10 Books Every Child Should Read That Have Been Labeled 'Challenged'

A book that has been labeled 'challenged' is one that has been commonly restricted from Schools and Libraries. In recent years, the topic has been controversial for both students and parents, with some arguing that certain books being banned from districts and public libraries shouldn't have been denounced in the first place. 

Here is a list of 10 books that many students and young readers grew up with, that are no longer being offered as educational material. 

*Please note: The books are not in any specific order, and while all on this list, some are suitable for young children, and some for young adults. 

1. And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson

This book was put on the American Library Association's list of top 100 challenged books for their 2000-2009 rankings, an was placed at #4. It received such a high rank because of it's content regarding homosexuality. The book is a children's story about two male penguins who are given an egg by a friend, and raise the child together. Given that it's 2017, it is important to be exposing kids to these types of situations at a young age and showing them there are different types of families. 

2. Animal Farm by George Orwell

This novel, written in 1945, has been placed on multiple banned lists because of its Communist commentary. This is a very well written book that has a well adapted understanding of history for students to analyze. 

3. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Focusing on the life of African American women in the 1930s, Alice Walker tells a story of violence and discrimination that these women were exposed to in their day to day life. It has been placed very high on ALA's list of top 100 challenged books, at #17 for both the 2000-2009 and 1990-1999 lists. It is an important piece of work that shows those who might not have known how bad life really was for these women back then. 

4. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury 

Ironically, a story about a dystopian time where books are banned and burned when found was placed at #69 on ALA's list. Skeptics say the books interpretation focuses on the media and other suppressing dissenting ideas, and this is why it should be restricted. 

5. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Yet another dystopian novel, this ranked #88 on ALA's list because of violence, suicide, sexuality and anti-Christian themes. The story revolves around a Christian theonomy that overthrew the government, and the struggles of women's lives after this takes place. It was adapted in to a movie in 1990, and a Hulu series earlier this year (2017). The book itself has won over 5 different awards, including the Nebula Award in 1986. 

6. Junie B. Jones (Series) by Barbara Park 

While there was no given reason as to why the book was labeled restricted, it still made spot #71 on ALA's banned list for 2000-2009. This series of children's books goes into the mind of a child and how she functions as a 1st grader, on vacation, and more. It is a sense of imagination that any kid can get a joy out of reading. 

7. Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck

Reaching #5 on ALA's 2000-2009 list, and ALA's list of Most Challenged Books of the 21st Century, the novel has been banned because of racist language and violence. The story is about 2 migrant workers in California looking for jobs. It's often that the only people who this novel makes uncomfortable, are prejudiced people who want to pretend like none of this ever happened. It's necessary to understand the culture and history of our country, and this book is a well-written example. 

8. 1984 by George Orwell

Once again, a dystopian novel (seems to be common for challenged books), 1984, is all about questioning the government, public manipulation and demise. It is a thought provoking story, with an expansive vocabulary and details around every corner. It is a chance to think about how things affect your day to day life, and expands your way of thinking about the role government plays in your personal life. 

9. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Despite arguments stating the two main characters are anti-racist, the book was still challenged because of racist language and stereotypes. This is still a good book to pick up and read because you're more likely to repeat the past if you didn't read about it in the first place. We should be educating our children and this is a good way to do it. 

10. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou 

This coming-of-age story is an autobiography about Maya's struggle to overcome racism and trauma. It was ranked #6 on ALA's 2000-2009 list of challenged books, because it states it is sexually explicit. There is nothing wrong with high school kids reading this kind of literature, and is again another heart wrenching story about the persecution African American women faced. 

Students deserve to be educated on all topics as important as these, and banning them will not erase these stories and instances from history. They need to be remembered and they need to be taught. 

---xoxo, Bryn Mar