In honor of Banned Books Week, a week dedicated to “celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment,” I wanted to share some of my all-time favorite banned books. Books that got me through my teenage years; books that helped shape my view of the world; books that really made a difference in my life.
It makes me sad that banned books even exist. In a world where many people don’t even know how to read, I think it’s important to support any and every kind of reading. Who cares what the book is about? If it makes someone pick up a book, sit down and start thinking, it’s doing its job.
Plus, there are SO many books that are challenged for absolutely ridiculous reasons. For example, did you know that the DICTIONARY is banned?! The dictionary! Oh, and also A Light In The Attic by Shel Silverstein. You know? The book of poems and cartoons. Goodness gracious.
Okay, end rant. Today is about bring awareness to and celebrating all of the wonderful books that currently sit on challenged and banned book lists throughout the country. Check out some of my favorites.
What My Mother Doesn’t Know by Sonya Sones: I don’t completely remember the details from this exact book, but I do remember the heart wrenching sequel One Of Those Hideous Books Where The Mother Dies. These books are written in a sort of free flowing, poem style. Beautifully written.
Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar: This was my go-to series in high school. Before the TV show, there was the book. And it was deliciously entertaining.
Alice series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor: I LOVED the Alice series. Alice was a completely completely relatable pre-teen. I ate these books right up throughout middle school.
Forever by Judy Blume (and about every other book Judy Blume ever wrote): Judy Blume’s books are epic and seriously even surpass time. Her books are as popular and relevant today, as they were when she wrote them. I don’t see this changing anytime soon.
Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty: I can’t say enough about Megan McCafferty’s Jessica Darling series. I think yesterday’s post says it all.
The Giver by Lois Lowry: I read this book for school and was entranced by this Utopian world where children were assigned roles.
Harry Potter series by JK Rowling: Come on. Whose childhood wasn’t at least affected by this incredible series. I’ve read so many articles about why this book is considered banned, but this book was a game changer for many people. I know so many people who didn’t ever pick up a book until this series.
What banned books shaped your childhood/teenage years?
I had no idea that Gossip Girl was considered a “banned” book. That is so surprising considering how many similar series are out there. Not to mention it’s a popular TV show! Granted, if the show followed the books it would be on HBO, but regardless, I think it does a good job of showing the repercussions of the high school gossip culture. Long live Gossip Girl!
Yep! How crazy is that? Haha, the show is even pretty racy on the CW! I’ll always love GG <3
Nice list! You’ve included lots of my favorites. The book that got me reading was The Great Gatsby. I read it in high school and it still remains one of my favorite books.
I read The Great Gatsby in high school and I liked it a lot! I’m surprised it’s on the banned book list!
The Shel Silverstein books and The Lorax were so important to me as a kid. I loved Forever by Judy Blume as a teen.
I also wrote a review about banned books, if you want to visit my blog.
Ah yes, Judy Blume! How can you not just adore her books? So sad that they are all banned.