Banned Books Week 2023 will take place October 1 – 7 and we know just the way to celebrate! The American Library Association (ALA) documented 1,269 demands to censor books in 2022. They compiled a list of the most banned books in the US. At Little Free Library, book bans are against our core values. Book bans overwhelmingly target BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors. When these voices and perspectives are erased, our world becomes a less inclusive place.
How can you celebrate Banned Books Week 2023? By sharing banned books in Little Free Libraries! Not sure which books to share? Inspired by our Read in Color recommended reads, staff favorites, and the ALA’s list, we’ve put together our top 10 banned books to share in Little Free Libraries. So what are you waiting for? Download the Little Free Library mobile app, find a little library near you, and share some banned books!
1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This book, which is on our African American/Black Read in Color Recommended Reads list, is part of our Banned Books Week 2023 giveaway with HarperCollins.
2. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
According to the ALA, this book has been banned or challenged 86 times for LGBTQIA+ content.
3. Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
This book is on our Antiracism & Inclusion Read in Color Recommended Reads list. Check out this fascinating interview with the author.
4. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
The ALA reported that this classic book was banned/challenged 76 times in 2022 for depiction of sexual abuse.
5. Maus by Art Spiegelman
This Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel about the Holocaust has been banned for inappropriate language. It is included on our Jewish Read in Color Recommended Reads list.
6. Looking for Alaska by John Green
This book was banned or challenged 55 times in 2022, according to the ALA, for LGBTQIA+ content and claims of sexually explicit content.
7. I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
Our friends at Penguin Random House are sharing this book on their Banned Wagon in celebration of Banned Books Week 2023.
8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
According to the ALA, this book was banned or challenged 55 times in 2022 for depictions of sexual abuse, LGBTQIA+ content, drug use, and profanity.
9. New Kid by Jerry Craft
This book, which is part of our African American/Black Read in Color Recommended Reads list, is part of our Banned Books Week 2023 giveaway with HarperCollins.
10. This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson
The ALA reported that this book was banned or challenged 48 times in 2022 for LGBTQIA+ content and providing sexual education.
You can buy any of these banned and challenged books and more—including Gender Queer, the #1 most banned and challenged book from 2022, according to the ALA—from our Bookshop.org store. Little Free Library condemns book bans. Learn more about our stance on book access and what we’re doing to protect the right to read.