language, sexual explicitness, violent imagery that is gratuitously employed") Beautiful Retard (2002) by Matthew Hansen ("offensive title") (B) Becoming Visible: An Illustrated History of Lesbian and Gay Life in the 20th Century (1998) by Molly McGarry, Fred Wasserman, and Mimi Bowling The Beet Fields: Memories of a Sixteenth Summer (2002) by Gary Paulsen Before You Were a Baby (Let's Read-and-Find-Out Science) (1968) by Paul and Kay Showers Beijing Doll (2002) by Chun Sue The Bell Jar (1963) by Sylvia Plath *first published under the pen name Victoria Lucas ("Contains sexual material and advocates an objectionable philosophy of life." "Poor-quality literature and stresses suicide, illicit sex, violence and hopelessness." "Inappropriate because it spoke of a diaphragm and used profanity." "School decisions should be based on the absolutes of Christian behavior.")* Beloved (1987) by Toni Morrison ("Offensive language, sexual content, and unsuited to age group." Retained in the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 reading list in Arlington Heights, Illinois [2006], along with eight other challenged titles. A board member, elected amid promises to bring her Christian beliefs into all board decision-making, raised the controversy based on excerpts from the books she'd found on the Internet. Pulled from the senior Advanced Placement English class at Eastern High School in Louisville, Kentucky [2007] because two parents complained that the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about antebellum slavery depicted the inappropriate topics of bestiality, racism, and sex. The principal ordered teachers to start over with The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne in preparation for upcoming AP exams. Challenged in the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho School District [2007]. Some parents say the book, along with five others, should require parental permission for students to read them.) The Best Short Stories by Negro Writers (1967) by Langston Hughes Be True to Your School: A Diary of 1964 (1964) by Bob Greene Between Lovers (2001) by Eric Jerome Dickey ("homosexual agenda") The BFG (1982) by Roald Dahl (B) Bhavsagar Granth (2000?) by Baba Piara Singh Bhaniara (possibly other authors; or just edited by Bhaniara; controversial, unknown) (banned in Punjab, India because it was deemed heretical by orthodox Sikhs) (Book AND Authors were burned) The Bible (William Tyndale, who partially completed translating the Bible into English, was captured, strangled, and burned at the stake (1536) by opponents of the movement to translate the Bible into the vernacular. Not of the Muslim faith. In 1631, a misprint left the word 'not' out of the 7th commandment (thou shalt not commit adultery -- resulting in the "wicked Bible" edition. Many translations of the Bible were banned by the Index Librorum Prohibitorum in the Catholic church. Banned in the USSR for anti- religious reasons. Removed from numerous libraries and banned from import in the USSR from 1926 to 1956. Many editions of the Bible have also been banned and burned by religious and civil authorities throughout history. On July 1, 1996, in Singapore, a woman was convicted for possessing the Jehovah's Witness translation of the Bible. A 2000 US government report reported that Burma (Myanmar) bans all Bible translations into local indigenous languages.)* Biko (1978) by Donald Woods ("Criticism of apartheid system." banned in South Africa for it' criticism of white government) Black Beauty (1877) by Anna Sewell ("Racist." "Use of the word 'black' in title." Banned by South Africa's apartheid regime.)* Black Boy: Record of Childhood and Youth (1944) by Richard Wright ("Vulgar language, sexual explicitness, violent imagery gratuitously employed." "Subversive." "Black Boy should be taken off the shelves of stores." "Sales should be stopped." "It was a damnable lie, from beginning to end." "It built fabulous lies about the South. The purpose of the book was to plant seeds of hate and devilment in the minds of every American. It was the dirtiest, filthiest, most obscene, filthy and dirty, and came from a Negro from whom one could not expect better." Banned in Mississippi; California; Nashua, NH; Island Trees, NY for being anti-catholic, anti-semitic, anti-Christian and obscene. Challenged in the Howell, Michigan High School [2007] because of the book's strong sexual content. In response to a request from the president of the Livingston Organization for Values in Education, or LOVE, the county's top law enforcement official reviewed the books to see whether laws against distribution of sexually explicit materials to minors had been broken. "After reading the books in question, it is clear that the explicit passages illustrated a larger literary, artistic, or political message and were not included solely to appeal to the prurient interest of minors," the county prosecutor wrote. "Whether these materials are appropriate for minors is a decision to be made by the school board, but I find that they are not in violation of the criminal laws.") Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War (1999) by Mark Bowden (Removed from a classroom at Central Lafourche High School in Raceland, Louisiana [2008] for violating the district policy on cursing. The book is the story of a failed Special Forces mission in Somalia.) (B) Black House (2001) by Stephen King Black Like Me (1960) by John Howard Griffin ("Obscene." "Integration centered, vulgar, filthy, and unsuitable for any age level." "Four- letter words." "Vecause it is obscene and vulgar and because of black people being in the book.") Black Poets (1971) by Dudley Randall Blankets (2003) by Craig Thompson ("Mature themes of turbulent childhoods, strict religious upbringings, and homosexuality." Challenged in the Marshall, Missouri public library [2006] because the book was deemed "pornographic" by some members of the community. The book was moved to the adult book section, rather than the young-adult area where it had been shelved before.) (B) Bless Me, Ultima (1972) by Rudolfo A. Anaya ("Profanity." “Pagan content.” Banned from the Orestimba High School's English classes in Newman California [2008] by the superintendent after complaints that the book is profane and anti-Catholic. Teachers claimed that the superintendent circumvented the district's policies on book challenges and set a dangerous precedent. The book is about a boy maturing, asking questions about evil, justice, and the nature of God.) The Blind Owl (1937) by Sadegh Heydayat (The widely acclaimed Iranian classic, written in the 1930s, was banned in Iran [2006]. "The new government intends to take positive steps for reviving neglected values and considering religious teachings in the cultural field.") Bling Bling: Hip Hop's Crown Jewels (2005) by Minya Oh (Retained with limited access at the Maplewood Middle School Library in Menasha, Wisconsin [2008]. The book for reluctant readers contains photographs and interviews with rap artists and focuses on how hip-hop taste for flashy jewelry typifies their musical and cultural evolution of the last 25 years. In addition to retaining the book, board members voted unanimously to adopt procedures intended to secure and record parental consent before limited access books are released to students.) Blood and Chocolate (1997) by Annette Curtis Klause ("School district needs to review their policies.") Bloods: An Oral History of the Vietnam War by Black Veterans (1984) by Terry Wallace Blossom Culp and the Sleep of Death (1986) by Richard Peck (B) The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution (1644) by Roger Williams Blubber (1974) by Judy Blume (Removed from all library shelves in the Montgomery County, Maryland elementary schools in 1980. Temporarily banned in Sunizona, Arizona in 1981. Challenged in the Des Moines, Iowa schools in 1983 due to "objectionable subject matter." Challenged at the Smith Elementary School in Del Val, Texas in 1983 because it contains the words "damn" and "bitch" and showed children cruelly teasing a classmate. Challenged at the Xenia, Ohio school libraries in 1983 because the book "undermines authority since the word 'bitch' is used in connection with a teacher." Challenged at the Akron, Ohio School District libraries in 1983. Restricted at the Lindenwold, New Jersey elementary school libraries in 1984 because of "a problem with language." Banned, but later restricted to students with parental permission at the Peoria Illinois School District libraries in 1984 because of its strong sexual content and language and alleged lack of social or literary value. Removed from the Hanover, Pennsylvania School District's elementary and secondary libraries in 1984, but later placed on a restricted shelf at the middle school libraries because the book was "indecent and inappropriate." Challenged at the Casper, Wyoming school libraries in 1984. Challenged as profane, immoral, and offensive, but retained in the Bozeman Montana school libraries in 1985. Challenged at the Muskego, Wisconsin Elementary School in 1986 because"the characters curse and the leader of the taunting of an overweight girl is never punished for her cruelty." Challenged at the Perry Township, Ohio elementary school libraries in 1991 because in the book, "bad is never punished. Good never comes to the fore. Evil is triumphant.") The Blue Lotus (1934 -- "Le Lotus Bleu) by Herge ("Pro-Kuomintang view and support.") The Bluest Eye (1970) by Toni Morrison (Challenged, but retained at the Kern High School district in Bakersfield, California in 2003 despite complaints of the book's sexually explicit material; objectionable language. Challenged in the Howell, Michigan High School [2007] because of the book's strong sexual content. In response to a request from the president of the Livingston Organization for Values in Education, or LOVE, the country's top law enforcement official reviewed the books to see whether laws against the distribution of sexually explicit materials to minors had been broken. "After reading the books in question, it is clear that the explicit passages illustrated a larger literary, artistic, or political message and were not included solely to appeal to the prurient interests of minors," the county prosecutor wrote. "Whether these materials are appropriate for minors is a decision to be made by the school board, but I find that they are not in violation of criminal laws." Retained in the Delphi Indiana Community High School's curriculum [2009] despite claims of inappropriate sexual content and graphic language.) B-More Careful (2001) by Shannon Holmes Bones in the Cliff (1995) by James Stevenson Bonnie Joe, Go Home (1972) by Jeannette Eyerly Bony Legs (1983) by Joanna Cole ("magic and witchcraft") The Book of Bunny Suicides: Little Fluffy Rabbits Who Just Don't Want To Live Anymore (2003) by Andy Riley (Retained at the Central Linn High School library in Halsey, Oregon [2008]. The 2003 book depicts cartoon rabbits killing themselves in various ways, from sitting in front of a bobsled run to impaling themselves on Darth Vader's light saber. A parent complained about the book, saying initially she would burn it rather than return it. The story drew national attention and prompted readers to send the school district about 24 copies of the book.) The Book of Phoebe (1985) by Mary-Ann Tirone The Book Your Church Doesn't Want You to Read (2007) by Tim C. Leedom, Ed. ("astrological and mythical origins of western religions") The Bookseller of Kabul (2002) by Asne Seierstad (Removed from Roosevelt High School's library and classrooms in Wyandotte, Michigan [2008] because it "is too sexually explicit." The book is a nonfiction account of what life is like inside an Afghan household. The school said the book went through several reviews and was approved for high school students before being placed on the assigned reading list for the class.) Boss: Richard J. Daley of Chicago (1971) by Mike Royko ("downgrades police departments") (B) Boston: A Documentary Novel of the Sacco-Vinzetti Trial (1978) by Upton Sinclair The Botany of Desire (2001) by Michael Pollan (Retained on the Buffalo Grove, Illinois High School [2006], along with eight other challenged titles. A board member, elected amid promises to bring her Christian beliefs into all board decision-making, raised the controversy based on excerpts from the books she'd found on the Internet.) The Boy Book: A Study of Habits and Behaviors, Plus Techniques for Taming Them (2006) by E. Lockhart(Challenged in the Keller, Texas Independent School District [2009] because some say it is "too adult for young eyes.") Boys and Sex (1971) by Wardell Pomero ("Urges pre-adolescent boys and girls to experiment with multiple sexual partners"; "explicit"; "deals with bestiality, masturbation, and homosexuality, and endorses pre-adolescent and premarital sex"; "promotes prostitution, promiscuity"; "sordid, suggestive, permissive type of approach") Boy's Life (1991) by Robert McCammon The Boy Who Lost His Face (1989) by Louis Sachar ("unsuitable words"; "profanity, frequent use of obscene gestures, and other inappropriate subject matter"; "the age level and use of some swear words may make it inappropriate to younger children") (B) The Brass Check (1919) by Upton Sinclair Brave New World (1932) by Aldous Huxley (Challenged, but retained in the South Texas Independent School District in Mercedes, Texas in 2003. Parents objected to the adult themes -- sexuality, drugs, and suicide -- found in the novel. Huxley's book was part of the summer Science Academy curriculum. The board voted to give parents more parents more control over their children's choices by requiring principals to automatically offer an alternative to a challenged book. "Sordid, immoral, and obscene"; "depressing, fatalistic, and negative, and encourages students to adopt a lifestyle of drugs, sex, and conformity, reinforcing helpless feelings that they can do nothing to make an impact on their world;" "vilifies the family, sexuality, suicide, drugs." Retained in the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho School District [2008] despite objections that the book has too many references to sex and drug use.)