15 Books That Were Once Banned but Should Be Required Reading Today

Books have been banned for all kinds of reasons—controversial topics, challenging ideas, or social issues. But the books that get banned often have a lot to teach us. They can expand your thinking, open conversations, and help you understand different perspectives.

If you’re looking to explore important stories that faced censorship but still have valuable lessons, these 15 books are must-reads. They offer insight, provoke thought, and deserve a place on your reading list despite their past challenges.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

If you’ve ever worried about censorship or losing your freedom to read, Fahrenheit 451 is a must. The book shows a future where books are banned and burned to stop people from thinking for themselves. It’s all about how controlling information limits your ability to understand the world.

You see how society values TV and mindless entertainment over real knowledge. Firemen don’t put out fires; they burn books. Bradbury warns you about what happens when curiosity and critical thought are crushed.

Reading it makes you appreciate the freedom to question and learn. It’s not just science fiction, but a reminder that protecting ideas matters now more than ever. Learn more from this insight into book banning.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

If you haven’t read To Kill a Mockingbird, it’s worth diving into. The story takes you through the eyes of Scout, a young girl in the segregated South. You’ll get a firsthand look at issues like racism and injustice.

This book has faced bans and challenges in schools because of its tough topics. But reading it gives you a better understanding of history and empathy for others.

You’ll find Harper Lee’s writing clear and engaging. It’s a classic that still speaks to today’s conversations about race and morality. For more on its history of being banned, check this Marshall Libraries page.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

You’ve probably heard about The Handmaid’s Tale—it’s one of those books that keeps getting banned, mostly for its language and sexual content. But if you dig into the story, you’ll see it’s really about power, control, and resistance.

Reading it gives you a lot to think about, especially how societies can change in scary ways. It’s not just a story; it’s a warning you don’t want to ignore. You might find it eye-opening and relevant, especially today.
For more on why it’s banned, check out this discussion on the book’s challenges.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

If you haven’t read The Hate U Give, it’s a powerful story that looks at racism and police violence through the eyes of a teenage girl. The book was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.

You might be surprised to learn it’s been banned in some schools, mostly because of its language and tough topics. Districts like St. Clair R-XIII even removed it fearing legal issues for staff.

But this book gives you a raw, honest look at issues many avoid. It’s an important read to understand real conversations about race today. You can learn more about why it’s faced bans here.

Maus by Art Spiegelman

If you haven’t read Maus yet, it’s a graphic novel that tells the story of Art Spiegelman’s father surviving the Holocaust. You follow his experiences in Nazi-occupied Poland and Auschwitz through powerful, simple illustrations.

The book even won a Pulitzer Prize, which is pretty rare for graphic novels. Despite this recognition, some schools banned it over concerns about mature content.

You might want to check out why it’s so important today—it offers a unique way to understand history and human resilience. Learn more about its impact and controversies from this detailed review of Maus banning.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

If you haven’t read The Bluest Eye yet, it’s worth adding to your list. The story explores how society’s standards of beauty and race affect a young Black girl named Pecola.

The book has faced bans, mainly because it tackles tough topics like racism and abuse head-on. Some schools have removed it, but it’s a powerful look at real struggles many avoid discussing.

Reading it can open your eyes to the impact of systemic racism and how it shapes self-worth. You can learn more about why it’s controversial and still important from this article on the Missouri school ban.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

You might find The Kite Runner challenging but worth reading. It dives into complex themes like friendship, betrayal, and redemption, set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s history.

The book has been banned in some schools because of its honest portrayal of difficult topics, including violence and sensitive social issues. Still, it offers a perspective you don’t often see in mainstream stories.

Reading it can open your eyes to lives very different from your own. If you want a story that makes you think and feel deeply, this is a solid choice. The novel has sparked important conversations about why books like this belong in classrooms and libraries (more details here).

Anne Frank’s Diary

You might think a book like Anne Frank’s Diary wouldn’t cause controversy, but it has been banned in some places. The diary shows a young girl’s life during the Holocaust, offering a personal look at history.

