I’ve always been a huge advocate of reading banned books. As a kid, even before I knew the why, I remember frantically trying to get a hold of any and all books that were deemed banned. There was something in my little head that told me-if people don’t want me to read this book, that just means it’s probably of upmost importance that I read this book as soon as humanly possible. I’ve always been a truth seeker, a learner, an advocate of marginalized people, and ultimately, a firm believer that the best conversations happen within the fray. Freedom of information is one of the most important tenants of any society and without that freedom, what do we have? (start with reading 1984 by George Orwell if this interests you!) Well…we have a dictatorship is what we have. Wow-that’s a terrifying, but ultimately true, thought. So I thought I’d create a list of just a few of my favorite books that have been banned throughout the years. If you haven’t read some of these, I hope you grab a few of these or any from here and get to work! I promise, you’re going to love what they have to offer!
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood
Happy Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Maybe you’ve read a lot of these…and if so, that’s fantastic! Head over to the banned book page that the ALA created and find some other good ones to read! If not, I hope you enjoy this little Banned Books starter kit 🙂
bookishfolk…read instead.