* Breaking Boxes (2002) by A.M. Jenkins Brideshead Revisited (1944) by Evelyn Waugh ("homosexuality") Bridge to Terabithia (1977) by Katherine Paterson (The Newbery Award winning book was challenged as a sixth grade recommended reading in the Lincoln, Nebraska schools in 1986 because it contains profanity, including the phrase 'Oh, Lord' and "Lord" used as an expletive. Challenged as suitable curriculum material in the Harwinton and Burlington, Connecticut school in 1990 because it contains language and subject matter that set bad examples and give students negative views of life. Challenged at the Apple Valley, California Unified School District (1992) because of vulgar language. Challenged at the Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania Area School District in 1992 because of profanity and references to witchcraft. Challenged and retained in the libraries, but will not be required reading at the Cleburn, Texas Independent School district in 1992 because of profane language. A challenge in Oskaloosa, Kansas in 1993 led to the enactment of a new policy that requires teachers to examine their required material for profanities. Teachers will list each profanity and the number of times it was used in the book, and forward the list to parents, who will be asked to give written permission for their children to read the material. Challenged in the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania schools in 1993 because of offensive language. Challenged at the Medway, Maine schools in 1995 because the book uses "swear words." Removed from the fifth grade classrooms of the New Brighton Area School District in Pulaski Township, Pennsylvania in 1996 due to profanity, disrespectful of adults, an elaborate fantasy world which might lead to confusion." Challenged in the middle school curriculum in Cromwell, Connecticut in 2002 due to concern that the book promotes witchcraft and violence. "Uses swear words and deals with sorcery"; "references to witchcraft.")* The Brimstone Journals (2004) by Ronald Koertge (Challenged but retained at the William Chrisman High School library in Independence, Missouri [2007]. A parent was concerned about profanity as well as some of the subjects discussed in the book.) Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Las Vegas for Millions (2002) by Ben Mezrich ("gambling"; "sexual content"; "prostitution") Brokeback Mountain (1997) by Annie Proulx (B) Buddhist Holy Writs Bumps in the Night (1999) by Harry Allard Burger's Daughter (1979) by Nadine Gordimer ("endangers the safety of the state"; "indecent" Banned in South Africa in 1979 for going against the government's racial policies) Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (1970) by Dee Brown ("If there is the possibility that something might be controversial, why not eliminate it?" "slanted") |
| Daddy's Roommate by Michael Wilhoite (legitimizes gay relationships; a skillful presentation to the young child about lesbianism/homosexuality; vile, sick, and goes against every law and constitution; promotes a dangerous and ungodly lifestyle from which children must be protected; intent is indoctrination into a gay lifestyle; words are age inappropriate)* Dakar -- The Story of the Israeli Submarine Unit by Mike Eldar (the book was banned in 1997 by a district court, due to an alleged charge according to the "Official Secret Act" following the ban of Eldar's previous book, "Flotilla II" regardless of the fact it had been approved by the Israeli military censor and despite the fact that over 2000 copies had been sold. Eldar was accused of "espionage," his home was searched, his website was shut down, and his computer and documents were confiscated. Following a 4-year legal struggle, the book was released and all charges against Eldar were dropped) The Dallas Titans Get Ready for Bed by Karla Kuskin (illustrates and converses about jockstraps) Dance On My Grave: A Life and Death in Four Parts by Aidan Chambers (gay-positive themes; **) Dancing At the Rascal Fair by Ivan Doig (Challenged at the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho School District [2007] because sexual descriptions in the book were not appropriate. Some parents say the book, along with five others, should require parental permission for students to read them.) Dangerous Girls by R.L. Stine (B) The Dark Half by Stephen King (B) The Dark Pilgrimage by Jakob Wasserman (B) The Dark Tower (series) by Stephen King Das Kapital by Karl Marx Daughters of Eve by Lois Duncan (profanity; sexual content) The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (Banned in Egypt [2006]. The culture minister told Parliament, "We ban any book that insults any religion. We will confiscate this book." Parliament was debating the book at the request of several Coptic Christian members who demanded a ban because, "It's based on Zionist myth, and it contains insults towards Christ, and it insults the Christian religion and Islam." Banned in Iran [2006].)* (B) The Dawn of Humanity by Kurt Pinthus The Day After Tomorrow by Robert A. Heinlein (Removed from the Beardstown, Illinois High School Library [2008]. A parent requested its removal and a committee determined the novel "rather adult in nature" and, because the library already had a large selection of other valuable science fiction and spy literature, the committee elected to remove the book from the high school's curriculum and donated it to the public library.) The Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck (Banned from the St. Lawrence School in Utica, Michigan [1997] because of a passage involving pig breeding. The teacher quit her job over the banning of the novel.) Dead Birds Singing by Marc Talbert Dead Folks by Jon A. Jackson (Challenged in the Big Sky High School in Missoula, Montana [2009] because the local author's work was viewed as too graphic in its discussion of sex.) (B) Dead Zone by Stephen King Deal With It! A Whole New Approach to Your Body, Brain, and Life as a Gurl by Esther Drill (gay-positive themes; **; Challenged at the West Bend, Wisconsin Community Memorial Library [2009] as being "pornographic and worse than an R-rated movie.) Dear One by Jacqueline Woodson Death Be Not Proud by John Gunther* Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller Death of a President by William Manchester The Death of Lorca by Ian Gibson (banned briefly in Spain) Deathwatch by Robb White (B) Decameron by Giovani Boccaccio (Banned for decades from the US mail under the Comstock Law of 1873. Officially known as the Federal Anti-Obscenity Act, this law banned the mailing of lewd, filthy, obscene, or indecent materials. The Comstock laws, while now unenforced, remain for the most part on the books today. Eight of the 100 stories are purely erotic, while the others deal with social criticism, the outwitting of someone by another, and criticism of nuns and priests; obscene, lewd, and lascivious book of indecent character) Decent Interval: An Insider's Account of Saigon's Indecent End Told By the CIA's Chief Strategy Analyst in Vietnam by Frank Snepp (banned in the US because the author had published material that, as a former CIA employee, he was not allowed to publish) Deenie by Judy Blume (Challenged by a parent in the Spring Hill Elementary School district in Hernando County, Florida in 2003 due to passages that talk frankly about masturbation. The board decided to retain the title, but require students to have written parental permission to access the novel.) (B) Delores Claiborne by Stephen King Desire Lines by Jack Gantos Desire Under the Elms by Eugene O'Neill (B) Desperation by Stephen King The Devil: Opposing Viewpoints by Thomas Schouweiler (Challenged at the Chestnut Ridge Middle School in Washington Township, Pennsylvania in 2004. The complainants want the school district to seek parental approval before elementary and middle school students can check out books related to the occult.) The Devil's Alternative by Frederick Forsyth The Devil's Storybook by Natalie Babbie (Challenged at the Chestnut Ridge Middle School in Washington Township, Pennsylvania in 2004. The complainants want the school district to seek parental approval before elementary and middle school students can check out books related to the occult.) Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, Ptolemaic and Copernican by Galileo Galilei (Banned by Pope Urban VIII for heresy and breach of good faith (1633); an Inquisition verdict of Galileo said that he was "vehemently suspected of heresy, namely of having believed and held the doctrine which is false and contrary to the sacred and divine scriptures that the sun is the center of the world and does not move from East to West and that the earth moves and is not the center of the world and that an opinion may be held and defended as probable after it has been declared and defined to be contrary to Holy Scripture." Galileo recanted: "With sincere heart and unpretended faith I abjure, curse, and detest the aforesaid errors and heresies and also every other error and sect whatever, contrary to the Holy Church, and I swear that in the future I will never again say or assert verbally or in writing, anything that might cause a similar suspicion toward me." And then he muttered, "And yet it [the earth] moves.") Diamond Dogs by Alan Watts Diary of a Frantic Kid Sister by Hila Colman Dictionary of American Slang by T.Y. Crowell, publisher (over 150 dirty passages) Did Six Million Really Die? by Ernst Zundel (In the 1980s, Ernst Zundel was convicted twice under Canada's "false news" law for publishing this book, a 1974 book denying the Holocaust. On appeal, the Canadian Supreme Court found the false news law unconstitutional in 1992, but Zundel was then prosecuted under Canada's "Human Rights Act" for publishing this book and other material. Previously banned in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and most of mainland Europe, Germany, and Austria in particular, for Holocaust denial) (B) Different Seasons by Stephen King (oral sex and prison rape scenes; it does not meet the standards of the community) Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack by M.E. Kerr The Diviners by Margaret Lawrence Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak (anti-Bolshevik stance; banned in the USSR in 1988)* Doing It by Melvin Burgess (homosexual agenda) Doll Baby by Eve Bunting A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen (propagates feminist views) Don Quixote by Saavedra Miguel de Cervantes (for the sentence, "Works of charity negligently performed are of no worth.") Don't Call Me Brother by Austin Miles (a vitriolic attack on organized Christianity) Don't Play Dead Before You Have To by Maia Wojciechowska Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dumphrey by Margaret Peterson Haddix (Banned from the Galt Joint Union Elementary School district classrooms in Sacramento, California in 2003 and restricted to students with parental permission in the middle school libraries. The novel discusses parental neglect, sexual harassment at an after-school job, and other stresses experienced by the young adult fictional character; risqué themes and language. The book is on the American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults.)* Doris Day: Her Own Story by Doris Day and A.E. Hotchner Double Date by R.L. Stine (Removed from the Crawford, County Georgia Middle School in 2003 because the book deals with complex issues that teenagers confront.) Down These Mean Streets by Piri Thomas Dracula by Bram Stoker (the book contains unacceptable descriptions in the introduction, such as ‘Dracula is the symptom of a wish, largely sexual, that we wish we did not have.")* Dragonwings by Lawrence Yep (Challenged at the Apollo-Ridge schools in Kittanning, Pennsylvania (1992) because of the frequent use of the word 'demon' in the book. The Newbery Award winning book might encourage children to "commit suicide because they think that they can be reincarnated as something or someone else." On September 15, 1992, Judge Joseph Nickleach denied a request seeking to ban the book from the district's curriculum. In his opinion, Nickleach wrote: "The fact that religions and religious concepts are mentioned in school does not automatically constitute a violation of the establishment clause." Graphic violence, profanity, reference to demons and prostitution, and alcohol and drug use depicted in a positive light) (B) The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King Draw Me a Star by Eric Carle (Challenged in the elementary school libraries in the Edmonds, Washington School District in 1996. The book is illustrated with highly stylized representations of a naked woman and man.)* (B) Dreamcatcher by Stephen King Dreamland by Sarah Dessen The Drowning of Stephan Jones by Bette Greene (gay-positive themes; **; pervasive vulgarity and obsessive obscenities; condones illegal activities; "[book] is like a rattlesnake that needed to be killed right then and right there) Druids by Morgan Llwelyn (depictions of oral sex and rape) Dry White Season by Andre Brink (anti-apartheid) Dwikhandita (Split in Two) (published in Bangladesh under the title "Ka") by Taslima Nasrin |
| Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler (sexual content, anti-family, offensive language, and unsuited to age group) Earth's Children by Jean M. Auel Earth Science (textbook) ("teaches the theory of evolution exclusively. It completely avoids any mention of Creationism...The evolutionary propaganda also underminds {sic} the parental guidance and teaching the children are receiving at home and from the pulpits.") East of Eden by John Steinbeck (ungodly and obscene)* Eat Me by Linda Jaivin (Removed from the Marion County Public Library in Ocala, Florida in 2003. The library director noted that the Australian best seller was removed because the library lacks a designated erotica collection and the novel met only three of 17 criteria used to evaluate books for acquisition. The county's Public Library Advisory Board recommended that the library director retain the novel. The board's vote was only a suggestion and the final decision went back to the library's director. In February of 2004, the director reversed her earlier decision, reinstated the novel, and stated that her personal dislike for the book overshadowed her objectivity and adherence to policy; sexually explicit) The Education of Harriet Hatfield by May Sarton (about gays and lesbians; a teacher fired for refusing to remove the book) E for Ecstasy by Nicholas Saunders (book is about the drug MDMA. Seized by Australian customs in 1994.) The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (shows children in dangerous situations, condones trespassing and lying to parents and ostensibly teaches about the occult) Eight Seconds by Jean Ferris (gay positive themes; **) The Elephant's Child by Rudyard Kipling (Challenged in the Davenport, Iowa community school district in 1993 because the book is "99% violent." Throughout the book, when the main character, an elephant child, asks a question, he receives a spanking instead of answers.) Ellen Foster by Kay Gibbons (B) El Senor Presidente by Miguel Angel Asturias (subversive; banned in Guatemala because it went against the ruling political leaders) The Emperors Jones by Eugene O'Neill Empress of the World by Sara Ryan The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers by Michael Newton (Challenged and retained in the Hillsborough County, Florida school district in 2002 over a parent's objections to the book's "gruesome details.") End as a Man by Calder Willingham (B) Enola Gay by Mark Levine Erotic Innocence: The Culture of Child Molesting by James Russell Kincaid (Challenged, but retained in the Montgomery County, Texas library system in 2002 after a conservative Christian group, the Republican Leadership Council, characterized the book as "helping to lay the culture of child molesters and homosexuals.") Essay Concerning Human Understanding by John Locke (expressly forbidden to be taught at Oxford University in 1701.) Essays by Michel de Montaigne (B) Established Beliefs of Epicurus (B) Etrusca Disciplina Existentialism and Human Emotions by Jean-Paul Sartre Exodus by Leon Uris* The Exorcist by William P. Blatty* Exploring Life Through Literature Extreme Elvin by Chris Lynch (Removed from the Crawford County, Georgia Middle School library in 2003 because the book deals with complex issues that teenagers confront.) (B) The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King |
| (B) Macbeth by William Shakespeare (In 1999, a teacher at the Windsor Forest High School in Savannah, Georgia required seniors to obtain permission slips before they could read this play. The School Board had pulled the play from school reading lists, citing "adult language" and references to sex and violence. Many students and parents protested the decision, which also included the outright banning of three other of Shakespeare's plays; obscene language)* Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (indecent) The Making of Dr. Truelove by T.A. Baron (Removed from the Liberty High School in Bedford County, Virginia [2007] because of "sexual explicit content." Administrators pulled the book from the shelf after a parental complaint. While the school system's general policy on content challenges calls for a formal committee's review of the book, that policy was not followed.) The Malay Dilemma by Mahathir bin Mohamed (criticism of May 13 incident and UMNO; banned in Malaysia for its criticism of UMHO and the May 13 incident. But the ban was lifted when Dr. Mahathir himself was made the 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia.) (B) Mammonart by Upton Sinclair Manchild in the Promised Land by Claude Brown (graphically realistic; filth and obscenity; violent, the language offensive, and women are degraded; students have no reason to understand life in a black ghetto) The Manchurian Candidate by Richard Condon (political reasons) Manga: 60 Years of Japanese Comics by Paul Gravett (Removed from all branches of the San Bernardino County, California Library [2006] because "there are a couple of pretty graphic scenes, especially one showing sex with a big hamster, that are not especially endearing to our community standards.") (B) Manifesto of the Communist Party by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels (communist propaganda) Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media by Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman (The Turkish Chief Public Prosecution Office decided to prosecute two publishers that released the book because it "degrades the Turkish identity and the Turkish Republic, and fuels hatred and discrimination among the people." The publishers could face up to six years in prison if found guilty.) The Man Who Came To Dinner by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart (B) Mar Morto by Jorge Amado Marijuana Grower's Guide by Mel Frank and Ed Rosenthal (Challenged at the Teton County public library in Jackson, Wyoming in 2004 because "tax dollars are being used to purchase a how-to crime manual;" drugs) Marlene Dietrich by W.K. Martin (*) The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury (profanity and the use of God's name in vain) Martina Navratilova by Gilda Zwerman (**; The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California filed suit in Doe vs Anaheim Union High School District alleging that the removal is "a pretext for viewpoint-based censorship." The ACLU claims no other books have been removed from the library for similar reasons, even though several, such as works by Shakespeare and Dickens, are more difficult reading. The ACLU contends that the school officials engaged in unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination by removing the book because it contains gay and lesbian material. In March 2001, the school board approved a settlement that restored the book to the high school shelves and amended the district's policy to prohibit the removal of books for subject matter involving sexual orientation, but the book will not be returned to the middle school.) (B) Martin Eden by Jack London (B) The Mass Psychology of Fascism by Wilhelm Reich Matilda by Roald Dahl Maurice (1971) by E.M. Forster ("homosexuality") The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy McTeague by Frank Norris Mein Kampf by Adolph Hitler (Nazi; hate literature; banned due to anti-Nazi laws, however, possession and sale for historical reasons is legal in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands) Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers (not appropriate for younger schoolmates) Memoirs of Hecate County by Edmund Wilson ("the most salacious and lascivious work issued for indiscriminate circulation") Me, Penelope by Lisa John-Clough (Challenged in the middle school library in Tavares, Florida [2008]. The book is part of a collection that requires permission from the school librarian to check it out. Objections centered on the book's depiction of a sixteen-year-old who is dealing with the death of her brother and reference to sexual experimentation.) Mephisto by Klaus Mann (In 1968, Gustaf Grundgens' adopted son Peter Gorski sued Nymphenburger Verlagsbuchhandlung, then the publisher of Mephisto in West Germany. The Federal Constitutional Court of Germany ruled that Grundgens' personal freedom (Article 2 of the Basic Law) was more important than the freedom of art (Article 5). (B) The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare (Banned from classrooms in Midland, Michigan in 1980, due to its portrayal of the Jewish character Shylock. It was similarly banned in the 1930s in schools in Buffalo and Manchester, New York. Many of Shakespeare's plays were "cleansed" of crude words and phrases.)* Meyebela: My Bengali Girlhood by Taslima Nasrin Mick Harte Was Here by Barbara Park (inappropriate themes) (B) A Middle English Vocabulary by J.R.R. Tolkien Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (Banned for just four days from the Beulah, North Dakota High School library [2008]. Two school employees followed school policy to request removing the book after their son brought it home from an accelerated- reading program, in which students could choose from a couple of hundred titles. The parents said that the 1994 runaway nonfiction best seller was too pornographic and at odds with student behavior promoted in the school handbook. The board reversed its decision at the encouragement of the board president, who said the board moved too fast and unleashed a possible court case it would never win. He said there might be more palatable alternatives, like creating a list of restricted books that parents have to approve before their children can check them out. A decision to review school policies and investigate less-restrictive means to control library books was approved by the school board.) Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie The Miller's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer (pornography and women's lib) Mirandy and Brother Wind by Patricia McKissack (Challenged at the Glen Springs Elementary School in Gainesville, Florida in 1991 because of the use of black dialect.) (B) Mirror of the Polish Crown by Sebastian Miczynski (in the anti-Jewish riots in Cracow; it was burned by Sigismund III Vasa) (B) Misery by Stephen King Mission to Moscow by Joseph F. Davies (communist propaganda) Mississippi Bridge by Mildred D. Taylor (Challenged, but retained at the Donahoe Elementary School library in Sandston, Virginia in 2001 despite objections of its "negative content and that it's riddled with prejudice." The novel, by a Newbery Medal award-winning author tells the story of a young black man who tries to save white passengers in a bus accident, despite being ordered to give up his seat to "white folks.") Mississippi: Conflict and Change by James W. Loewen and Charles Sallis Miss Julia: A Naturalistic Tragedy by August Strindberg Mister Roberts by Thomas Heggen Moby Dick by Herman Melville (challenges values within the community) Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe (Banned for decades from the US mail under the Comstock Law of 1873. Officially known as the Federal Anti-Obscenity Act, this law banned the mailing of lewd, filthy, obscene, or indecent materials. The Comstock laws, while now unenforced, remain for the most part on the books today. ) Mom, the Wolfman, and Me by Norma Klein Mommy Laid an Egg! or, Where Do Babies Come From? by Babette Cole (Moved to the children's section of the Camden County, Missouri library in 1998 because the book explains birth process from conception to delivery.) Monster by Walter Dean Myers (vulgar language, sexual explicitness, and violent imagery gratuitously employed) Monsters by Dan Dramer Montana 1948 by Larry Watson (profanity and descriptions of nudity and sex crimes) The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck (banned in Nazi Germany and Nazi-occupied countries during World War II. Distributed illegally by various resistance movements) More Joy of Sex by Alex Comfort (sexual) A More Perfect Union: Why Straight America Must Stand Up for Gay Rights by Richard D. Mohr (homosexuality destroys marriage and families; it destroys the good health of the individual and the innocent are infected by it) More Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark (elementary and middle) by Alvin Schwartz and Stephen Gammell (would cause children to fear the dark, have nightmares, and give them an unrealistic view of death; too scary; violence and cannibalism; unacceptably violent for children; shows the dark side of religion through the occult, the devil, and Satanism; Retained in the Greater Clark County, Kentucky elementary school libraries [2006] despite a grandmother's request to ban the Scary Stories books written by Alvin Schwartz. She wanted all four or five volumes in the series banned because, she said, they depict cannibalism, murder, witchcraft, and ghosts; and include a story about somebody being skinned.)* Mother Goose: Old Nursery Rhymes illustrated by Arthur Rackham* The Mountain Wreath by Petar II Petrovic Njegos (banned in Bosnia schools by Carlos Westendorp) The Moves Make the Man by Bruce Brooks My Brother Has AIDS by Deborah Davis (AIDS; **) My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier (Challenged at the Gwinnett County, Georgia School libraries in 1984 because some of its characters use profanity. An abridged version with the profanity deleted has been substituted in the elementary school libraries. Removed from the curriculum of fifth grade classes in New Richmond, Ohio in 1989 because the 1974 Newbery Honor book contained the words "bastard," "goddamn," and "hell" and did not represent "acceptable ethical standards for fifth graders." Challenged in the Greenville County, South Carolina schools in 1991 because the book uses names of God and Jesus in a vain and profane manner along with inappropriate sexual references. Challenged in the Walnut Elementary Schools in Emporia, Kansas in 1993 by parents who said it contained profanity and graphic violence. Removed from fifth grade classes at Bryant Ranch Elementary School in the Placentia- Yorba Linda, California Unified School District in 1994 because, "book is not G-rated. Offensive language is offensive language. Graphic violence is graphic violence, no matter what the context." Challenged due to its profanity and violence, but retained at the Palmyra, Pennsylvania area schools in 1994. Challenged in the Jefferson County Public Schools in Lakewood, Colorado in 1996 because of the "persistent usage of profanity" in the book, as well as references to rape, drinking, and battlefield violence. Retained in the Antioch, California Elementary school libraries in 1996 after a parent complained about the novel's profanity and violence. Retained in all Muscogee County, Georgia elementary school libraries [2009] despite a parent's concerns about profanity in the book.) My Brother's Hero by Adrian Fogelin (Removed from the Hillsborough County, Florida fourth-grade reading list [2006], although it is on the Sunshine State Young Reader's Award list of books for third- through fifth-graders.) My Father's Scar by Michael Cart (homosexual agenda; **) My Friend Flicka by Mary O’Hara (uses the word “bitch” to refer to a female dog, as well as the word “damn.”) My Heartbeat by Garret Freymann-Weyr (homosexual agenda; **) My House by Nikki Giovanni My Losing Season by Pat Conroy My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (Pulled from classrooms in Clawson, Michigan [2008] as too racy for middle school students. The novel is the story of a young girl who sues her parents because they want her to donate a kidney to her sister.) |
