The Best Banned Books of the Last Century
Harry Potter, To Kill a Mockingbird, and More "Best" Censored Books
Oct 2, 2009
Great books are often banned because they tell a powerful story, and a powerful story will always offend somebody. But stories which speak to the heart and change the reader will always survive, no matter who tries to silence them. Here's a sampling of some of the best banned books of the last century.
Harry Potter (series) by JK Rowling (Scholastic, 1998-2007, various pp.)
Harry Potter is every teenager: moody, unsure of himself, sometimes getting into trouble. After a painful upbringing Harry discovers that he is a wizard and is whisked off to wizardry school to train for his destiny.
Banned Because:
Religious opponents say that the Bible is clear in its teachings that wizards, devils and demons exist and that God's people should have nothing to do with them, not even read about them. Secular opponents say that Harry is a bad role model. He lies, breaks rules, disobeys authority figures, then is praised for his actions.
Best Because:
Harry Potter's world is a world full of rich symbolism, offering readers a deeper level of meaning that flows beneath the brisk current of the plot. It's the ultimate story of good versus evil, bravely taking a stand, and forever friends.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (Charles L Webster and Company, 1884, 366pp.)
Far edgier than its prequel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a series of more elaborate and far more amusing adventures with Huck in the spotlight. Afraid that his drunken father will steal the fortune that he and Tom discovered, Huck Finn signs his share of the money over to Judge Thatcher. This stops his father from drinking it away but doesn't stop him from dragging Huck to an old cabin an beating him daily. Huck escapes to Jackson's Island, meets up with his friend the runaway slave Jim, and the two find adventure on the Mississippi.
Banned Because:
There's considerable use of slang crass language, the politically incorrect word "nigger" appears 215 times, and Huck's father abuses him.
Best Because:
This historical accurate story revolutionized modern American storytelling and impacted all young adult literature which followed; inspiring the frank and open first person narrator style which “brands” YA lit.
The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (Harper Trophy, 1995, 128pp.)
Impoverished and awkward, Jess doesn't have any friends until rich, extroverted, exciting Leslie comes to town. On the surface they have nothing in common, but a single tie binds them: they are outsiders. Together they create a magical world across the creek, a utopia named “Terabithia” where life is perfect, until a tragedy strikes.
Banned Because:
Jess frequently swears and his parent are mean; also "death" as a theme in a YA book offends critics.
Best Because:
Winner of the John Newbery Medal, this touching and honest portrayal of the innocent friendship between a boy and a girl, a poignant expression of not fitting in, and a fanciful exploration of childhood creativity is an unforgettable read.
The Giver by Lois Lowry (Houghton Mifflin, 1993, 208pp)
Jonas lives in a perfect world with no scarcity, no emotion, and no conflicts. Names are pre-assigned to children, children are assigned to parents, and jobs are assigned to all. When Jonas turns twelve he is shocked to discover that his chosen Assignment is to be the new Receiver. He receives special training from the Giver, who holds memories of what "ordinary" life was like. One year into training Jonas makes a shocking discovery that drives him to bring his community back to reality.
Banned Because:
The book contains references to suicide, infanticide, and homicide by euthanasia.
Best Because:
The Giver gives meaning to pain when Jonas discovers that without emotion, both pleasure and pain, human beings aren't fully alive.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Lippincott, 1960, 281pp.)
Set in the deep south during the Great Depression, 9 year old Scout Finch and her brother Jem have their lives set into turmoil when their father defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white girl.
Banned Because:
The story has adult themes including racism, rape and incest; also some profanity.
Best Because:
On the surface it's a story of prejudice and standing up for what you believe in, but it's also a deeper story of conscience, courage, and raging injustice.
In celebration of Banned Books Week (September 29-October 3, 2009) independent thinkers can express gratitude for the First Amendment to the U.S Constitution and celebrate intellectual freedom by reading banned books. Begin by reading a banned book from this list of Banned and Challenged Classics from the American Library Association.
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