It’s Banned Books Week! This is always a good time. Reading books that other people consider offensive or inappropriate just makes me feel good about life, you know? And this year it’s even more important because book banning has been rampant. So it’s up to those of us who care to read out louder than ever. So let’s talk about the ten books that were most banned in 2021. Let’s read them, let’s share them, and let’s make banning books a thing of the past.
(As always, all of this information is from the Banned Books website. Please check out their site for more information and ways you can battle censorship.)
Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin
This one was banned because of LGBTQ+ content. Spoiler, this is going to be a bit of a theme.
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
Want to guess why this book was banned? That’s right, LGBTQ+ content and sexual education. Because why would we want to educate people about sex, one of the fundamental driving forces of our existence as a species?
The Bluest Eyes by Toni Morrison
Banned for child sexual abuse scene. Maybe stick a content warning on this one.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Banned because of sexually explicit content. I wish we protected children from guns the same way we protect them from sex scenes in books.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Banned for profanity, sexual references, and use of a derogatory term. I think this book makes the list every year.
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
Banned for profanity and violence. Here’s the best part. It was also banned for anti-police indoctrination. No one seems to give a damn about pro-police indoctrination. This might be the one that pisses me off the most this year. It should get a special award for this.
Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez
Banned for depictions of abuse. Again, I get that maybe we want to give a content warning. But don’t ban a book outright.
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Banned for LGBTQ+ content. As a side note, this book has one of the prettiest covers I’ve seen all year.
Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison
Banned again for LGBTQ+ content. I don’t see any books getting banned for straight content.
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Finally, banned for LGBTQ+ content. If you can read this list and tell me someone doesn’t have an agenda, I don’t know what’s the matter with you.
This year I’ll be reading A Song Flung Up To Heaven by Maya Angelou. I’d love to hear what you’re reading for Banned Books Week. Let us know in the comments.
I made a planner! If you’re getting ready to write a novel, then you want the Preptober Planner to guide you through a month of planning.
Paper Beats World 
It always bothers me when I see an LGBTQ+ book banned for their content. A lot of the time it’s under the excuse that it’s ‘sexually explicit’ despite the lack of erotica novels that get banned. Thanks for sharing! Looks like I have a few new titles to add to my TBR.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Every Banned Books week my tbr list grows.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find it equally appalling that in recent times, publishers are taking it on themselves to edit or remove what they deem to be offensive language and to promote more inclusivity in such classics as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, Fantastic Mr. Fox and James and the Giant Peach.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There have been a lot of banning and restrictions recently that have me very concerned.
LikeLike