This year, from October 5th to October 11th, we are celebrating Banned Books Week. Banned Books Week is a week dedicated to highlighting the free and open access to information through the books that we read. This year’s theme is “Censorship Is So 1984 – Read for Your Rights.” Having been the president of a book club in Florida, I am no stranger to censorship when it comes to books. I have been at my fair share of school board meetings to fight against the banning of books and continue to fight for free access both in and out of schools today.
To celebrate Banned Books Week this year, I am bringing to you some of my favorite banned books, and some that are at the top of my TBR list!
My Favorite Banned Books
Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Banned for: LGBTQIA+, Sexual Content
My first recommendation must be Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. This book was my first introduction into queer literature and is one of my favorite books of all time. This novel tells the story of Alex Claremont-Diaz, the first son of the United States to the first female president. As Alex works to help his mother with her reelection campaign, he finds himself having to pretend to be friends with the worst person on earth: Prince Henry of Whales. But soon, the fake friendship turns into a very real secret romance, leaving Alex and Henry to balance their feelings for one another with the pressures from their families and the world. This book is an fantastic story that highlights the journey of finding and accepting identity, and is a must read!
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Banned for: Language, Racial Content, Sexual Content
Now, you have probably read this next book in an English class at some point in your life, but I recommend a reread because To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic – both in regular and banned book literature. This story follows Scout Finch as she lives in the segregated American South during the Great Depression. When her father Atticus Finch becomes the lawyer of Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Scout learns how to understand the complexities of the world around her. To Kill a Mockingbird is an excellent look the racial prejudice and injustice that exists in America and discusses the loss of innocence as children grow up.
I
n the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner
Banned for: Language
This is another book that holds a special place in my heart. In the Wild Light was a book I read in my book club, and we had the opportunity to meet and speak with Zentner about his examination of grief, found family, and young love. His novel is about a young man named Cash as he navigates going to an elite prep school with his childhood best friend. Through the challenges of finding his place in a new environment, Cash also grapples with missing his grandparents, especially as his Papaw’s health declines. Cash eventually begins to use poetry as a way to express his feelings, drawing from his hopes and fears. Zentner does an incredible job bringing Cash’s story to life in this amazing coming-of-age story.
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
Banned for: LGBTQIA+, Sexual Content
Another book I read in my book club was The Black Flamingo. This beautiful novel is written in verse, and tells the story of Michael, a mixed-race gay teen growing up in London. As Michael grows older, he begins to search for a place to belong. When he finds the Drag Society, he finally finds a place to discover his identity, and the Black Flamingo is born. This novel is incredible in looking at the way people can discover their identity, and the verse connects the reader to Michael in an incomparable way.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Renyolds and Ibram X Kendi
Banned for: Racial Content
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You is an incredible book that discusses the history of racism in America. Renyolds and Kendi take it further than just a simple history lesson—they weave in the past, present, and future to explain racism beyond the common explanation of it. The authors explain the history and impact of racist ideas and provide insight on how to stamp out racist thoughts, leading to a better future. Stamped is a necessary read for everyone, the book providing a new way to look at racism in order to erase it.
My Next Reads
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Milinda Lo
Banned for: LGBTQIA+, Sexual Content
The first book that I will be reading to celebrate Banned Books Week is Last Night at the Telegraph Club. The novel follows Lily Hu, a Chinese American, as she begins a romance with Kathleen Miller after walking home together from a lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club. The problem is that it is 1954, and America is not a safe place for two women to fall in love. As Red-Scare paranoia threatens everyone, Lily and Kathleen must risk everything to let their love be seen. This novel gives a perspective on queer history and Asian American identity. I received this book as a gift this past Christmas and can’t wait to read it!
Native Son by Richard Wright
Banned for: Language, Racial Content, Sexual Content, Violence
Set in 1930s Chicago, Native Son tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a young Black man whose life begins to spiral after he accidently kills a young white woman. Richard Wright’s novel explores systemic racism, poverty, and the real stories of so many Black Americans. This novel confronts the uncomfortable truths about race and justice in America and is a great way to expand your thinking.
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
Banned for: Sexual Content, Violence
In The Female of the Species , Alex Craft is trust into a life of violence after her sister is murdered. Now, three years later, Alex knows she can’t be trusted among other people. That doesn’t stop Jack, her school’s star athlete, or Peekay, the preacher’s kid she volunteers with, from trying. During their senior year, Alex’s darker nature breaks out, setting the three teens on a life-changing journey.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Banned for: Language, Racial Content, Sexual Content
This next book is another English class classic, but one that I have yet to read. Their Eyes Were Watching God tells the story of Janie Crawford as she finds her identity. Taking place in early 20th century Florida, Janie searches for true love, and her true self, among three marriages. This novel explores themes of identity, the African American experience, and the power of finding your voice.
The Absolutely True Diary of the Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Banned for: Language, LGBTQIA+, Racial Content, Religion, Sexual Content, Violence
The Absolutely True Diary of the Part-Time Indian follows Junior, a Spokane Native American boy, transfers from his reservation school to a predominantly white high school for more opportunities and a quality education. In his novel, Sherman Alexie writes about Junior’s struggles with identity, racism, poverty, and loss as he navigates the two worlds, he finds himself in.
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar
Banned for: LGBTQIA+, Racial Content, Religion, Sexual Content
This last recommendation is a book I have had on my TBR for a long time, and this may be the week I finally read it! The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar is about Nishat, a Muslim Bangali-Irish teen, as she explores her identity. When she enters a school business competition, she and her recently returned childhood crush Flávia find themselves in a rivalry when they both choose to sell henna designs. This novel provides discussions on cultural appropriation, queer relationships, and the balance between traditional culture and explore new paths,
I hope that you found a book or two that interest you. If you want to see some more recommendations, take a trip down to the Blough-Weis Library to see our Periodic Table of Banned Books. Make sure to pick one up this week and join the fight against the banning of books. And who knows, maybe you and I will be reading the same book this week!
Madeline Davis (’28) is a sophomore at Susquehanna University. She is a Marketing and Advertising & Public Relations dual major. In addition to her marketing work at the Blough-Weis Library, Madeline serves as the Public Relations manager for Susquehanna’s Best Buddies chapter and as an editor for Ginkgo Magazine. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, writing, and antiquing with friends.
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