DoSomething Banned Books List: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

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.

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we’ve compiled a list of some of our “must-read, cannot miss” banned or challenged books by AAPI authors.

The AAPI community has a long history of facing discrimination and violence in the United States. In recent years, there has been a surge in hate crimes and acts of violence targeting the AAPI community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. These acts of violence are a direct result of racism and xenophobia, and they have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and entire communities. As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and acknowledge the contributions of AAPI individuals to our society, we must also confront the ongoing discrimination and violence that they face. By reading a book from this list, you’ll help challenge the dominant narratives that have been imposed on AAPI communities, empower their voices, and promote greater cultural understanding and respect.

Then be sure to share your reflections with us through our Uncensored program (you’ll even enter to earn a $1,000 scholarship)!

The Satanic Verses (1988) by Salman Rushdie

Rushdie's novel The Satanic Verses tells the story of the difficulties in managing Western influences. While the book is not actually banned in the US, within months of its publication the novel was banned in a handful of countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Sudan. Many oppose the book because of its depiction of religion. Rushdie has faced numerous threats because of his book: his Japanese translator was assassinated in 1991, a bounty was placed on him by Iran, and in 2022 he was stabbed in New York because of the content of his book. As Rushdie said, “In my view, the story — as it exists in the novel — reflects rather well on the new idea of the religion being born because it shows that it actually may have flirted with compromise, but then rejected it; and when in triumph, it was pretty merciful." We couldn’t not add this book to our list!

Front Desk (2018) by Kelly Yang

In 2021, in the middle of Banned Books Week, Front Desk, a children’s novel about the Chinese immigrant experience, was challenged by parents in a New York school district. They claimed the book contained “divisive and controversial subjects” and “taught Critical Race Theory.” to the reader. Despite opposition, many have praised the book’s heroine, Mia, for her creativity and feistiness in finding solutions in all circumstances she faces. Yang herself has spoken out sharing that she thinks the pushback against her book is the uncomfort parents may feel in reading about the Chinese immigrant experience. However, we agree with Yang that reading a book about a character whose life looks a bit different from yours is the key to building empathy and understanding. BRB while we download this book to our Kindle!

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 <3 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!

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!

This One Summer (2014) by Mariko Tamaki

Who doesn’t love a graphic novel?! A beautiful coming-of-age story, This One Summer focuses on Rose and Windy as they navigate growing up and discovering who they truly are. This book was featured in the “Top Ten Most Challenged Books” in 2016 and 2018, with many parents wanting it removed for its recurring theme of sex and mature topics. However, despite the naysayers, this beautiful novel has won multiple awards, like the Caldecott Medal, and is praised for its ability to foster healthy conversations about growing up and sexuality. Mariko Tamaki has said that the novel has made way for young Asian Americans to grow up reading books with Asian American characters and protagonists. Three cheers for that good news!