Uncensored: The 2023 Best of Banned Books List

Banning books is nothing new. It’s been around for literal centuries, a hot topic issue of what people should–and should not–read. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a continuous uptick in the effort to ban books, especially books by LGBTQIA+ and authors of color, whose stories touch on life and perspectives beyond that of white, straight, middle-class individuals.

When books are banned or challenged in schools and communities (challenged books are those that people want to be removed but have yet to receive the official ban), students receive a sanitized version of history–and one that is not reflective of today's society.

In 2023, 21,688 DoSomething members collectively read over 32,800 hours of banned or challenged books, written by hundreds of impacted authors.

Because they were so passionate in their efforts to read books by or about people from historically underrepresented groups, we were inspired to publish Uncensored: The 2023 Best of Banned Books List, the twelve favorite titles that DoSomething members like you reported as your overwhelming top reads this year.

Whether you have yet to participate, or are looking to discover and appreciate another piece of banned literature, sign up for Uncensored: The 2023 Best of Banned Books program and read a book from this booklist. Share with us how you’ll discuss with your peers the value these books and stories have on society, and you'll be entered for the opportunity to earn one of 50 book giveaways--a new banned book to add to your collection, and one book to share with a friend.

The Hate U Give (2017) by Angie Thomas

In recent years, it was nearly impossible to miss conversations surrounding Angie Thomas’ undeniably popular novel, The Hate U Give. The book, written for and targeted to a young audience explores racial justice and police violence in a powerful and honest way–one that has proven to make many in positions of power weary of its intended impact. Not only did the book sit atop the New York Times YA Bestsellers list for over 100 weeks, but it debuted to rave reviews and a number of awards. The Hate U Give has been challenged for years since its release due to its depictions of violence, drug use, and perceived “anti-police” message.

+++ DoSomething Member Andy, 23 says:

"As a white person, The Hate U Give has given me a whole new perspective on the Black experience. I was aware of the injustices, but seeing everything in this book through Starr's eyes made me realize just how terrifying being a person of color is. Banned books should be a top priority to read, and students should read them outside of school and then...ask teachers about them, push for libraries to get the books, and talk to local politicians." +++

Beloved (1987) by Toni Morrison

As much as it breaks our heart, Toni Morrison books are no strangers to bans or challenges. Beloved, a novel inspired by the true story of Margaret Garner, an enslaved woman who killed her own daughter to spare her from slavery, examines the destructive legacy of slavery on American culture. Another one of her works, The Bluest Eye, has appeared on the American Library Association’s (ALA’s) banned book list in 2006, 2013, 2014, and 2020. And back in the 1990s, Song of Solomon was continually challenged for “inappropriate” and “explicit” material. Beloved is specifically targeted for its inappropriate depiction of slavery and the way it addresses some of the darkest moments in American history.

+++ DoSomething Member Hannah, 19 says:

"This book opened my mind drastically to the history of the United States and how fortunate I am to live in our current time period. It brings to life the answer to the question "why is there such a large difference in black and white lifestyles?" The answer is opportunity. White individuals utilized free black labor to build their own nation. This book allowed me to understand that my family and the United States would not be here without black individuals." +++

Last Night at the Telegraph Club (2021) by Melinda Lo

This novel tells the love story between Lily, a Chinese American teen, and her white classmate, Kathleen. Set in 1954 during the Red Scare, the novel explores themes of identity and love while elevating the very real reality of fear and backlash many Chinese Americans faced during this time. The book is one of dozens that have been flagged for removal. We ❤️ that this book is intersectional: it helps the reader understand the lived experience of many Chinese Americans but also elevates a beautiful story of self-identity and sexuality. We simply can’t resist!

