Banned Book Week starts from October 5-11, 2025. What is Banned Book Week? It is a yearly event that began in 1982, prompted by an alarming number of books being challenged or pulled from the shelves of public libraries and schools.

This event draws public attention to the right of people to access information that others have attempted to prohibit by limiting access. The list of banned books continues to grow larger every year. Banned Book Week highlights the need to reduce censorship in what readers choose to read and to encourage the importance of reading. I am a big believer that knowledge is power and having an openness to read out of one’s comfort zone. Here are some books that have been consistently challenged for various reasons, along with some new additions to the list. Many of these books are among my favorites.

All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson (2020) is due to its sexual nature and LGBT content.

Carrie by Stephen King (1974) due to its graphic, violent nature. sexual nature and being against religion.

“Crazy Lady” by Jane Leslie Conly (1993) is not suitable due to its foul language.

Curses, Hexes, and Spells by Daniel Cohen (1974). Due to its occult ideals and uses, the Bible was a resource.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank (1947). It was added to the list because of the reference to growing up as a teenager and sexuality.

Guess What? by Mem Fox (1988) is a picture book aimed at kids, and it was added to the list because it discusses themes of the occult and references to punk rock.

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George (1972). This book was added because it was not suitable for the recommended age reading group and has references to violence.

Ordinary People by Judith Guest (1976). On the list due to foul language and sexual nature.

Something Happened in Our Town by Jennifer Zivoin (2018). It was banned due to its language, which was used to entice readers to be against the police.

The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss (1972). It was put on the list due to its profanity and discussions regarding the Holocaust.

And those are just some of the books that are on the ever-massive and growing list of books.

If you want more information about Banned Book Week. Here are some references:

ALA: https://www.ala.org/bbooks

Banned Book Week: https://bannedbooksweek.org/

What books have you read that are part of this banned book list?

Comment below!

Until next time!

Sources: Wikipedia, https://bannedbooksweek.org/