| I Am the Cheese by Robert Cormier (humanistic and destructive of religious and moral beliefs and of national spirit; offensive language; slyly casts doubt on the US government, parental authority, and the medical profession) I Been In Sorrow's Kitchen and Licked Out All The Pots by Susan Straight Iceman by Chris Lynch The Idolators by William Hegner Iggie's House by Judy Blume I Have To Go by Robert Munsch I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (Challenged as required reading for Hamilton, Montana freshman English classes in 2002. At issue were the scenes in which the author explores her sexuality through intercourse as a teenager and the depiction of a rape and molestation of an 8-year-old girl. Homosexuality is another theme explored in the book that has drawn criticism; racism, profanity; vulgar language, sexual explicitness, or violent imagery that is gratuitously employed; **; retained in the Fond du Lac, Wisconsin High school sophomore advanced English class [2006]. Parents objected to teens reading Angelou's account of being brutally raped by her mother's boyfriend and an unwanted pregnancy later in life. Parents will receive notification and be allowed to decide whether or not they approve of its use by their children, according to recommendations agreed upon by a review committee and parents who objected to the use of the book. Challenged in the Manheim Township, Pennsylavnia schools [2007] due to sexual references. The book was retained in the ninth-grade English curriculum, but it was decided to teach the book later in the school year, after a public forum was held with parents to discuss the book and the entire literary canon of the English department. Challenged in the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho School District [2007]. Some parents say the book, along with five others, should require parental permission for students to read them.)* The Illustrated Guide to Extended Massive Orgasm by Steve Bodansky (Wanna wager a bet on a guess why this one is banned?Challenged, but retained in the Marple public library in Broomall, Pennsylvania in 2004 along with several sexual instruction manuals including: The Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein and Edmund White; Great Sex Tips by Anne Hooper; Ultimate Guide to Fellatio by Violet Blue; and Sex Toys 101: A Playfully Uninhibited Guide by Rachel Venning because the books are "seriously objectionable in text and pictures due to the sexually explicit material.") I Love You, Stupid by Harry Mazer I'm Mad At You by William Cole Impressions by Jack Booth et al In a Dark Dark Room And Other Scary Stories by Alvin Schwartz (too morbid for children) In Cold Blood by Truman Capote* In Country by Bobbie Ann Mason (Retained in the Delphi, Indiana Community High School's curriculum [2009] despite claims of inappropriate sexual content and graphic language.) Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks (The school librarian at the Suwannee County, Florida Elementary School in 1993 routinely erased words from books deemed objectionable. In this instance, the words "hell" and "heck" were removed. Removed from the Bemidji Minnesota school district voluntary reading list and from the school library shelves in 1995 because it contains subtle stereotypes inconsistent with district diversity goals.)* In Dubious Battle by John Steinbeck I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenburg Infallible? An Inquiry by Hans Kung (B) The Inferno by Dante (Ciardi translation)~* Inside Russia Today by John Gunther (B) Insomnia by Stephen King (B) Interpretation by Upton Sinclair In the Company of Crazies by Nora Raleigh Baskin (banned in Catoosa City, Georgia middle schools) In the Country of Ourselves by Nat Hentoff In the Heat of the Night by John Ball In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak (Removed from the Norridge, Illinois School library in 1977 due to "nudity for no purpose." Expurgated in Springfield Missouri in 1977 by drawing shorts on the nude boy. Challenged at the Cunningham Elementary School in Beloit, Wisconsin in 1985 because the book desensitizes children to nudity. Challenged at the Robeson Elementary School in Champaign, Illinois in 1988 because of nudity. Challenged at the Elk River, Minnesota schools in 1992 because reading the book "could lay the foundation for future use of pornography." Challenged at the El Paso, Texas public library in 1994 because "the little boy pictured did not have any clothes on and it pictured his private area." Challenged in the Wake County, North Carolina schools [2006]. Parents are getting help from Called2Action, a Christian group that says its mission is to "promote and defend our shared family and social values.")* In the Rabbit's Garden by Leo Lionni (Challenged at the Naas Elementary School library in Boring, Oregon in 1986 because the story about two rabbits living in a lush garden paradise make a mockery of the Bible's tale of Adam and Eve. Unlike the story of Adam and Eve, Lionni rewards his bunnies for eating the forbidden fruit by allowing them to live happily ever after. Shallow; manipulative; lacking in intelligence and responsibility) In the Spirit of Crazy Horse by Peter Matthiessen In the Time I Get by Chris Crutcher (AIDS) Intruder in the Dust by William Faulkner Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (B) The Iron Heel by Jack London Ironman by Chris Crutcher I Saw Esau: The Schoolchild's Pocket Book by Iona Archibald Opie and Peter Opie (Challenged at the Cedar Grove Elementary School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee [2007]. The complainant stated, "I understand that it is a book of poetry, but there is a fine line between poetry art and porn and this book's illustrations are absolutely offensive in every way." The book is a collection of schoolyard jokes, riddles, insults, and jump-rope rhymes and is illustrated by Maurice Sendak.)* (B) It by Stephen King It's Not the End of the World by Judy Blume It's Okay If You Don't Love Me by Norma Klein It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health (middle) by Robie H. Harris (Challenged but retained in the children's section of the Mexico-Audrain County, Missouri library in 1997. A Baptist minister complained not only about the title, but also about other "material concerning sensitive family issues, such as sexuality, the death of a loved one, or the birth process. Challenged but retained at the Fargo, North Dakota Public library in 1997. The statement requested the book's removal cited the book as "too explicit, pornographic, and too easily accessible to children." Challenged but retained in the Montgomery County, Texas library systems in 2002 after a conservative Christian group, the Republican Leadership Council, characterized the book as "vulgar" and trying "to minimize or even negate that homosexuality is a problem." Relocated from the young adult to the adult section of the Fort Bend School District's media centers after a resident sent an e-mail message to the superintendent expressing concern about the book's content. The Spirit of Freedom Republican Women's Club petitioned the superintendent to have it, along with It's So Amazing, moved because they contain "frontal nudity and discussion of homosexual relationships and abortion;" sexually explicit; vulgar; marriage is mentioned once in the whole book, while homosexual relationships are allocated an entire section; sex education; Retained in the Lewiston, Maine Public Library [2008] after a patron refused to return the book due to her objections to its content. Other patrons donated four copies of the book, which remain in circulation in the library. The patron said she was "sufficiently horrified by the illustrations and sexually graphic, amoral, abnormal contents." A police investigation found the library did not violate the town ordinance against obscenity, and the patron who removed the book from the library will stand trial for theft.)* It's So Amazing by Robie H. Harris (Relocated from the young adult to the adult section of the Fort Bend School District's media centers after a resident sent an e-mail message to the superintendent expressing concern about the book's content. The Spirit of Freedom Republican Women's Club petitioned the superintendent to have it, along with It's Perfectly Normal, moved because they contain "frontal nudity and discussion of homosexual relationships and abortion;") I Was a Teenage Fairy by Frances Lia Block (**) |
| Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam (Challenged at the Douglas County Library in Roseburg, Oregon in 1989 because the book encourages devil worshipping. Challenged at the Howard County, Maryland school libraries in 1991 because "there should be an effort to tone down Halloween and there should not be books about it in the schools." Challenged in the Wichita Kansas public schools because it is "satanic and disgusting." Challenged at the Acres Green Elementary School in Douglas County, Colorado in 1992. Challenged but retained, but will be shelved in the Othello, Washington elementary school libraries in 1993 because the book "promotes violent criminal and deviant behavior. Challenged but retained at the Ennis, Texas public library in 1993. Challenged in the Cameron elementary school library in Rice Lake, Wisconsin in 1993. Challenged in the Spokane, Washington school district library in 1994 by a father who found the poems to be morbid and satanic. In particular, the parent disapproved of one poem which "appears to be a chant calling forth the Devil." Challenged in the Sandwish, Massachusetts public library in 1995 because it is too violent for young children." poems promote Satanism, murder, and suicide)* (B) Hamlet by William Shakespeare (In 1999, a teacher at the Windsor Forest High School in Savannah, Georgia required seniors to obtain permission slips before they could read this play. The School Board had pulled the play from school reading lists, citing "adult language" and references to sex and violence. Many students and parents protested the decision, which also included the outright banning of three other of Shakespeare's plays; obscene language)* The Hammer of Eden by Ken Follett The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (sexual encounters; the Judson, Texas school district board overruled [2006] Superintendent Ed Lyman's ban of the novel from an advanced placement English curriculum. Lyman had banned the book after a parent complained it was sexually explicit and offensive to Christians. In doing so, he overruled the recommendation of a committee of teachers, students, and parents. The committee appealed the decision to the school board.) Hang-ups, Hook-ups, and Holding Out: Stuff You Need to Know About Your Body, Sex, and Dating by Melisa Holmes and Trish Hutchinson (Retained in the Galway, New York Public Library [2008] after complaints about the book's "factual errors, philosophy, and perceived bias." A review of the book by the library determined that the book received excellent reviews and contained no factual errors. Happy Endings Are All Alike by Sandra Scoppettone Happy Endings: The Tales of a Meaty-Breasted Zilch by Jim Norton (Available upon request, but not placed in general circulation at the Jackson-George Regional Library system in Pascagoula, Mississippi [2007] after complaints that the comedian's best selling book is "garbage and doesn't belong in a library.") The Happy Prince and Other Stories by Oscar Wilde (distressing and morbid) Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh (teaches children to spy) Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen (restricted at the Icicle Middle School library in Leavenworth, Washington for almost a decade [2008].) (B) Harry Potter (series) by J.K. Rowling (tells kids that lying, cheating, and stealing are cute and acceptable; a masterpiece of Satanic deception; witchcraft; stupid; homosexuality; profanity; anti-Christian; a filthy, filthy book; have a serious tone of death, hate, lack of respect, and sheer evil; contain lying and smart-aleck retorts to adults. Proposed for removal, along with 50 other titles by a teachers' prayer group at the high school in Russell Springs, Kentucky in 2002 because the book deals with ghosts, cults, and witchcraft. Parents of a Cedarville, Arkansas fourth grader (2002) filed a federal lawsuit challenging restricted access to the books-- students are required to present written permission from a parent to borrow the books; the novel was originally challenged because it characterizes authority as "stupid" and portrays "good witches and good magic." A federal judge overturned this restriction. Challenged in Moscow, Russia in 2002 by a Slavic cultural organization that alleged the stories about magic and wizards could draw students into Satanism. Challenged but retained in the New Haven, Connecticut schools in 2003 despite claims the series "makes witchcraft and wizardry alluring to children." The Gwinnet County, Georgia school board, in 2006, rejected a parent's pleas to take Harry Potter books out of school libraries, based on the claim that they promote witchcraft. The Georgia Board of Education ruled December 14 that the parent had failed to prove her contention that the series "promotes the Wicca religion" and therefore that the book's availability in public schools does not constitute advocacy of a religion. On May 29, 2007, Superior Court judge Ronnie Batchelor upheld the Georgia Board of Education's decision to support local school officials. County school board members have said the books are good tools to encourage children to read and to spark creativity and imagination. Removed from the St. Joseph School in Wakefield, Massachusetts [2007] because the themes of witchcraft and sorcery were inappropriate for a Catholic school. Removed by the Wilsona School District trustees from a list recommended by a parent-teacher committee for the Vista San Gabriel California Elementary School library [2006] along with 23 other books. Trustees said one rejected book contained an unsavory hero who made a bad role model for children; another was about a warlock, which they said was inappropriate; and others were books with which they were unfamiliar and didn't know whether they promoted good character or conflicted with textbooks. Rejected titles included three bilingual Clifford the Big Red Dog books, Disney's Christmas