+++ DoSomething Member Audrey, 18 says:

"Being set in San Francisco during the 1950s creates different conflicts, such as Lily not only being a closeted queer woman, but a woman trying to break into STEM careers when it wasn’t acceptable for women to do so. What makes Last Night at the Telegraph Club so special is that there are many different layers to the novel and it leads to representation for so many marginalized communities. Everyone would be able to find a version of themselves in one of the characters in this novel." +++

The Kite Runner (2003) by Khaled Hosseini

If you’ve heard of The Kite Runner already, you’re not alone! This critically acclaimed novel has sold millions of copies and even inspired a movie adaptation. However, the book has been met with challenges ever since its release. Censors cite sexual violence and argue that this book inspires terrorism and promotes Islam. The book, which follows Amir, a young boy from Kabul facing tragic circumstances, has been attacked for offensive language, homosexuality, and deemed unsuited for younger age groups. However, this book is a celebration of the power of friendship and the complexity of father-son relationships, and a must-read on our list!

+++ DoSomething Member Braelyn, 17 says:

"This book explored the impact that social classes and ethnicity had on the community in Palestine and one particular friendship that never reached its full potential. I learned from a new perspective why many left Afghanistan and what it had become in the early 2000s. What shocked me most while reading this was learning about the sexual abuse that was happening to [the Hazaras people, and] opened my eyes to all the cultures I was ignorant to." +++

A Snake Falls to Earth (2021) by Darcie Little Badger (Lipan Apache)

A breathtaking work of Indigenous Futurism and fantasy, A Snake Falls to Earth combines tradition and technology. The novel follows Nina and a snake named Oli who are brought together as the land of spirits and the land of monsters come in contact with each other. Despite taking place in a fantasy setting, Little Badger tackles real world challenges with this novel. She told NPR that “young people are feeling climate anxiety acutely, so it was important to make it a part of this story”. The novel has been challenged in Virginia and submitted to be banned from the Samuels Library due to the "Normalization of asexuality and associating it with the LGBTQ+ agenda. This book presents a very confused view of human sexuality."

+++ DoSomething Member Noah, 21 says:

"I see why this book was banned, some people just want to shove a thing in a drawer and pretend it doesn't exist, but it does exist. Climate change is a PROBLEM and if we don't address it's only going to get worse and quick. It was cool to learn more about this issue through the eyes of Native Americans. [The] history of CA is often skimmed over or skipped entirely." +++

Firekeeper’s Daughter (2021) by Angeline Boulley (Ojibwe)

A New York Times and IndieBound best seller, this novel follows a young indigenous woman as she becomes involved in a bizarre FBI investigation around her friend’s death and a new drug. These actions were criticized for hindering access to indigenous authors - it has been noted to contain a portrayal of complex issues which may have led to these reviews within school districts. However this has not stopped the book from being read and appreciated. Named as one of the best young adult books of all time by Time Magazine, Boulley’s debut novel tackles the very real circumstances which continue to plague indigenous reservations all across the country.

+++ DoSomething Member William, 18 says:

"Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley is a powerful narrative rooted in Ojibwe culture [that addresses] issues faced by Native communities, [and serves as] a beacon for representation and understanding. Unfortunately, a loud minority of individuals have voiced their opinion, forcing the Allendale Public Schools Board of Education to prohibit the book from being present in school libraries. As I delved into the complexities faced by the protagonist, Daunis Fontaine, I felt a renewed commitment to amplify underrepresented voices in my own community." +++

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (1999) by Stephen Chbosky

Sometimes, you can’t just watch the movie…you have to read the book! And this is one of our favorites. This novel, which follows quiet high school student Charlie, is a beautiful story all about accepting who you are. This book also hits on themes of what it means to keep things hidden and in the dark, and the experience of denying yourself because of concerns about what others may think. While this book has faced bans and challenges for sexual and drug related content almost every year since publication, it’s widely celebrated as a story of hope and representation in the LGBTQIA+ community.

+++ DoSomething Member Faith, 17 says:

"After reading The Perks of Being A Wallflower, I could not understand why the book is considered banned. Especially for this moment in history with the rise of suicide rates and young deaths, [it] is extremely relatable. I personally have lost people and felt conflicted about moving on, and this book made me feel seen, heard, and comforted. It is a story that deserves to be heard." +++

Melissa (2015) by Alex Gino

Elevated during Women’s History Month, this book follows the story of a young trans girl as she discovers her identity. An obvious “must-have” on our Pride reading list, this story addresses challenges faced by the trans community, while reminding us of the very important message to be ourselves. As the fifth most banned book between 2010 and 2020, this book has been challenged for including sexual references and challenging “traditional family structure.”

