By Isabella Purdy, Staff Writer
Banned book month is here and it’s time to explore these classic and modern books that have challenged society and help us talk about difficult subjects.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Genre: Realistic fiction, drama
Reason for being banned: This book was thought to be anti-cop and for that reason it is one of the most recent challenged books. Profanity, drug use, and sexual references also lead to it being frequently challenged.
This award winning book is a refreshing take on the YA (young adult) novels we know and love. Not afraid to cover difficult topics, this book takes on Black Lives Matter and other issues. Due to its popularity, this novel was even made into a film and continues to be a new classic every day.
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Drama, Tragedy
Reason for being banned: This book was thought to encourage suicide, while in reality, it has helped many people be brave enough to seek guidance with their depression. Its depictions of rape and violence also make it frequently challenged.
This book, made into the hit Netflix series is a heart breaking look at what happens when people become bystanders to depression and suicide. With unforgettable characters both good and bad, this book leaves a lasting impression on its reader.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Drama, Comedy
Reason for being banned: This book has sexual content in it along with being explicit. These two factors lead to it being frequently challenged, even though it remains one of Green’s greatest novels.
This novel is fantastic with incredibly funny and relatable characters. Heart breaking and gut busting, this novel delivers on both ends and gives the reader a reading experience unlike any other out there.
Drama by Raina Telgemeir
Genre: Graphic Memoir, Comedy, Drama
Reason for being banned: This graphic memoir has LGBT characters in it and has been challenged for sexually explicit material by parents, making it one of the most frequently challenged books.
Drama is a great coming of age story based on Telgemeir’s middle school years and her interactions and inclusions of other people, regardless of sexuality. This all centers around a middle school play and of course, there’s plenty of drama to go around.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Drama
Reason for being banned: This book is sexually explicit and includes descriptions of what some people define as torture and drug abuse. This book has been challenged since 2009, making it one of the oldest frequently challenged and banned books.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a beautiful coming of age story about Charlie and his freshman year of high school. Charlie becomes friends with the school’s stoners. Together, they learn more about love and how to participate in life.
