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Table of Contents

Banned Books

This page highlights books that have been either banned or challenged in the United States. A book is challenged when calls are made for it to be banned or removed from the public’s access. This list of books is by no means exhaustive and the most recent lists of books that receive the most challenges is available through the American Library Association.

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American Psycho

Bret Easton Ellis 1991

Challenged Reasons: Sexual content, crude language, violence

American Psycho

Bret Easton Ellis 1991

Gloria Steinem urged people to boycott this book. Years later, her step-son Christian Bale starred in the movie adaptation of the book.

An American Tragedy

Theodore Dreiser 1925

Challenged Reasons: Sexual content, violence

An American Tragedy

Theodore Dreiser 1925

In 1927, the book was banned in Boston, MA.

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging

Louise Rennison 1999

Challenged Reasons: Crude language, sexual content, LGBTQ content

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging

Louise Rennison 1999

In 2009, a middle school in WI required students get written permission from their parents to read this book.

Animal Farm

George Orwell 1945

Challenged Reasons: Encouraging revolt, violence

Animal Farm

George Orwell 1945

In 1987, 44 students and teachers sued the Bay County School Board for banning 64 books, including Animal Farm. The ban was subsequently lifted.

Annie on My Mind

Nancy Garden 1982

Challenged Reasons: LGBTQ content

Annie on My Mind

Nancy Garden 1982

Copies of this book were burned on the Kansas City School District office's steps.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Judy Blume 1970

Challenged Reasons: Puberty, religious themes

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Judy Blume 1970

Blume once said, "Having the freedom to read and the freedom to choose is one of the best gifts my parents ever gave me."

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