Frequently Challenged Books for Kids and Teens

At one time or another, all the books on this list have been challenged by individuals or groups seeking to have them removed from libraries or classrooms, according to the American Library Association. Yet now many of these titles are considered classics and assigned as required reading. Whether your kids have read one, some, or none of them, it's great to discuss the idea of controversial books as a family. Parents, ask your kids whether they're surprised to see any of these books on the list. What do they think makes these books so hotly debated? 

Browse Frequently Challenged Books for Kids and Teens

Gross bathroom humor book may appeal to reluctant readers.
By Dav Pilkey
(2003)
Honest, moving story of friendship and loss.
By Katherine Paterson
(2006)
Classic sci-fi story still inspires and gets kids thinking.
By Madeleine L'Engle
(2003)
Classic coming-of-age story rings true decades later.
By Judy Blume
(2003)
Nail-biting, violent fantasy has elements of mystery.
By Philip Pullman
(2005)
A riveting utopian novel that's expertly crafted.
By Lois Lowry
(2004)
Still one of the greatest American novels.
By Mark Twain
(2009)
csm_book
Lyrical story of young boy questioning religion, morality.
By Rudolfo Anaya
(2011)
csm_book
Boy genius trains to crush alien invasion in sci-fi classic.
By Orson Scott Card
(2005)
Exciting, provocative tale of lethal reality show.
By Suzanne Collins
(2008)
Stunning classic examines racism -- and justice.
By Harper Lee
(2004)
csm_book
Real look at first love (and sex) -- a teen classic.
By Judy Blume
(2007)
Overlong but engrossing popular vampire romance.
By Stephenie Meyer
(2007)
Funny, gritty, and powerful novel of growing up on the rez.
By Sherman Alexie
(2007)
csm_book
Satire of ultimate consumerist society still packs punch.
By Aldous Huxley
(2011)
One of the greatest novels of the 20th century.
By J. D. Salinger
(2005)
csm_book
American classic captures romance, debauchery of Jazz Age.
By F. Scott Fitzgerald
(2011)
Disturbing suicide novel examines bullying, indifference.
By Jay Asher
(2008)
csm_book
Haunting Pulitzer Prize winner about slavery's impact.
By Toni Morrison
(2005)
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Deeply poetic novel explores racial and sexual feelings.
By Toni Morrison
(2011)
csm_book
Edgy tale of poor, abused woman's journey to independence.
By Alice Walker
(2011)
Gritty Steinbeck classic brings Great Depression to life.
By John Steinbeck
(2010)
Vonnegut's time-travel classic best for mature teen readers.
By Kurt Vonnegut
(2007)
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Classic dystopian novel of life under constant scrutiny.
By George Orwell
(2010)
csm_book
Brilliant, violent Afghanistan novel will enlighten teens.
By Khaled Hosseini
(2012)
Award-winning novel of life and death, for older teens.
By John Green
(2006)
csm_book
Gritty novel of violence and race best for older teens.
By Richard Wright
(2010)
Controversial coming-of-age classic with sex, drugs, abuse.
By Stephen Chbosky
(2011)

Other great lists from our editors
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/frequently-challenged-books-for-kids-and-teens
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