Title: Classic and Award-Winning Banned Books
Headings: Banned Books in America
Banned Books in America
12 Classic and Award-Winning Titles Banned in Public Schools
Common Objections
Banned Books Week
'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian'
'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'
'The Catcher in the Rye'
'The Great Gatsby'
'To Kill a Mockingbird'
'The Lord of the Flies'
'Of Mice and Men'
'The Color Purple'
'Slaughterhouse-Five'
'The Bluest Eye'
'The Kite Runner'
Harry Potter Series

Content: Classic and Award-Winning Banned Books
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Banned Books in America
12 Classic and Award-Winning Titles Banned in Public Schools
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By
Melissa Kelly
Education Expert
M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida
B.A., History, University of Florida
Melissa Kelly, M.Ed., is a secondary school teacher, instructional designer, and the author of "The Everything New Teacher Book: A Survival Guide for the First Year and Beyond." our editorial process
Melissa Kelly
Updated August 12, 2019
Literature often mimics life, so naturally, some novels explore controversial subjects. When parents or educators take offense to a topic, they may challenge the appropriateness of making a particular book available at a public school. On occasion, the challenge may result in a ban that wholly restricts its distribution. The American Library Association, however, contends that "...only parents have the right and the responsibility to restrict the access of their children—and only their children—to library resources." The 12 books on this list have faced many challenges, and all have been banned on more than one occasion, many in public libraries themselves. This sampling illustrates the variety of books that may come under scrutiny each year.