Protect Knowledge, Preserve Truth: A Living Banned & Challenged Books List
With the rise of efforts to erase history and culture, staying informed and building a library of resistance has never been more crucial. This Living Booklist features banned and challenged books across genres and age groups, from children’s picture books to adult fiction and non-fiction. Every title on this list has been targeted for its truth-telling, its representation of marginalized voices, or its refusal to conform to a narrative of erasure.
Why This List Matters:
In times of censorship, access to diverse stories becomes a revolutionary act. From historical accounts to powerful works of fiction, these books challenge dominant narratives and celebrate cultures, histories, and identities that some seek to silence. This list is an essential tool for building a decolonized bookshelf and standing against suppression.
What You’ll Get:
- A carefully curated, frequently updated list of banned and challenged books that will continue to be updated for the foreseeable future.
- Titles for all readers: children, middle grade, young adult, and adults.
- A mix of fiction and non-fiction to broaden perspectives and understanding.
- Resources and context on why these books are being challenged, helping you stay informed and engaged.
Pay What You Can:
This list operates on a “pay what you can” model to ensure it remains accessible to everyone. If you have the means, I encourage you to pay a little extra—your support helps sustain this project, compensates me for my work, and allows me to continue offering this resource to others regardless of their financial situation.
Together, we can push back against erasure and make sure the next generation has access to the stories that shape and empower us all.
Stay resilient. Stay informed. Keep reading.