Wait... THAT Book Was Banned?!

Hey Readers!

Did you know that some of your favorite books have actually been challenged or banned from schools and libraries? And I'm not just talking about books for older kids. Even picture books you might remember from when you were little!

October 4–10 was Banned Books Week, a week dedicated to celebrating the freedom to read. A book is challenged when someone tries to remove or restrict it and is banned when access is actually removed or restricted.

So, what could possibly be so terrible about some of our favorite stories? Let's find out!

Books You Might Recognize:

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Who hasn't heard of Harry Potter?! This series is full of magic, adventure, and friendship, but it's also been challenged because of the witchcraft and spells. What I love about this book series is that, underneath all the magic, they're really about friendship, courage, and standing up for what's right, even when it's hard.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Imagine living in a world where the government controls everyone through fear and forces kids to fight for survival. Pretty scary, right? The Hunger Games has been challenged for its violence and mature themes. But that's also part of what makes the story so powerful! It makes us think about what happens when people have too much power and why standing up for what you believe in matters.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Traveling through space and time to save your dad? Sounds like an amazing adventure! But this classic has been challenged for its supernatural elements and religious themes. What makes Meg's story so special is that she learns being different isn't a bad thing. In fact, sometimes the things that make you different are your greatest strengths.

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Okay, this one really surprised me! This picture book tells the TRUE story of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who raised a baby penguin together. Yes, this actually happened! But the book has been challenged because it shows two male penguins as parents. Some people felt it wasn't appropriate for young children. To me, it's a beautiful story about family, love, and taking care of each other. And it's pretty amazing that a true story about penguins could create so much controversy!

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

This adorable picture book follows a little girl named Zuri and her dad as he tries to style her beautiful natural hair. It's appeared in school book-ban records, although the exact reasons aren't clear. What makes this book so special is how it celebrates family, confidence, and loving what makes you unique. Everyone deserves to see characters who look like them and families they relate to in the books they read.

Why Does This Matter?

One of my favorite things about reading is that books let us experience worlds and lives that might be completely different from our own. They help us understand other people, ask questions, and sometimes even see things in a whole new way.

Of course, not every book is for every reader. But just because a story is different from our own doesn't mean it isn't worth telling!

Have you read any of these books? Which one surprised you the most?

Check out our Book Search to find more amazing stories recommended by kids and teens just like you!

Happy Reading! 📚💚

Love, Carolina