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General Recommendations

I'm With the Banned

By:

CPL_AdultLibrarian2

Canton Public Library

Staff-created list

This list includes ALA's most banned adult books from 2022 followed by a selection of long-challenged or banned books.

By:

CPL_AdultLibrarian2

Canton Public Library

16 items

16 items

Gender Queer

Gender Queer

A Memoir

by Kobabe, Maia

Graphic Novel - 2019

"Gender Queer" was the most challenged book in the country in 2021, with opponents calling its open discussion of gender fluidity "downrigh...Show more "Gender Queer" was the most challenged book in the country in 2021, with opponents calling its open discussion of gender fluidity "downright pornographic.” In an op-ed with The Washington Post, Kobabe defended books like "Gender Queer" stating, “Queer youth are often forced to look outside their own homes, and outside the education system, to find information on who they are. Removing or restricting queer books in libraries and schools is like cutting a lifeline for queer youth, who might not yet even know what terms to ask Google to find out more about their own identities, bodies and health.” Show less

"Gender Queer" was the most challenged book in the country in 2021, with opponents calling its open discussion of gender fluidity "downrigh...Show more "Gender Queer" was the most challenged book in the country in 2021, with opponents calling its open discussion of gender fluidity "downright pornographic.” In an op-ed with The Washington Post, Kobabe defended books like "Gender Queer" stating, “Queer youth are often forced to look outside their own homes, and outside the education system, to find information on who they are. Removing or restricting queer books in libraries and schools is like cutting a lifeline for queer youth, who might not yet even know what terms to ask Google to find out more about their own identities, bodies and health.” Show less

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The Bluest Eye

The Bluest Eye

by Morrison, Toni

Book - 1994

"The Bluest Eye" tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, an abused and unloved Black girl, pregnant by her own father, who suffers relentless oppre...Show more "The Bluest Eye" tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, an abused and unloved Black girl, pregnant by her own father, who suffers relentless oppression and cruelty in her rural Ohio town. Pecola wishes desperately for blue eyes, convinced that conventional white beauty is the ticket to a better life, but soon finds her mind colonized to the brink of madness. Critics state the book's “offensive language” and “sexually explicit material” as justification for excluding it from academic curriculums. Show less

"The Bluest Eye" tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, an abused and unloved Black girl, pregnant by her own father, who suffers relentless oppre...Show more "The Bluest Eye" tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, an abused and unloved Black girl, pregnant by her own father, who suffers relentless oppression and cruelty in her rural Ohio town. Pecola wishes desperately for blue eyes, convinced that conventional white beauty is the ticket to a better life, but soon finds her mind colonized to the brink of madness. Critics state the book's “offensive language” and “sexually explicit material” as justification for excluding it from academic curriculums. Show less

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Lawn Boy

Lawn Boy

A Novel

by Evison, Jonathan

Book - 2018

"Lawn Boy" is the story of Mike Muñoz, a young Mexican-American man who works on a landscaping crew in Washington. As Mike fights classism and r...Show more "Lawn Boy" is the story of Mike Muñoz, a young Mexican-American man who works on a landscaping crew in Washington. As Mike fights classism and racism to achieve his American Dream, he is also coming to terms with his sexual identity. Critics slammed the book for LGBTQ+ content and “sexually explicit” material, pointing to a sexual encounter between two men. "When I look at the wealth of great literature that unenlightened souls have sought to ban through the ages, how could I feel anything but pride to be listed among them?" author Evison wrote in response. "To those who would ban my book and burn me at the stake because they are ashamed of their own past experiences, or uncomfortable with any non-binary sexual identifications, I hope you find healing." Show less

"Lawn Boy" is the story of Mike Muñoz, a young Mexican-American man who works on a landscaping crew in Washington. As Mike fights classism and r...Show more "Lawn Boy" is the story of Mike Muñoz, a young Mexican-American man who works on a landscaping crew in Washington. As Mike fights classism and racism to achieve his American Dream, he is also coming to terms with his sexual identity. Critics slammed the book for LGBTQ+ content and “sexually explicit” material, pointing to a sexual encounter between two men. "When I look at the wealth of great literature that unenlightened souls have sought to ban through the ages, how could I feel anything but pride to be listed among them?" author Evison wrote in response. "To those who would ban my book and burn me at the stake because they are ashamed of their own past experiences, or uncomfortable with any non-binary sexual identifications, I hope you find healing." Show less