Some bans claim the book includes inappropriate content, but it’s really about helping you understand the impact of war and discrimination. Reading her diary lets you connect with history on a human level.

If you haven’t read it yet, Anne’s story can teach you about courage, hope, and the consequences of hate. It’s more than just a diary—it’s a tool for empathy and education. For more on this topic, check out this piece on Anne Frank’s diary book ban.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

If you haven’t read Beloved, it’s worth picking up. The book dives into the haunting legacy of slavery and the struggle to move past trauma.

You might be surprised to learn it’s been banned or removed from some school shelves. Reasons often mention explicit content or discomfort with its themes, but that misses the whole point of its powerful message.

Reading Beloved can give you a deeper understanding of history and resilience. It challenges you to face difficult truths while appreciating Morrison’s beautiful storytelling.

For more on why it faced bans, you can check out this article about Beloved and its controversies.

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

If you haven’t read Their Eyes Were Watching God, it’s worth picking up. The book explores Janie’s journey to find her own voice and independence.

It was banned in some places for its language and the way it openly talks about relationships and sexuality. But that’s exactly why it’s important—you get an honest look at life and love.

You can learn a lot about identity and resilience through Janie’s story. Stories like this challenge you to think differently. Check out more about why it was banned here.

Why Books Get Banned

Books often face bans for very specific reasons, mostly tied to content that some groups find inappropriate or challenging. These reasons usually relate to social values, politics, or concerns about age-appropriateness. The impact of these bans on readers is more than just limiting access—it can shape how you think and what perspectives you experience.

Common Reasons Behind Book Bans

Books usually get banned because they include sexual content, profanity, or violence, which some parents and schools find inappropriate for children. Others are flagged due to controversial political or religious views that challenge established beliefs.

Some books address race, gender identity, or LGBTQ+ issues, sparking debate among communities about what is “suitable” education. Often, the push comes from fears about exposing kids to ideas that might change their worldview.

Here’s a quick list of common reasons:

• Sexual content or explicit scenes
• Offensive language
• Depictions of drug or alcohol use
• Discussions on race, sex, or identity
• Political themes or criticism of government
• Religious objections

Each of these hits a nerve differently depending on where you live and your community’s values.

How Censorship Impacts Readers

When certain books are banned, your access to diverse viewpoints and cultural experiences narrows. This limits your ability to understand others’ lives and histories, which can stunt your critical thinking skills.

Educators report that banning books can discourage students from exploring tough topics or questioning ideas, which is key to learning. You might miss out on stories that help develop empathy or challenge harmful stereotypes.

In effect, censorship often creates an environment where only safe or mainstream ideas are allowed, affecting not just what you read, but how you learn to engage with difficult or different perspectives.

Research shows that reading banned books encourages curiosity, discussion, and emotional growth—things harder to get when so many books get pulled from shelves (source).

The Value Of Reading Controversial Books

Reading books that have faced bans or challenges lets you explore tough issues from different angles. These books push you to think deeply about society, people, and values. They also help you have honest, meaningful talks about difficult topics without fear.

Building Empathy And Critical Thinking

When you read controversial books, you step into someone else’s shoes. This helps you understand people with different experiences, backgrounds, or views. It expands your ability to feel empathy—not just sympathy—meaning you connect with how others truly think or feel.

These books also push you to question what you believe. They encourage you to think critically by challenging ideas and highlighting complexities. This is crucial if you want to make well-informed decisions or engage thoughtfully in debates.

Encouraging Open Conversations

Controversial books can act as a starting point for honest conversations that might otherwise be ignored. When you discuss these books with others, you create space for multiple perspectives. This openness helps prevent misunderstandings and assumptions.

By engaging in these talks, you practice respect even when opinions differ. These discussions also sharpen your communication skills, making it easier to tackle sensitive subjects with care and confidence. This is especially important in diverse communities or schools.

For more on the benefits of exploring banned books, see reasons why reading banned books supports open access to ideas and protects intellectual freedom.