10 Banned Books for Children

Published on 24 August 2023 at 12:29

Children's books haven't been spared from the many book bans happening in communities around the United States. Most are targeted for LGBTQ2IA+ themes or over the inclusion of Black or Brown characters. Others might discuss the body and require an adult to facilitate a discussion about the body and how it works. In today's article, we list 10 banned books that you could read with your kids.

Image Description: A white bookshelf filled with children's books. The book spines face out.

Credit: Jenny Kalahar / Unsplash via Webador

10 Banned Books for Children

  1. I Am Jazz (Jessica Herthel, Jazz Jennings, and Shelagh McNicholas): This children's memoir tells the true story of it's author, and transgender activist, Jazz Jennings. This book has been targeted for having transgender themes. Borrow the book from OpenLibrary or buy it from Penguin Random House.
  2. In Our Mothers' House (Patricia Polacco): In a household with two moms, the children learn that being different isn't a bad thing. It has been challenged for having themes of homosexuality. Borrow the book from OpenLibrary or buy it on Amazon.
  3. Maxine's Tree (Diane Carmel Léger): About a girl who becomes upset that her favorite tree has been selected for clearcut logging, this book has been challenged because it was considered extremist and anti-logging. Borrow the book from OpenLibrary or buy it from Thrift Books.
  4. Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag (Rob Sanders and Steve Salerno): This picture book tells the origin story of the Gay Pride flag. It introduces its designer, Gilbert Baker, and the gay activist and politician, Harvey Milk. Use the WorldCat database to find this book at a library near you or buy it from Barnes and Noble.
  5. Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation (Duncan Tonatiuh): Another true story, this book follows a family that fights to desegregate California. This book was banned because of a concern that it would make white students feel uncomfortable. Use the WorldCat database to find this book at a library near you or buy it from Barnes and Noble.
  6. Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations (Kelly Starling Lyons and Keith Mallett): Another nonfiction book for children, this one discusses the song commonly considered the Black National Anthem. This book has been targeted for a perceived connection to critical race theory. Use the WorldCat database to find this book at a library near you or buy it on Amazon.
  7. The Librarian of Basra (Jeanette Winter): Telling the true story of an Iraqi librarian, this book has been challenged for violence and for promoting Islam. Borrow this book from OpenLibrary or buy it from HarperCollins.
  8. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga (Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac): A Cherokee book about gratitude, this story covers a year of celebrations and expressions of gratitude. Read this book on Epic or buy it from Charlesbridge.
  9. We March (Shane W. Evans): Another historical book for children, this one tells the story of the March on Washington in 1963 and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous speech. Borrow this book from OpenLibrary or buy it from Macmillan.
  10. Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak): A popular children's picture book about a child who comes across strange creatures, this book has been challenged for including supernatural elements and a disobedient child. Read along to this story on YouTube or buy it from Amazon.

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