+++ DoSomething Member Aron, 17 says:

"I was pleasantly surprised by the story of the young George (who called herself Melissa in private) and her life as a very self-aware trans child as she goes through the public school system. I learned a lot about how small and daily occurrences can mean a lot to trans people, and how important it is to stay true to one's identity. I would definitely recommend this book to people in my community because of its short but impactful story and how positively it represents trans children. It is important to lift these books out of the darkness in order to educate and represent those who remain underrepresented in today's society." +++

The Bluest Eye (1970) by Toni Morrison

Another author we highlighted for Black History Month, Toni Morrison’s first novel, The Bluest Eye, has been banned and challenged because it depicts child sexual abuse and was considered sexually explicit as well as "containing controversial issues.” The book tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, an 11-year-old Black girl who is convinced that she is "ugly" and wants lighter skin and blue eyes. This book takes a deep dive into the harshest parts of our society, including amazing writing and storytelling that explores themes of self-perception, self-love, and trauma that is reflective and vital even today.

+++ DoSomething Member Analise, 23 says:

"The Bluest Eye has become one of my favorite books because I can relate to the main character Pecola’s experience of colorism and racism. Even though the book is set in the 1940s, many people of color today can relate to the themes of oppression and injustice. Students need to read The Bluest Eye to learn about the challenges of minorities living in America. The book allows readers to understand views differing from their own." +++

The Color Purple (1982) by Alice Walker

The Color Purple was first published in 1982 by Alice Walker. It tells the story of a poor, young, uneducated African-American girl named Celie who lives in rural Georgia in the early 1900s. The Color Purple has been challenged multiple times since it was published, including most recently in 2017. There have been different reasons for the book being banned, including religious objections, homosexuality, violence, African history, rape, incest, drug abuse, explicit language, and sexual scenes. Despite this, The Color Purple has won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

+++ DoSomething Member Hawa, 18 says:

"Stories [like The Color Purple] enlighten non-POCs about the struggles of being a person of color. They also provide a history lesson or a sense of being seen, and to ban these books is like removing the little representation we have. Topics like slavery are often watered down instead of teaching about the important history of our existence. Additionally, it robs African Americans of what they were already robbed of - a sense of who they are. As a result, I have given banned books and recommendations [to others], created seminars, and [started] a book club at school." +++

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (1984)

The House on Mango Street is the remarkable coming of age story of Esperanza Cordero, a 12 year old living in Chicago. This lyrical novel explores Esperanza’s life, as well as her struggles and dreams. It has been banned and challenged due to themes of poverty, sexuality, and racism. Previously highlighted for Women's History Month, this book continues to describe the experience of many Latinx people, their rich culture, and the struggles they continue to face.

+++ DoSomething Member Kendra, 17 says:

"Sandra Cisneros's writing poetically encapsulates the struggles of growing up and understanding race, poverty, and sexualization. It is important to continue to fight back against book bans because it allows for our education to be well rounded with a variety of different perspectives being shown to us. The more stories that we can read from voices that are underrepresented in media, the better we can understand the world we live in." +++

Always Running by Luis J. Rodriguez (1993)

Always Running is a memoir written by Luis J Rodriguez, depicting his experiences growing up in a rough area of East Los Angeles. The book vividly describes his involvement in street gangs, his struggles with addiction, and his eventual effort to break free from the cycle of violence and crime. The book is a raw and unflinching exploration of urban poverty, gang culture and personal redemption. It was banned in some schools and libraries due to its explicit content, including depictions of drug use, violence and sexual themes, which some deemed inappropriate for young readers.

+++ DoSomething Member Miguel, 16 says:

"I see myself as one of the characters, scared and doubtful of my own identity. When it seems like you are alone in a strange land, just look back at your ofrenda, 'tus hermanos y hermanas' remember those that came before you, remember who you are and where you came from. Representation of our own creates a cultural identity and supports the mission of a culture as being an important part of the world's heritage." +++