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This Book Is Gay

This Book Is Gay

by Dawson, Juno

eBook - 2021

This “instruction manual” for growing up LGBTQ+ covers a vast range of topics. From voices across gender and sexual spectrums, the book covers candid and ...Show more This “instruction manual” for growing up LGBTQ+ covers a vast range of topics. From voices across gender and sexual spectrums, the book covers candid and uncensored topics like coming out, flirting, and gay sex. Bans and challenges to the book cite its “sexually explicit” material, as well as its efforts to provide sexual education. “Who else does removing these books from libraries hurt except LGBTQ+ teenagers?” author Dawson asked in an op-ed. “Taking 'This Book is Gay' out of a school isn’t going to stop young people figuring out their identity, but it will leave them without a valuable resource,” he explained. Show less

This “instruction manual” for growing up LGBTQ+ covers a vast range of topics. From voices across gender and sexual spectrums, the book covers candid and ...Show more This “instruction manual” for growing up LGBTQ+ covers a vast range of topics. From voices across gender and sexual spectrums, the book covers candid and uncensored topics like coming out, flirting, and gay sex. Bans and challenges to the book cite its “sexually explicit” material, as well as its efforts to provide sexual education. “Who else does removing these books from libraries hurt except LGBTQ+ teenagers?” author Dawson asked in an op-ed. “Taking 'This Book is Gay' out of a school isn’t going to stop young people figuring out their identity, but it will leave them without a valuable resource,” he explained. Show less

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A Court of Mist and Fury

A Court of Mist and Fury

by Maas, Sarah J

Book - 2016

This extremely popular title has been banned because it is claimed to be sexually explicit. This extremely popular title has been banned because it is claimed to be sexually explicit. Show less

This extremely popular title has been banned because it is claimed to be sexually explicit. This extremely popular title has been banned because it is claimed to be sexually explicit. Show less

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Beyond Magenta

Beyond Magenta

Transgender and Nonbinary Teens Speak Out

by Kuklin, Susan

eBook - 2014

"Beyond Magenta" profiles six transgender and gender-neutral teens in their own words. Each profile explores the individual's path of self-disco...Show more "Beyond Magenta" profiles six transgender and gender-neutral teens in their own words. Each profile explores the individual's path of self-discovery, coming out, and navigating the struggles and triumphs that follow. The book doesn't shy away from the teens' challenges, from mental health to unaccepting family members, but also celebrates the power of living an authentic life. Schools banned and challenged the book for LGBTQ+ content and because it was considered to be “sexually explicit.” Musing on why parents were concerned about "Beyond Magenta," author Kuklin told CBS, "It's scary to people because they don't understand it. Once you get to understand it, it's no longer frightening. But there's that period before it happens, where there's so much pushback and so much fear. And I think that's what happened with my book." Show less

"Beyond Magenta" profiles six transgender and gender-neutral teens in their own words. Each profile explores the individual's path of self-disco...Show more "Beyond Magenta" profiles six transgender and gender-neutral teens in their own words. Each profile explores the individual's path of self-discovery, coming out, and navigating the struggles and triumphs that follow. The book doesn't shy away from the teens' challenges, from mental health to unaccepting family members, but also celebrates the power of living an authentic life. Schools banned and challenged the book for LGBTQ+ content and because it was considered to be “sexually explicit.” Musing on why parents were concerned about "Beyond Magenta," author Kuklin told CBS, "It's scary to people because they don't understand it. Once you get to understand it, it's no longer frightening. But there's that period before it happens, where there's so much pushback and so much fear. And I think that's what happened with my book." Show less

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Maus

Maus

A Survivor's Tale. Vol. 1, My Father Bleeds History

by Spiegelman, Art

Graphic Novel - 1992

Critics cited "tough language" and "unnecessary" profanity, a small drawing of a nude cat representing a woman, and mentions of murder, violence and suicide as reasons for banning this book. Critics cited "tough language" and "unnecessary" profanity, a small drawing of a nude cat representing a woman, and mentions of murder, violence and suicide as reasons for banning this book. Show less

Critics cited "tough language" and "unnecessary" profanity, a small drawing of a nude cat representing a woman, and mentions of murder, violence and suicide as reasons for banning this book. Critics cited "tough language" and "unnecessary" profanity, a small drawing of a nude cat representing a woman, and mentions of murder, violence and suicide as reasons for banning this book. Show less

