Written by Bella S., Sienna V., Bel L., Delany B., Leiden T.
As Americans, one of the main issues of our country is freedom. We can say what we want, protest what we want, publicize what we want, and we have many other rights that allow us to be free from control so that we can make our own choices. But lately, one particular problem continues to occur. Should we be allowed to have the freedom to choose what we want to read as teens?
Some believe that just as we can write what we want, we should be able to read what we want. But others think that we should be limited on what content we are exposed to. Topics like race, gender, and culture are all on the chopping block. As you continue to read, books that have been nominated to be banned will be reviewed. But I’ll let you make your own decisions on what you think about banning books. (BS)
Below are some of the books that have been included an the American Library Association's Top 10 Most Challenged Books lists for 2021 - 2020:
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.
Beyond Magenta is a collection of interview style tales told by several trans and queer teens. Between the gorgeous photography in this book, comes honest reflections of their experiences coming of age while grappling with their gender identity. Their place as a banned/challenged book is just one of many attempts to conceal their stories. (BL)
#10 of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2021
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2012) by Jesse Andrews
Reasons: Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and degrading to women
This book follows the tale of Greg, Earl, and his former friend Rachel, who now has cancer. Earl has been forced by his mother to help Rachel find happiness in her horrible situation. In the book, it has multiple slurs used along with racial stereotypes and misogyny. Despite this, I do not believe any book should be banned to the public, so I do not think the correct decision is the ban it. Though, I do not support the book in any capacity. (LT)
#7 of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2021
Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references and use of a derogatory term
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, a Spokane-Coeur d'Alene-native, is a semi-autobiographical novel about the life of a young Native American named Junior. This book should not be banned or challenged because it offers a new perspective about America which often gets overlooked, and it gives Native American children a new narrative with universal challenges such as poverty and sexuality. Alexie forces American students, who often only hear about Native Americans in regard to tragedy, to see them as real people. (DB)
#6 of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2021
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, profanity, and because it was considered to be sexually explicit
All Boys Aren't Blue is a memoir that follows the life of George Johnson. It highlights their struggles growing up and dealing with racism, homophobia, and gender identity. This book most definitely should not be banned because it can be a great help to others that are experiencing George's same struggles. Not only do I think this book should not be banned, I think that everyone should read it to get educated on the importance of equality. (SV)
#3 of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2021
Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted because it was thought to contain a political viewpoint and it was claimed to be biased against male students, and for the novel’s inclusion of rape and profanity
Speak is a novel about a girl named Melinda who is dealing with sexual assault. While this is a heavy topic, it is a sad reality that so many people face. This book is so important to help people understand that they are not alone. Aside from it being informative, it is also very well written and illustrates the struggles Melinda faces. (SV)
#4 of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2020
Click here for more information on the history of Banned Books Week.
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