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Uncensored: Banned Books by Black Authors

Read a Banned Book from #1000BlackGirlBooks

Green-red gradient photo of two young people standing readings books, in a library bookshelf aisle

This Black History Month DoSomething has curated 5 banned books written by Black female authors. Pulled from author and literary activist Marley Dias’ #1000BlackGirlBooks database, you can continue to fight against book bans by joining Uncensored.

Did you know...

The second highest banned book in the U.S. is Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, currently banned/challenged in 29 districts. Black authors are being impacted by these restrictions and censorship - with book bans continuing to impact your access to diverse perspectives. This is why efforts such as Marley’s campaign and Uncensored, are so important to young people, it builds a collective of understanding intellectual freedom, cultural awareness, and unique stories.

During the month of February, select and read one of the following banned books and share with us how it has helped you understand more about diverse perspectives and journey to advocating against censorship; you’ll be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship once you share your thoughts.

The universe even gave you an extra day! So leap into these works from Black female writers.

BOOKMARK THIS!

Read a banned book from our list of works written by Black Authors. You’ll discover different perspectives from unique main characters.

The Girl Who Fell from the Sky (2010) by Heidi W. Durrow

This award winning young adult novel centers around a biracial girl who examines her reality and struggles with her identity. Durrow sought to showcase the idea of Black identity and womanhood. The novel has garnered several awards including the Bellwether Prize for Literature of Social Change and has joined The Authors Guild Banned Books Club in 2022. Durrow’s book is banned by the Alpine School District in Utah for its sexual content and depictions of rape. Durrow stated, “She says banning books that address race impedes students' freedom and their opportunity to see themselves reflected.”

Push (1996) by Sapphire

This novel was adapted into the 2009 film Precious which garnered critical acclaim, however it has also been banned and currently challenged in 11 school districts in Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, and Utah. The book is a narrative from the lens of Precious, a teenage Black girl who struggles to continue with school amidst battles with her mother at home - the book features instances of violence and sexual assault. The novel is uniquely written in Precious voice, displaying her struggles with illiteracy.

Black Brother, Black Brother (2021) by Jewell Parker Rhodes

From an award-winning author, this novel follows the story of two brothers, one who identifies as Black and the other who identifies as white. It’s a coming of age story that is a careful examination of the school-to-prison pipeline and follows one boy’s fight against racism and his empowering path to find his voice. It’s currently under a pending investigation from the Escambia County Public Schools in Florida; the complaint that caused the book to be challenged for a potential ban states that its purpose is to “brainwash kids with lies and hate”. Rhodes has been quoted as saying that young people enjoy the book “They love it as a sports book, as a triumphant tale of the underdog, a call for social equity in schools and as a celebration of everyone's unique ethnic heritage. Biracial children especially love the representation.”

Ordinary Hazards (2022) by Nikki Grimes

This award-winning memoir from acclaimed author and poet Nikki Grimes explores her childhood and the trauma she faced while growing up in the foster care system. Rebecca Davis, editor of the book explained why the book is important to young people and should not be censored from schools. “It’s vitally important that books like this be available to young readers, because they can bring validation and hope to teens who may be facing similar situations in their own lives and they can nurture empathy in all readers.” The book is currently banned in the School District of Manatee County and pending investigation at another school district in Florida.

Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation (2018) written by Octavia E. Butler, Secondary Author Duffy, Damian; Illustrated by Jennings, John

This graphic novel is an adaptation of the novel Kindred written by award winning science fiction author Octavia E. Butler (recipient of the PEN Lifetime Achievement Award). The book became a #1 New York Times bestseller and uses time travel to address how race and gender have determined the distribution of power in various social systems throughout America’s history. The graphic novel is currently pending investigation as there will be legislative action taken to ban the book in the Wentzville School District in Missouri as a result of a new state law to remove certain reading materials in school. As part of S.B. 775, books deemed to contain ‘explicit sexual material’ are now illegal in public and private schools. Butler’s other works such as Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents.

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