Storybook, two books from the Artemis Fowl series, Beauty is a Beast, California: Welcome to the USA, and the Eye of the Warlock. The Wilsona School District board approved new library book-selection guidelines in wake of the trustee's controversial decision. Books now cannot depict drinking alcohol, smoking, drugs, sex, including "negative sexuality, implied or explicit nudity, cursing, violent crime or weapons, gambling, foul humor, and dark content.") Series includes Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Philosopher's Stone), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows)* The Haunting of America by Jean Anderson Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (Challenged at the Hays, Kansas public library in 1989 because the book "could lead young readers to embrace Satanism." Retained in the Grand Haven, Michigan school libraries in 1990 after a parent objected to the book because it "introduces children to the occult and fantasy about immoral acts." The Newbery Award-winning book was retained on the approved reading list at Matthew Henson Middle School in Waldorf, Maryland in 1991 despite objections to its references to witchcraft. Challenged in the Escondido, California school in 1992 because it contains references to the occult.) The Headless Horseman Rides Tonight and Other Poems to Trouble Your Sleep by Jack Prelutsky (Challenged at the Victor Elementary school media center in Rochester, NY in 1982 because it "was too frightening for young children to read.") Headman by Kin Platt Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman ("a skillful presentation to the young child about lesbianism/homosexuality"; "The subject matter is obscene and vulgar and the message is that homosexuality is okay"; "vile, sick, and goes against every law and constitution"; "promotes a dangerous and ungodly lifestyle from which children must be protected"; "We could put together a resolution to amend the Georgia state constitution to say that tax dollars cannot be used to promote homosexuality, pedophilia, or sadomasochism")* (B) The Heptameron by Queen Margaret of Navarre A Hero Aint Nothin' But a Sandwich by Alice Childress (Anti-American, immoral) Heroes by Robert Cormier (**) Hey Dollface by Deborah Hautzig (gay-positive themes; **) (B) The Hidden Face of Eve: Women in the Arab World by Nawal El Saadawi (B) Hindu Holy Writs (B) A History of Tom Jones by Henry Fielding Hit Man by Lawrence Block The Hoax of the Twentieth Century by Arthur R. Butz (B) The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien* Hold Fast by Kevin Major Holly's Secret by Nancy Garden (gay-positive themes; **) (B) The Holy Bible (on religious grounds; lewd, obscene, indecent, offensive, violent, and dangerous to women)* The Homo Handbook: Getting In Touch With Your Inner Homo by Judy Carter (homosexual agenda) Hoops by Walter Dean Myers (Challenged in the Council Bluff, Iowa schools [2009] because it contains "derogatory remarks, racial slurs, and sexual content.") Horse by Juliet Clutton-Brock (Challenged at the Smith Elementary School in Helena, Montana in 2004 because a concerned parent "believes it promotes evolution.") The Hot Zone by Richard Preston (vulgar language, sexual explicitness, and violent imagery gratuitously employed) (B) House of Glass by Pramoedya Ananta Toer The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende (Challenged, but retained in the advanced English classes in Modesto, California in 2003. The seven-member Modesto City School Board said administrators should instead give parents more information about the books their children read, including annotations of each text. Parents can opt their children out of any assignment they find objectionable; defames the Catholic faith and contains pornographic passages; immoral and sexually depraved; parents need more information) The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros The House With a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs The House Without a Christmas Tree by Gail Rock (uses 'damn') How Babies are Made by Andrew C. Andry and Steven Schepp How Do You Spell Abducted? by Cherylyn Stacey (B) How I Became a Socialist by Helen Keller Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg (the words and the sense of the writing is obscene -- you wouldn't want your children to come across it) How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez (**; retained in the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 reading list in Arlington Heights, Illinois [2006], along with eight other challenged titles. A board member, elected amid promises to bring her Christian beliefs into all board decision-making, raised the controversy based on excerpts from the books she'd found on the Internet. Removed from Johnston County, North Carolina school libraries [2007] after a parent challenged its sexual content and profane language. The county school's staff then launched a district-wide book title review.) How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale by Jenna Jameson and Neil Strauss (sexually explicit) How You Were Born by Joanna Cole Hippolytus by Euripides |
| (B) Gargantua and Pantagruel by Francis Rabelais Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield (Retained in the Fairfax County, Virginia public schools in 2002 after being challenged for "too much profanity.") Gays/justice: A Study of Ethics, Society, and Law by Richard D. Mohr (homosexual agenda) Geography Club by Brent Hartinger (Challenged at the West Bend, Wisconsin Community Memorial Library [2009] as being "obscene or child pornography" from a section designated "Young Adults.") (B) Gerald's Game by Stephen King The Geranium on the Windowsill Just Died, But Teacher Went Right On by Albert Callum (B) The German Republic by Thomas Mann Ghosts: A Family Drama in Three Acts by Henrik Ibsen Gilgamesh: A New English Version by Stephen Mitchell (Challenged in the Clearview Regional High School in Harrison Township, New Jersey [2006] because the modern translation of one of the oldest known pieces of literature was considered sexually descriptive and unnecessarily explicit. The work itself dates back to about 1700 BCE, some one thousand years before the writings of Homer.) Girl Goddess # 9 by Francesca Lia Block (**) Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kayson (The New Rochelle, New York Board of Education [2008] announced that it would replace all 50 copies of Susanna Kayson's memoir after school officials tore pages from the book deemed "inappropriate" due to sexual content and strong language. Removed was a scene where the rebellious Lisa encourages Susanna to circumvent hospital rules against sexual intercourse by engaging in oral sex instead. The incident was a hot topic across the blogosphere, transcending political ideology. It was featured on the left-leaning Boing Boing, the most widely read blog in the world, as well as the top conservative site, Hot Air, which is owned by Michelle Malkin of Fox News. The New Yorker magazine and The Atlantic Monthly also picked up the story as well as dozens of blog sites focusing on literary and free speech issues.)* Girls and Sex by Wardell Pomero (deals with bestiality, masturbation, and homosexuality, and endorses pre-adolescent and premarital sex; sordid, suggestive, permissive type of approach) A Girl's Life Online by Katherine Tarbox (Challenged in the English 11 Regents class at Baker High School in Baldwinsville, New York [2008] because of the book's graphic language. The cautionary tale about Internet safety is one of the five books students could select for the contemporary literature class unit on "teenage struggles.") (B) The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier (Banned in Iran [2006]. "The new government intends to take positive steps for reviving neglected values and considering religious teaching in the cultural field.") Give a Boy a Gun by Todd Strasser (Retained at the Bangor, Pennsylvania Area Middle School [2007] despite a student's aunt's concerns about the book's depiction of school violence.) The Giver by Lois Lowry (Temporarily banned from classes by the Bonita Unified School District in La Verne and San Dimas, California in 1994 after four parents complained that violent and sexual passages were inappropriate for children. Restricted to students with parental permission at the Columbia Falls, Montana school system (1995) because of the book's treatment of themes of infanticide and euthanasia. Challenged at the Lakota High School in Cincinnati Ohio in 1996. Lewd; twisted; unfit for analysis by students because it is violent, sexually explicit and portrays infanticide and euthanasia; "The book is negative. I read it. I don't see the academic value in it. Everything presented to the kids should be positive or historical, not negative;" "The lady writes well, but when it comes to the ideas in that book, they have no place in my kid's head." Banned by some schools in Kansas and California; restricted at schools in several other US states. The book addresses many controversial themes including euthanasia; challenged but retained at the Seaman, Kansas Unified School District 345 elementary school library [2006]. Appalled by descriptions of adolescent pill-popping, suicide, and lethal injections given to babies and the elderly, two parents demanded that the Mount Diablo School District, headquartered in Concord, California [2007], eliminate the controversial but award-winning book from the school reading lists and libraries.)* The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (Removed from a locked reference collection in the Boulder, Colorado public library in 1988. The book was originally locked away because the librarian considered it sexist.)* The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams* The Glass Teat by Harlan Ellison GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Queer and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel (homosexual agenda) Go Ask Alice byanonymous (drug use; personally offensive; graphic language, subject matter, immoral tone, and lack of literary quality found in the book; Challenged as a reading assignment at Hanaham Middle School in Berkeley County, South Carolina [2008] because of blatant, explicit language using street terms for sex, talking of worms eating body parts, and blasphemy. The anonymously written 1971 book is about a 15-year-old who gets caught up in a life of drugs and sex before dying from an overdose. Its explicit references to drugs and sex have been controversial since it was first published.)* The Goats (middle school and up) by Brock Cole (contains a passage describing the rescue of a naked girl, contains offensive and inappropriate language for seventh graders) God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut (completely sick and garbage) God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (Written in 1996, claimed to be portraying inter-religion; occasional sex scenes involving a Christian woman and a low caste Hindu servant. Ban overturned in India.) God's Little Acre by Erskine Caldwell Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien The Golden Book of Chemistry Experiments by Robert Brent (Banned in the 1960s because the chemistry experiments told as "simple" in the introduction of the book were simple but very dangerous) The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman (religious viewpoint; Retained by the publicly funded Dufferin-Peel Catholic School District in Missassauga, Ontario, Canada [2008] with a sticker on the inside cover telling readers "representations of the church in this novel are purely fictional and are not reflective of the real Roman Catholic Church or the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Removed, but returned to the library shelves at dozens of schools in the publicly funded Halton, Ontario, Canada, Catholic School Distric [2007] despite that the books were challenged as being "written by an atheist where the characters and text are anti-God, anti-Catholic, and anti-religion." The book and two other Pullman titles from his Dark Materials trilogy were pulled from public display for review, but are available for students upon request. The publicly funded Calgary, Alberta, Canada Catholic School District [2007] returned the book to its literary shelves two months after ordering its removal. Detractors accused the book of having antireligious content. Similar concerns prompted the Catholic League, a Roman-Catholic anti-defamation organization in the US, to urge parents to boycott a movie version of the book that was released in December 2007. Challenged by the Conkwright Middle School in Winchester, Kentucky [2007] because the main character drinks wine and ingests poppy with her meals, and the book presents an anti-Christian doctrine. Pulled from the St. John Newmann Middle School and Lourdes High School in Oshkosh, Wisconsin [2007] because of concerns about what critics call its "anti-Christian message." Challenged at the Shallowater Middle School in Lubbock, Texas [2007] because of the book's "anti-religious messages." Pulled from the library shelves at Ortega Middle School in Alamosa, Colorado [2007] for what critics regard as the book's anti-religious views. Distric officials later returned the book to circulation.) The Golem's Eye by Jonathan Stroud (Restored by the Lackawanna New York School Board [2008] along with several other books following accusations of censorship by some parents and teachers. The book was pulled from the middle school library recommended list because of concerns that the book deals with the occult.) Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (Banned in Anaheim, California for its depiction of the behavior of Scarlett O'Hara and the freed slaves in the novel; uses the word "nigger")* Good Moon Rising by Nancy Garden (gay-positive themes; **) Goosebumps: Say Cheese and Die! (and the whole series) (elementary and middle) by R.L. Stine (Challenged but retained in the Anoka-Hennepin Minnesota school system in 1997 because "children under the age of 12 may not be able to handle the frightening content of the books"; too frightening for children and inappropriate for school libraries; satanic symbolism, demonic possession, and violence)* Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey (Teachers at the Westlake Middle School in Erie, Pennsylvania, using felt-tipped pens, blacked out passages pertaining to masturbation and mating.) The Gospel According to the New York Times by William Proctor Gossip Girls (series) by Cecily Von Zeigesar (homosexuality, sexual content, drugs, unsuited to age group, and offensive language) Go Tell It On the Mountain by James Baldwin (B) The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (vulgar words; uses the name of God and Jesus in a "vain and profane manner along with inappropriate sexual references"; "The Grapes of Wrath has offended our citizenry by falsely implying that many of our fine people are a low, ignorant, profane, and blasphemous type living in a vicious, filthy manner;" pornographic, filthy, and dirty)* The Graphic Work of M.C. Escher by M.C. Escher (pornographic, perverted, and morbid themes) Great Expectations by Charles Dickens The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson (profanity, graphic violence, contains the words 'hell' and 'damn'; "filled with profanity, blasphemy, and obscenities, and gutter language")* Great Sex Tips by Anne Hooper (Challenged, but retained in the Marple public library in Broomall, Pennsylvania in 2004 along with several sexual instruction manuals including: The Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein and Edmund White; Sex Toys 101: A Playfully Uninhibited Guide by Rachel Venning; Ultimate Guide to Fellatio by Violet Blue; and The Illustrated Guide to Extended Massive Orgasm by Steve Bodansky because the books are "seriously objectionable in text and pictures due to the sexually explicit material.") The Great Tree of Avalon: Child of the Dark Prophecy by T.A. Barron (Restored by the Lackawanna, New York school board [2008] along with several other books following accusations of censorship by some parents and teachers. The books were pulled from the middle school library recommended list because of concerns that the book dealt with the occult.) (B) The Green Mile (series) by Stephen King (B) The Green Pope by Miguel Angel Asturias Grendel by John Champlin Gardner (too obscene and violent for high school students; Retained in the Sherwood, Oregon School District sophomore English reading list [2008] after concerns were expressed about some of the novel's scenes describing torture and mutilation.) The Grooming of Alice (2000) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (Banned from the Webb City, Missouri school library in 2002 because the book promotes homosexuality and "discusses issues best left to parents.") The Group by Mary McCarthy (obscene; indecent) Growing Up Chicana/o by Tiffany Ana Lopez (**) Growing Up Female in America by Merriam Guess What? by Mem Fox ("not appropriate reading material for young children because of the inclusion of witches, names of punk rockers, an other elements which are negative in the illustrations")* (B) The Guide for the Perplexed by Moses Maimonides (Moses ben Maimon) Guide to Fellatio by Violet Blue (subject matter offensive) Guinness Book of World Records by Antonia Cunningham, Ed. (Retained in the Waukesha, Wisconsin elementary schools in 2002 despite a challenge that the book was sexually explicit.) The Gulag Archipelago 1918 -- 1956: An Experiment in Literary Investigation by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (Banned in the Soviet Union because it went against the common way of thinking there) Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift (wicked and obscene) The Guy Book: An Owner's Manual by Mavis Jukes (Challenged in the Lockwood, Montana Middle school library [2006] by parents who objected to what they believe to be misleading, sexually explicit material in the book. The book was retained. The challenge came on the heels of a December decision by the board to pull three books from the middle school library. Those books were The Vanishing Hitchhiker: American Urban Legends by Jan Brunvand, and Urban Legends and Alligators in the Sewer, both by Thomas Craughwell. The same parent brought those titles -- and their content -- to the attention of the librarian and the superintendent.) |
| The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney Fade by Robert Cormier Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith (Challenged in the Washington County, Virginia schools [2007] because of a few "crude" words deemed too graphic for teenage honor students. The author claimed the book provides teens with a safe forum to address issues such as unwanted pregnancy. The novel demonstrates the necessity of a good education and highlights the importance of southwestern Virginia's heritage.)* Fair Game by Erika Tamar Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers (**; more than 300 vulgarities; "I've read it. It's a filthy book. I think the language portrays what went on in Vietnam very accurately. But I don't think we should require a 14-year-old to read it." Banned from the George County, Mississippi schools in 2002 because of profanity. Banned at the Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2004 because of concerns about the book's profanity. The book was assigned in English classes for sophomores. Retained in the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 reading list in Arlington Heights, Illinois [2006], along with eight other challenged titles. A board member, elected amid promises to bring her Christian beliefs into all board decision-making, raised the controversy based on excerpts from the books she'd found on the Internet. Challenged on the accelerated reading list at Chinquapin Elementary School in Duplin County, North Carolina [2008] because the book is littered with hundreds of expletives, including racial ephitets and slang terms for homosexuals. Challenged in the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho School District [2007]. Some parents say the book, along with five others, should require parental permission for students to read them.) Families by Meredith Tax Families: A Celebration of Diversity, Commitment, and Love by Aylette Jenness The Family Book by Todd Parr* Family Limitation by Margaret Sanger (The Comstock Law of 1873 (officially known as the Federal Anti-Obscenity Act) forbade distribution of birth control information. In 1915, Margaret Sanger's husband was jailed for distributing his wife's book, which described and advocated various methods of contraception. Sanger herself had fled toe country to avoid prosecution, but would return in 1916 to start the American Birth Control League, which eventually merged with other groups to form Planned Parenthood.) Family Secrets by Norma Klein Family Values by Phyllis Burke Fanny Hill: Or, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure by John Cleland (Frequently suppressed since its initial publication in 1749. The story of a prostitute is known both for its frank sexual depictions and its parodies of contemporary literature, such as Daniel Defoe's Moll Flanders. The US Supreme Court finally cleared it from obscenity charges in 1966. Fanny Hill was a prostitute; numerous incidents of heterosexual and lesbian sexual activity, female masturbation, flagellation, and voyeurism; lewd and obscene; Cleland was arrested for "corrupting the King's subjects" with this book) (B) Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (Dystopic; this book was 'expurgated' without the author's consent -- 2 versions -- one adult and one juvenile. When Bradbury found out, he demanded that the expurgated copies be withdrawn completely. In response, the American Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee, Young Adult division was formed. They demanded that if a book is expurgated, it must be clearly specified. In a coda to his book, Bradbury added this comment: "I will not go gently onto a shelf, degutted, to become a non-book." It was banned in some US schools for being interpreted as critical of state-sponsored censorship. Challenged at the Conroe, Texas Independent School District [2006] because of the following: "discussion of being drunk, smoking cigarettes, violence, 'dirty talk', references to the Bible, and using God's name in vain." The novel went against the complainant's 'religious beliefs.')* (B) A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway (B) Farmer Giles of Ham by J.R.R. Tolkien Fast Sam, Cool Clyde and Stuff by Walter Dean Myers Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs Fat Kid Rules the World by K. L. Going (Removed from the Pickens County, SC middle- and high-school library shelves [2007] because "the language, the sexual references, and drug use are not appropriate for middle school students." In 2004, the book was named a Michael Printz honor book for excellence in young adult literature by the Young Adult Library Services Association. Challenged as a suggested summer reading at the Alsip, Illinois Prairie Junior High School [2007] because the book is "laced with profanity and other mature content." The District 126 superintendent plans to retain the award-winning selection as one of the many titles offered to students to read, preferably from the recommended summer reading list, before school begins.) The Federal Mafia by Irwin Schiff (An injunction was issued by a US district court in Nevada under 26 USC 7408 against Irwin Schiff and associates Cynthia Neum and Lawrence Cohen, against the sale of this book by those persons as the court found that the information it contains is fraudulent.) (B) The Fellowship of the Ring: being the first part of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien The Feminine Plural: Stories by Women About Growing Up by Stephanie Spinner The Fighting Ground by Avi (Banned from the Bay District school's library shelves in Panama City, Florida [2008] after a parent noted several profanities uttered by some soldiers. The award-winning book, intended for the fourth-grade reading level, is about a 24 hour period in the life of a 13-year-old boy during the Revolutionary War.) The Figure in the Shadows by John Bellairs (Restricted at the Dysart Unified School District libraries in El Mirage, Arizona in 1990 because of two uses of profanity and because of its link to magic) Final Exit: The Practicalities of Self-Deliverance and Assisted Suicide For the Dying by Derek Humphry (banned by law in France) Finding Laura Buggs by Stanley Gordon West (Challenged in the Fargo, North Dakota School District classrooms [2007] because the book includes passages on such topics as sexual bondage, incest, murder, and infanticide. According to district policy, the complainant does not have standing to request either formal or informal reviews because she doesn't have a child in classes using the book. The complainant also contacted the Montana Department of Public Instruction and several state legislators.) (B) Firestarter by Stephen King The First Man of Rome by Colleen McCullough A Fisherman of the Inland Sea by Ursula K. LeGuin (Removed from the West Brazoria, Texas Junior High School library [2006] because of inappropriate language. Books on "sensitive topics such as death, suicide, physical or sexual abuse, and teenage dating relationships" were moved to a restricted "young adult" section from which students can borrow only with written parental permission.) Five Chinese Brothers by Claire H. Bishop (Challenged at the Spokane, Washington School District library in 1994 because it is too violent.) The Fixer by Bernard Malamud Flotilla II -- the Battle for Citation by Mike Eldar (the book was banned in 1997 by a government book committee acting under the "Official Secret Act" after it had been approved by the Israeli military censor and regardless of the fact that about 500 books had been sold. The book was republished in 2002 with no changes.) Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes (banned in Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and challenged in Ohio and Wyoming)* Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews (pornography; profanity)* Follow the River by James Alexander Thorn (Removed from the tenth grade curriculum at the high school in Noblesville, Indiana in 2002 after a parent objected to passages about an imagined rape; the book remains in the library collection.) Fools Crow by James Welch (Challenged at the Helena, Montana High School [2007] because of disturbing descriptions of rape, mutilation, and murder. Supporters of the book say its literary value -- specifically its insights into American Indian society and Montana history -- outweighs the controversial passages.) (B) Footsteps by Pramoedya Ananta Toer Forbidden Knowledge: A Landmark Exploration of the Dark Side of Human Ingenuity and Imagination by Roger Shattuck Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964 -- 1968, Volume XXVI, Indonesia, Malaysia-Singapore, Philippines by Edward C. Keefer, Ed. (US role in Indonesia's deadly purge of communists) Forever by Judy Blume (Banned from middle school libraries in the Elgin, Illinois School District U46 in 1997 because of sex scenes. The decision was upheld in June 1999 after an hour of emotional school board discussion. After a four-year absence, the book was returned in 2002 to the shelves in the school district's middle school libraries; profane homosexual agenda; contains 4-letter words and talked about masturbation, birth control, and disobedience to parents; demoralizes marital sex; pornographic and does not promote the sanctity of family life; explores areas God didn't intend to explore outside of marriage) Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor (obscene, indecent, impure; "contains 70 references to sexual intercourse; 39 to illegitimate pregnancies; 7 to abortions; 10 descriptions of women undressing, dressing, or bathing in the presence of men; 5 references to incest; 13 references ridiculing marriage; and 49 miscellaneous objectionable passages") (B) Form a Buick 8 by Stephen King For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway (When the Pulitzer Prize Advisory Board recommended For Whom the Bell Tolls for the 1940 prize, Columbia University President Nicholas Murray Butler said, "I hope that you will reconsider before you ask the University to be associated with an award for a work of this nature." There was no Pulitzer Prize for fiction for 1940. The US Post Office in the same year declared the book non-mailable; Eleven Turkish book publishers went on trial before an Istanbul martial law tribunal on charges of publishing, possessing and selling books in violation of an order of the Istanbul martial law command. They faced possible sentences of between one month's and six month's imprisonment "for spreading propaganda unfavorable to the state" and the confiscation of their books; banned in Spain during Franco's rule for its pro-Republican views) (B) Foundations of Leninism by Josef Stalin (B) Four Past Midnight by Stephen King Foxfire: Confessions of a Girl Gang by Joyce Carol Oates The Fragile Flag by Jane Langton (Challenged at the Jefferson City, Colorado school library in 1986 because the book portrays the US government as "shallow" and "manipulative," and "lacking in intelligence and responsibility." Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (Banned in South Africa's apartheid regime. In 1955, the New York Times reported that Frankenstein was banned in South Africa as 'indecent, objectionable, or obscene.')* Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner (Retained in the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 reading list in Arlington Heights, Illinois [2006], along with eight other challenged titles. A board member, elected amid promises to bring her Christian beliefs into all board decision-making, raised the controversy based on excerpts from the books she'd found on the Internet.)* Freaky Friday by Mary Rodgers (drinking, smoking, violence, use of 'Oh, God') Freddy's Book by John Neufield Freedom and Order by Henry Steele Commager Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them by the Freedom Writers (banned in Perry Township Indiana for sexual content and racial slurs. Challenged in the Howell, Michigan High School [2007] because of the book's strong sexual content. In response to a request from the president of the Livingston Organization for Values in Education, or LOVE, the county's top law enforcement official reviewed the books to see whether laws against distribution of sexually explicit materials to minors had been broken. "After reading the books in question, it is clear that the explicit passages illustrated a larger literary, artistic, or political message and were not included solely to appeal to the prurient interest of minors," the county prosecutor wrote. "Whether these materials are appropriate for minors is a decision to be made by the school board, but I find that they are not in violation of the criminal laws." The best-selling book has achieved national acclaim and was made into a hit movie.) Friends by Phoebe Dunn Friends Til the End by Todd Strasser From Here To Eternity by James Jones From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun by Jacqueline Woodson (B) The Fugitive (Perburuan) by Pramoedya Ananta Toer (banned in Indonesia for being too communistic and for other political reasons) Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel (Challenged but retained in the Marshall, Missouri public library [2006], despite being deemed 'pornographic' by some members of the community.) Funhouse by Dean Koontz |
| Jack by A.M. Homes (B) The Jacket by Jack London Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson Jake and the Honeybunch Go To Heaven by Margaret Zemach Jake Reinvented by Gordan Korman (Challenged in the Higley United School District in Gilbert, Arizona [2007] because the novel contains themes of teen drinking, sex, and violence.) James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (Challenged at the Deep Creek Elementary School in Charlotte Harbor, Florida in 1991 because it is "not appropriate reading material for young children." Challenged at the Pederson Elementary School in Altoona, Wisconsin in 1991 because the book uses the word 'ass' and parts of the book deal with wine, tobacco, and snuff. Challenged at the Morton Elementary School library in Brooksville, Florida in 1992 because the book contains a foul word and promotes drugs and whiskey. Challenged at the Stafford County, Virginia Schools in 1995 because the tale contains crude language and encourages children to disobey their parents and other adults. The book was removed from the classroom and placed in the library, where access was restricted.) James Baldwin by Randall Keenan (*) (B) Jerusalem Delivered by Torquato Tasso (Burned in France in the 16th century for containing ideas subversive to the authority of kings.) (B) Jimmy Higgins: A Story by Upton Sinclair John Maynard Keynes by Jeffrey Escoffer (*) Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo Journal of Current Pictorial by Chinese Alliance (banned by China's Qing government for spreading anti-Qing propaganda) The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan (sexually explicit) The Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein and Edmund White (Challenged, but retained in the Marple public library in Broomall, Pennsylvania in 2004 along with several sexual instruction manuals including: Sex Toys 101: a Playfully Uninhibited Guide by Rachel Venning; Great Sex Tips by Anne Hooper; Ultimate Guide to Fellatio by Violet Blue; and The Illustrated Guide to Extended Massive Orgasm by Steve Bodansky because the books are "seriously objectionable in text and pictures due to the sexually explicit material." Challenged but retained at the Nampa, Idaho Public Library [2006] along with 7 other books, including the Joy of Sex despite the complaint that "they are very pornographic in nature and they have very explicit and detailed illustrations and photographs which we feel doesn't belong in a library." The library board approved policy changes that restrict children's access to any holdings that may fall under the state's harmful to minors statute and barred the library from buying movies rated NC-17 or X. The book was relocated to the director's office [2008] to be accessed by patrons who specifically request the book and it was eventually restored to the collection. Challenged in the Lewis and Clark library in Helena, Montana [2008] due to objections over its content. The book has been in the library's collection since 1993. The library director accepted the recommendation of the library's collection review committee that the book be retained in the collection. Restricted minors' access in the Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas Public Library [2009] because a group contended that the material is "harmful to minors under state law.") The Joy of Sex by Alex Comfort (sexually oriented; Restricted minors' access in the Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas Public Library [2006] because a group contended that the material is "harmful to minors under state law.") (B) Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy (a grimy story; steeped in sex; a shameful nightmare to be forgotten as soon as possible; foul in detail) Judgment Day by James Farrell Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George (Challenged in Mexico, Missouri in 1982 because of the book's "socialist, communist, evolutionary, and anti-family themes." Challenged in Littleton, Colorado in 1989 school libraries because "the subject matter was better suited to older students, not sixth-graders." Challenged at the Erie Elementary School in Chandler, Arizona in 1994 because the book contains a passage that some parents found inappropriate in which a man forcibly kisses his wife. The Newbery award-winning book, depicting the experiences of an Eskimo girl, was chosen by the teacher of a third, fourth, and fifth grade class for the Antarctic unit she was teaching. Challenged in the classrooms and school libraries in Palmdale, California (1995) because the book describes a rape. Removed from the sixth-grade curriculum of the New Brighton Area School District in Pulaski Township, Pennsylvania in 1996 because of a graphic marital rape scene. Challenged at the Hanson Lane Elementary School in Ramona, California in 1996 because it includes an attempted rape of a 13-year-old girl; references to family alcoholism, abuse, and divorce; includes a rape scene)* Jump Ship to Freedom by James and Christopher Collier (B) The Jungle by Upton Sinclair Junie P. Jones series by Barbara Park (about Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky, Peeky Spying: challenged in the Wake County, North Carolina schools [2006]. Parents are getting help from Called2Action, a Christian group that says its mission is to "promote and defend our shared family and social values.")* Just Friends by Norma Klein Just Listen by Sarah Dessen (Challenged in the Hillsborough County, Florida school system [2007] because it was considered too intense for teens.) |
| Kaddish and Other Poems, 1958 -- 1960 by Allen Ginsberg Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane (Banned in a number of schools due to a controversial scene involving child prostitution and sodomy. As a result, Mathabane has authorized a revised version for use in such schools. Retained at the East Union High School in Manteca, California [2006] senior English class. The controversial autobiography was challenged as inappropriate because a passage uses the words 'penis' and 'anus' to describe a scene in which a group of young boys are about to prostitute themselves to a group of men for food. Banned from the Burlingame, California Intermediate School [2007]. The book has been challenged frequently since its publication in 1986 because of two graphic paragraphs describing men preparing to engage in anal sex with young boys. It earned the 1987 Christopher Award for literature, "affirming the highest value of the human spirit." It was also a finalist for the Robert F. Kennedy Award for books representing "concern for the poor and the powerless.") The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana by Sir Richard F. Burton and F. F. Arbuthnot, translators (bears the dubious distinction of being the filthiest book published today. In my opinion, the human mind is scarcely able to withstand the impact of the overwhelming obscenity and sexually based desire for torture in the Kama Sutra." --Deputy Collector of Customs Robert W. Edwards, 1962) Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer Karen Kepplewhite Is the World's Best Kisser by Eve Bunting (Challenged at the Little Butte Intermediate School in Eagle Point, Oregon in 1989 because the book was too mature for the elementary class students.) Karlsson-on-the-Roof by Astrid Lindgren (banned in North America for subversive views on baby sitters) k.d. lang by Paula Martinac (gay and lesbian themes; *) Keesha's House by Helen Frost (B) Key of Solomon by unknown (banned in Europe by the Pope Innocent VI in 1350 and again in 1559 for being dangerous) Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan The Kincora Scandal by Chris Moore (banned in the UK for alleging British cover up over Satanic abuse) Kindred by Octavia B. Butler King and King by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland (Restricted to adults in a school's library in Wilmington, North Carolina (2004) because the children's book is about a prince whose true love turns out to be another prince; gay-positive themes. Parents of a Lexington, Massachusetts [2006] second grader protested that their son's teacher read the fairy tale about gay marriage to the class without warning parents first. The book was used as part of a lesson about different types of weddings. "By presenting this kind of issue at such a young age, they're trying to indoctrinate our children," stated the parent. The incident renewed the efforts of Waltham-based Parents' Rights Coalition to rid the state's schools of books and lessons that advance the "homosexual agenda" in public schools. US District Court Judge Mark Wolf ruled February 23, 2007, that public schools are "entitled to teach anything that is reasonably related to the goals of preparing students to become engaged and productive citizens in our democracy." Wolf said the courts had decided in other cases that parents' rights to exercise their religious beliefs were not violated when their children were exposed to contrary ideas in school. The parents appealed to the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, which dismissed the case on January 31, 2008. The courts said, "There is no evidence of systemic indoctrination. There is no allegation that the student was asked to affirm gay marriage. Requiring a student to read a particular gook is generally no coercive of free exercise rights. Public schools are not obligated to shield individual students from ideas which potentially are religiously offensive, particularly when the school imposes no requirement that the student agree with or affirm those ideas, or even participate in discussions about them." The parents plan to appeal to the US Supreme Court claiming the curriculum violated their right to religious freedom. Withdrawn from two Bristol, England, UK primary schools [2008] following objections from parents who claimed the book was unsuitable for children and that they had not been consulted on their opinions. Retained at the Lower Macungie, Pennsylvania LIbrary [2007]. The donated book was challenged because "let them be kids ... and not worry about homosexuality, race, religion. Just let them live freely as kids.") The Kingdom of God Is Within You by Leo Tolstoy (Christian anarchist content) (B) King Lear by William Shakespeare (In 1999, a teacher at the Windsor Forest High School in Savannah, Georgia required seniors to obtain permission slips before they could read this play. The School Board had pulled the play from school reading lists, citing "adult language" and references to sex and violence. Many students and parents protested the decision, which also included the outright banning of three other of Shakespeare's plays. Banned from the English stage from 1788 to 1820, out of respect to King George III's alleged insanity)* The King Must Die by Mary Renault The King Never Smiles by Paul M. Handley (criticism of King Bhumibol Adulyadej) King Stark by Howard Pyle Kissing Tennessee by Kathi Appelt The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Challenged as appropriate study in 10-grade honors English class at Freedom High School in Morganton, North Carolina [2008] because the novel depicts a sodomy rape in graphic detail and uses vulgar language. Retained in the Jackson County School District, Marianna, Florida [2008] after being removed from the required reading list for one class. The school board voted to retain the book in the library by a vote of five to two. Removed from a reading list at Centennial High School in Champaign, Illinois [2008] due to objections from a parent whose child was assigned the book for summer reading. Challenged in Burke County schools in Morgantown, North Carolina [2008] by parents concerned about the violence and sexual situations portrayed.)* Knocked Out By My Nunga-Nungas by Louise Rennison (Challenged at the Oregon, Wisconsin Middle School in 2002 by a parent was particularly offended by a passage where a boy touches a girl's breast.)* Know About AIDS by Margaret O. Hyde and Elizabeth Forsyth Krik! Krik! by Edward Dandicat (sexually explicit) |
