10 Banned Books that You Need to Read

Joseph Landor on December 9, 2010 in College Entry

Isn’t there something enticing about sneaking around doing something you know you shouldn’t? Well, if you like taking a walk on the wild side then you might want to check out the following 10 books that happen to be challenged or banned. Something about them is definitely considered naughty, but reading them will make you feel oh so nice!

1.   The TTYL series by Lauren Myracle

This series of books written by Lauren Myracle highlights the drama of three high school friends, but does so solely in the style of instant messaging (cool, right?). While this intriguing read takes a realistic look at the lives of young adults, the nudity, offensive language and drugs got it placed squarely on the banned book list.

2.   The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

For some reason, the story of Holden Caulfied, a 16-year-old expelled from prep school thanks to his reaction to being alienated by other teens, seems to strike a nerve with some adults. What’s interesting is that this book has been getting banned regularly since its publication in 1951. It looks like the ongoing censorship is what keeps new readers seeking it out year after year.

3.   The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter series is hands-down the most challenged/banned book series in the past decade. Virtually every book has been challenged or banned because, despite the fact that it is one of the most loved book series’ ever written, the evil characters, death threats and attacks on children still freak some parents out. Go figure.

4.   The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

This is another book with a long-term ban history. Since it was first published in 1974, this book, which is set in the fictional Trinity High School and follows Jerry Renault as he challenges a school’s mob rule, seems to get parents riled up every year. Apparently, the 200+ swear words, nudity and violence are cause for being challenged or banned. And that’s exactly what it’s been everywhere from Oregon to Connecticut.

5.   To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This compelling story of rape and racial inequality in the 1930s has seen its share of bans and challenges over the years. While it’s one of the most popular books ever written, it has also been banned everywhere from New Jersey to Ontario, Canada because many object to how blacks are treated in the novel’s racist white community.

6.   The Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer

The incredibly popular Twilight series can’t seem to catch a break, getting banned everywhere from California and Utah to Australia. Sure an explicit love affair between a human teenage girl and vampire might make some cringe. But millions have fallen in love right along with them proving that, despite criticism, this series remains a fan favorite.

7.   The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This page-turner explores the life of a teenager as he explores abuse, introversion, sexuality, and drug abuse. The book, which was inspired by The Catcher in the Rye, has been removed from Indiana high school classrooms, and challenged in a Wisconsin library. It’s also restricted in Roanoke, Va. where freshmen and sophomores are only allowed to check it out with parental permission.

8.   The Color Purple by Alice Walker

This extremely-popular book is not only known for winning a Pulitzer Prize but also for being adapted into an award-winning film and play. Unfortunately, the plot of the book, which focuses on black women in the southern U.S. in the 1930s and the physical and sexual abuse they suffered, is a bit too explicit for some parents, which is why it continues to be challenged and banned around the world.

9.   A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck

This book continues to be one of the all-time most challenged books because of the graphic description of animal mating and butchery. While it tells a great story of a 13-year-old boy trying to accept responsibility, its explicit nature leaves many parents refusing to allow their teens to read it.

10.   The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things by Carolyn Mackler

High school student Virginia Shreves is struggling with a “larger-than-average” body and has developed a bit of an inferiority complex as a result. This award-winning novel explores her struggles with identity, something many teen girls can relate to. It’s just too bad that many don’t get to read it because it continuously gets challenged or banned.

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