Library Resource Center
Banned Book week is an event usually held the last week in September highlighting and raising awareness about Book Bans in the USA. It began in 1982 and regularly publishes information about book bans, including the top ten challenges of the previous year (and descriptions of why they were challenged).
When is Banned Book Week in 2022?
Banned Book week will be held September 18th to 24th.
Where can I learn more?
We have links to resources, including the American Library Association's website, on the sidebar as well as a physical display on South Campus with banned and challenged books.
Gender Queer: a Memoir by
A memoir by Maia Kobabe about eir journey of self discovery and gender identity. Banned, challenged, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content, and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images.
All Boys Aren't Blue by
A series of personal essays by George M. Johnson exploring his childhood to college years in New Jersey and Virginia. Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.
The Hate U Give by
When Starr Carter witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer, her whole world is shattered. Banned and challenged for profanity, violence, and because it was thought to promote an anti-police message and "indoctrination of a social agenda".
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by
Junior, a budding cartoonist, leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation behind to attend an all white school where the only other indian is the school mascot. Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references and use of a derogatory term.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by
Greg's great time with Earl is cut short when he's made by his mom to rekindle his friendship with Rachel--who has leukemia. Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and degrading to women.
The Bluest Eye by
The story of an 11 year old girl in America who prays for her eyes to turn blue so she can be beautiful. Banned and challenged because it depicts child sexual abuse and was considered sexually explicit.
This Book Is Gay by
This book is gay and is the real stories about growing up gay, transgender, bisexual, lesbian, queer, and so much more. Banned, challenged, relocated, and restricted for providing sexual education and LGBTQIA+ content.
Beyond Magenta by
Author and photographer Susan Kuklin shares the interviews of six transgender and gender neutral teens to share the story of their lives. Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.
Stamped from the Beginning by
Historian Ibram X. Kendi examines the lives of five major American Intellectuals to shed light on the lingering history of anti-black racism in America. Banned and challenged because of author’s public statements, and because of claims that the book contains “selective storytelling incidents” and does not encompass racism against all people.
All American Boys by
Two teens in America--one black, one white--grapple with an event involving police brutality and how racism still lives on in America. Banned and challenged for profanity, drug use, and alcoholism, and because it was thought to promote anti-police views, contain divisive topics, and be “too much of a sensitive matter right now”.
Code from these LibGuides pages are a derivative of LibGuides code by UC Santa Cruz University Library, used under CC BY.