| Go to the SECOND part of the banned books pages on this website!!! *click here* To go to a page about authors whose books have been burned, click HERE!! |
| (B) Cacau (1933) by Jorge Amado (B) Call of the Wild (1903) by Jack London (Censored in several European dictatorships in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1929, Italy banned all cheap editions and Yugoslavia banned all of Jack London's books as being "too radical." Burned in Nazi bonfires.)* Candide, ou l'optimisme (1759) by Voltaire (Francois-Marie Arouet) (In 1930, US Customs seized Harvard-bound copies of Candide, Voltaire's critically hailed satire, claiming obscenity. Two Harvard professors defended the work, and it was later admitted in a different edition. In 1944, the US Post office demanded the omission of Candide from a mailed Concord Books catalog. "Obscene"; "godless and sacrilegious"; "too vulgar and erotic") Can Such Things Be? (1893) by Ambrose Bierce (In 1918, the US War Department told the American Library Association to remove a number of pacifist and disturbing books, including this book, from camp libraries, a directive which was taken to also apply to the homefront. Censorship in libraries run by the federal government continued afterwards as well.) The Canterbury Tales (~end of 14th century) by Geoffrey Chaucer (Banned for decades from the US mail under the Comstock Law of 1873. Officially known as the Federal Anti-Obscenity Act, this law banned the mailing of lewd, filthy, obscene, or indecent materials. The Comstock laws, while now unenforced, remain for the most part on the books today. "Sexual explicitness"; "vulgar language"; "promotion of women's lib")~* (B) Caprichos (1926) by Alfred Kerr Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies From Outer Space (and the Subsequent Assault of the Equally Evil Lunchroom Zombie Nerds) (1999) by Dav Pilkey (about the series: "The content IS sometimes vulgar, scatological, rude -- but so are 9-year-old boys"; "I didn't care for the language. I didn't care for the innuendo"; "irreverence to authority")* Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants (2000) by Dav Pilkey* Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets (1999) by Dav Pilkey* (B) Carrie (1974) by Stephen King Casanova's Homecoming (1918) by Arthur Schnitzler Cassell Dictionary of Slang (1998) by Jonathon Green, Ed. (Banned in the Wake County, NC schools [2006] under pressure from one of a growing number of conservative Christian groups using the Internet to encourage school book bans.) Catch 22 (1961) by Joseph Heller ("completely sick and garbage") Catcher in the Rye (1951) by J.D. Salinger (Teachers need to explain why this book is to be read; "a filthy, filthy book"; "preferred nine times out of ten by wackos, killers, and disgruntled teenagers"; "excess vulgar language, sexual scenes, things concerning moral issues, excessive violence, and anything dealing with the occult"; "centered around negative activity"; "profanity, reference to suicide, vulgarity, disrespect, and anti-Christian sentiments"; "the main character exhibits behavior that is inappropriate" Challenged in the Big Sky High School in Missoula, Montana in 2009.)* Cat's Cradle (1963) by Kurt Vonnegut ("completely sick and garbage") The Cay (1969) by Theodore Taylor ("maligns African Americans"; "racist") (B) Cell (2006) by Stephen King The Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies (1987) by Vito Russo ("encourages and condones homosexuality") Censorship by Robert Emmet Long, Ed. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964) by Roald Dahl ("espouses a poor philosophy of life")* Cheaters (1999) by Eric Jerome Dickey ("profane language, sexuality, homosexual agenda") {B) Child of All Nations (1980) by Pramoedya Ananta Toer A Child of the Dark Prophecy by T.A. Baron (Restored by the Lackawanna New York School Board [2008] along with several other books following accusations of censorship by some parents and teachers. The books were pulled from the middle school library recommended list because of concerns that the books dealt with the occult.) Child of God by Cormac McCarthy (Removed as an appropriate pre-Advanced English placement reading at the Jim Ned High School in Tuscola, Texas [2007].) Children of the Alley by Naguib Mahfouz (blasphemous; offensive to the prophets of Islam; misrepresents the character of Muhammad) Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher (Retained in the Delphi, Indiana Community High School's curriculum [2009] depite claims of inappropriate sexual content and graphic language.) The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier (**; profanity, masturbation, fantasy; sexual content, offensive language, and violence; sexually explicit; challenged but retained in the West Hartford, Connecticut schools [2006]. Parents of a King Philip Middle School eighth-grader thought the language, sexual content, and violence make the book PG-13. Challenged in the Wake County, NC schools [2006] because the book has "vulgar and sexually explicit language." Parents are getting help from Called2Action, a Christian group that says its mission is to "promote and defend our shared family and social values." Removed from the Harford County, Maryland High School curriculum [2007] because of its message on the dangers of bullying is overshadowed by instances vulgar language, including homophobic slurs. In November 2007, the Harford County's school superintendent reversed her decision to bar Cormier's novel and returned it to the classroom. Teachers now have the option of using the novel in a course that deals with harassment and decision making, but must get permission from all parents of students in the class. Challenged as an optional reading in a bullying unit at the Lake Oswego, Oregon junior high school [2007] because the novel is "peppered with profanities, ranging from derogatory slang terms to sexual encounters and violence." Students are given a list of book summaries and a letter to take to their parents. Four of the 8 optional books are labeled as having "mature content/language." Challenged in the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho School District [2007]. Some parents say the book, along with five others, should require parental permission for students to read them. Challenged as required reading for seventh-grade students at the John H. Kinzie Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois [2007]. Challenged at the Northridge School District in Johnstown Ohio [2007] because "if these books were a movie, they would be rated R, why should we be encouraging them to read these books?") Choke by Chuck Palahniuk (homosexual agenda) (Book AND Author burned) Christianity Restored by Michael Servetus (Servetus was arrested for 'heresies and horrible, execrable blasphemies against the Holy Trinity, against the Son of God, against the baptism of infants and foundations of the Christian religion" and was sentenced to be burned to ashes with his books for trying to 'infect the world with stinking heretical poison.' He was subsequently burned at the stake on October 27, 1553.) (B) Christine by Stephen King Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis The Chronicles of Prydain (series) by Lloyd Alexander Church: Charisma and Power: Liberation Theology and the Institutional Church by Leonardo Boff The CIA and the Cult of Intelligence by Victor Marchetti and John D. Marks (raised the question of whether a citizen can sign away his Fifth Amendment rights or not) Cinderella* Citizen Tom Paine by Howard Fast Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau (In the 1950s, according to Walter Harding, Senator Joseph McCarthy had overseas libraries run by the US Information Service pull an anthology of American Literature from the shelves because it included Civil Disobedience. Banned in South Africa) (B) Clandestine in Chile: The Adventures of Miguel Littin The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel (hardcore graphic sexual content) A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess (objectionable language) (B) Colorado Kid by Stephen King The Color Purple by Alice Walker (**; sexual and social explicitness; troubling ideas about race relations, man's relationship to God, African history, and human sexuality; smut; homosexuality; sexually explicit; offensive language; Challenged in the Burke County Schools in Morgantown, North Carolina [2008] by parents concerned about the homosexuality, rape, and incest portrayed in the book.) Comentarios Reales de los Incas by Inca Farcilaso de la Vega (published in Spain by the son of a Spanish conquistador and an Incan princess, its publication in Lima was forbidden by Carlos III of Spain during the uprising led by Tupac Amaru II, and was only published again in the Americas in 1918) Coming Out in College: The Struggle for a Queer Identity by Robert A. Rhoads (homosexual agenda) (B) The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx (political reasons; banned in anti-Communist countries and the US during the Red Scare) (B) The Companionate Marriage by Benjamin Barr Lindsey Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm (excessive violence, negative portrayals of female characters, and anti-Semitic references)* (B) The Complete Pig by Sara Rath (B) The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway by Ernest Hemingway (B) The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare* Concerning Heretics, Whether They Are to Be Persecuted and How They Are to Be Treated (De haereticis) by Sebastian Castellio (written in response to the Servetus burning; called an evil influence and a blasphemer by Calvin) Coney Island of the Mind by Lawrence Ferlinghetti (B) Confessions by Jean Jacques Rousseau (Banned by US Customs in 1929 as injurious to public morality. His philosophical works were also banned in the USSR in 1935, and some were placed on the Catholic Church's Index of Prohibited Books in the 18th century. The Index was primarily a matter of church law, but in some areas before the mid-19th century, it also had the force of secular law. The Index was finally abolished in 1966.) Confessions of an Only Child by Norma Klein (profanity) Confessions of Augsburg by Martin Luther (published in Germany, outlawed by the Vatican, though specifically the Council of Trent, 1545--1563) The Confessions of Nat Turner by William Styron The Contender by Robert Lipsyte (sounds like pretty explicit stuff) (B) The Cop Killer: How Mumia-Abu Jamal Conned Millions Into Believing He Was Framed by Dann Flynn (B) Copy Me (an anthology) The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas The Country Ahead of Us, the Country Behind by David Guterson Cradle and All: A Novel by James Patterson (Removed from the Westhampton Beach, New York high school's ninth-grade reading list in 2007 because of "inappropriate sexual content." The reading list contains more than 300 books from which the ninth-graders must choose to read for course credit.) Crazy by Benjamin Lebert (Removed from the Canyon Vista Middle School in Round Rock, Texas in 2003 by the principal who decided a parent was correct in being concerned about the book's availability. The parent called the book "vulgar, it talked about parts of the body." There was free use of the "F-word and several C-words." The book was taken off the shelf at the district's other junior high school library.) Crazy Lady by Jane Conly Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat: Superstitions and Other Beliefs by Alvin Schwartz The Crucible by Arthur Miller (contains sick words from the mouths of demon-possessed people. It should be wiped out of the schools or the school board should use them to fuel the fires of hell; junk) Cuba by Sharon Gordon (Removed from all Miami Dade County school libraries [2006] because a parent's complaint that the book does not depict an accurate life in Cuba. The American Civil Liberties Union [ACLU] of Florida filed a lawsuit challenging the decision to remove this book and the 23 other titles in the same series from the district school libraries. In granting a preliminary injunction in July 2006 against the removal, Judge Alan S. Gold of US District Court in Miami characterized the matter as a "First Amendment issue" and ruled in favor of the ACLU of Florida, which argued that the books were generally factual and that the board should add to its collection, rather than removing books it disagreed with. Removed from the Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School library in Miami, Florida [2007] by a parent complaining that the book does not depict an accurate life in Cuba.) Cuban Kids by George Ancona (Banned in the Miami Dade County Public Schools [2006]. The picture book shows a child with a rifle and children saluting the Cuban flag with the caption, "We will be like Che!") (B) Cujo by Stephen King (age inappropriate; unacceptable language; violent; profane and sexually objectionable; a bunch of garbage; rough language; explicit sex scenes; pornographic) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon* Curses, Hexes, and Spells by Daniel Cohen |
| !!!! The reasons for challenging the books are NOT MY WORDS!! You should not assume my agreement (nor disagreement for that matter)!! Some reasons for banning have been taken from the American Library Association's banned book lists. Go to that site. |
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| "The Catcher in the Rye"? Can't folks find a new book to ban? It's 55 years old, for goodness sake. Holden Caulfield is on social security. |
