This holiday season, consider gifting a banned book to the defiant reader in your life. Our curated list features works by acclaimed authors such as Toni Morrison and Alice Walker, all of which have faced challenges or bans in the United States over the past two decades.
Texas, where I live and teach, remains one of the epicentres of book bans. According to the American Library Association (ALA), the state consistently ranks high in attempts to remove books from schools and libraries. In 2024 alone, the ALA recorded 821 attempts to ban library materials across the US, often driven by objections to sexual content, themes of race and racism, LGBTQ+ issues, and other social justice topics.
While the number of reported challenges fell between 2023 and 2024, many incidents go unreported. Some states have passed laws that effectively pre-censor books, restricting access before formal challenges arise. In response, grassroots organisations like the Texas Freedom to Read Project have emerged, and librarians in at least half a dozen states are collaborating with civil rights groups to oppose censorship.
Our gift guide includes titles for readers of all ages and backgrounds, all of which have been targeted for removal since 2000. Defiant readers may find inspiration in stories that have sparked controversy yet continue to resonate. Give the gift of a banned book this year and support the fight for intellectual freedom.