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The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale

by Atwood, Margaret

Book - 1986

Banned or challenged for profanity, sexually explicit language, and religious viewpoints. In response, author Atwood stated: “I made a rule for myself: I ...Show more Banned or challenged for profanity, sexually explicit language, and religious viewpoints. In response, author Atwood stated: “I made a rule for myself: I would not include anything that human beings had not already done in some other place or time, or for which the technology did not already exist." Show less

Banned or challenged for profanity, sexually explicit language, and religious viewpoints. In response, author Atwood stated: “I made a rule for myself: I ...Show more Banned or challenged for profanity, sexually explicit language, and religious viewpoints. In response, author Atwood stated: “I made a rule for myself: I would not include anything that human beings had not already done in some other place or time, or for which the technology did not already exist." Show less

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The Da Vinci Code

The Da Vinci Code

A Novel

by Brown, Dan

Book - 2003

Banned or challenged for religious viewpoints. Banned or challenged for religious viewpoints. Show less

Banned or challenged for religious viewpoints. Banned or challenged for religious viewpoints. Show less

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The Master and Margarita

The Master and Margarita

by Bulgakov, Mikhail

Streaming Audiobook - 2010

Banned or challenged for political viewpoints. Banned or challenged for political viewpoints. Show less

Banned or challenged for political viewpoints. Banned or challenged for political viewpoints. Show less

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American Psycho

American Psycho

by Ellis, Bret Easton

Book - 2011

Banned or challenged for violence. Banned or challenged for violence. Show less

Banned or challenged for violence. Banned or challenged for violence. Show less

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July's People

July's People

by Gordimer, Nadine

Streaming Audiobook - 2015

Banned or challenged for racism. Author Nadine commented on this assessment stating, "To be called a racist as a white South African and as someone w...Show more Banned or challenged for racism. Author Nadine commented on this assessment stating, "To be called a racist as a white South African and as someone who stayed here through all of the worst times and as someone who identified closely with the struggle—that is just very insulting." Show less

Banned or challenged for racism. Author Nadine commented on this assessment stating, "To be called a racist as a white South African and as someone w...Show more Banned or challenged for racism. Author Nadine commented on this assessment stating, "To be called a racist as a white South African and as someone who stayed here through all of the worst times and as someone who identified closely with the struggle—that is just very insulting." Show less

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

by Haddon, Mark

Book - 2003

Banned or challenged for offensive language, profanity, and atheism. When asked about these challenges and bans, Haddon stated, “I'm always entertained wh...Show more Banned or challenged for offensive language, profanity, and atheism. When asked about these challenges and bans, Haddon stated, “I'm always entertained when it gets banned somewhere or causes a huge row. But I never really feel that I have to stand up for it. It's like a sturdy 25-year-old who can pick a fight and look after itself.” Show less

Banned or challenged for offensive language, profanity, and atheism. When asked about these challenges and bans, Haddon stated, “I'm always entertained wh...Show more Banned or challenged for offensive language, profanity, and atheism. When asked about these challenges and bans, Haddon stated, “I'm always entertained when it gets banned somewhere or causes a huge row. But I never really feel that I have to stand up for it. It's like a sturdy 25-year-old who can pick a fight and look after itself.” Show less

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The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner

by Hosseini, Khaled

Book - 2003

Banned or challenged for offensive language, violence, and sexually explicit language. Banned or challenged for offensive language, violence, and sexually explicit language. Show less

Banned or challenged for offensive language, violence, and sexually explicit language. Banned or challenged for offensive language, violence, and sexually explicit language. Show less

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The Unbearable Lightness of Being

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

by Kundera, Milan

Book - 1991

Banned or challenged for political viewpoints. Banned or challenged for political viewpoints. Show less

Banned or challenged for political viewpoints. Banned or challenged for political viewpoints. Show less

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Beloved

Beloved

by Morrison, Toni

Audiobook CD - 2006

Banned or challenged for sexual material, violence, bestiality, language, and other "inappropriate topics." Banned or challenged for sexual material, violence, bestiality, language, and other "inappropriate topics." Show less

Banned or challenged for sexual material, violence, bestiality, language, and other "inappropriate topics." Banned or challenged for sexual material, violence, bestiality, language, and other "inappropriate topics." Show less

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