“The best art is political,” said author Toni Morrison, and without a doubt, in the time we live in, reading is resistance. So if you’re looking for banned books to read, look no further: here are eight recommendations. 

“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins 

    Why it was challenged: “Being anti-ethnic, anti-family, and violent, and of having offensive language, occult/satanic references, and references to overt sexuality.” (The Banned Books Project).

    Commentary on: Inequality, oppression, revolution, power, violence. 

“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood

    Why it was challenged: “Profanity, overly sexual tones, being anti-Christian, featuring LGBTQ+ protagonists, and being overall morally corrupt.” (The George-Anne).

    Commentary on: The moral and political wrongness of legal control of women’s reproductive freedom. 

“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury

    Why it was challenged: “Going against religious beliefs, vulgarity, and discussions about drugs.” (The Banned Books Project). 

    Commentary on: The development of technology, censorship. 

“Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe

    Why it was challenged: “Being sexually explicit.” (The New York Times).

    Commentary on: Gender euphoria and dysphoria.  

“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini 

    Why it was challenged: “Includes sexual violence and [is] thought to “lead to terrorism” and “promote Islam.” (Springfield Technical Community College). 

    Commentary on: The effect of political and social turmoil on personal lives.

“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison

    Why it was challenged: “Having sexually explicit material, homosexual overtones, lots of graphic descriptions and lots of disturbing language, and [having] an underlying socialist-communist agenda.” (PBS). 

    Commentary on: Internalized racism and the demonization of Blackness in American culture. 

“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas

    Why it was challenged: “Being “pervasively vulgar,” and depicting drug use, profanity, and offensive language.” (Banned Books Week). 

    Commentary on: Race, white privilege, white supremacy, and the murders of unarmed, marginalized black people at the hands of the police. 

“Monday’s Not Coming” by Tiffany D. Jackson

    Why it was challenged: “Mentions of sexual abuse and violence.” (Springfield Technical Community College). 

    Commentary on: Family violence and the overlooked cases of missing Black girls.