To Kill A Mockingbird
When: 1966
Where: Virginia
Why: Here at Gilbert High School, every freshman has read the classic literary novel, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. But what most don’t realize, is that this novel has been banned in many states across the country. The most notably in Virginia when a school board banned the book for its “immoral” depiction of rape. Forty years later, a California school district forbade teaching “Mockingbird” after parents alleged it was racist for its use of the n-word and portrayal of Black people.¹ This book is also notably banned or restricted from being used for teaching in California, Navida, and Texas.

Dead Poets Society
When: 2016
Where: Illinois
Why: Written by Tom Schulman, Dead Poets Society was originally a film, but quickly developed into a book, and really pissed off some local Illinois pastors. This instant classic is set in 1959, where a young English teacher helps a group of teenage boys in a strict boarding school learn to be themselves and challenge society's standards through his teachings of poetry. Despite a complaint by a local pastor who found the book “disturbing, very close to a strong, mild pornography… To me that book represents a [disrespectful attitude toward] parents and their judgments. It shows rebellion towards teachers, and has graphic immoral areas.” Set at the conservative and aristocratic Welton Academy in the northeastern United States in 1959, it tells the story of an English teacher who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry.²

The Color Purple
When: 1984-2013
Where: Florida & Texas
Why: Alice Walker’s, The Color Purple is probably the most challenged and banned book since its debut in 1982. As The Banned Books Project points out, 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.” The bans and challenges to The Color Purple, as we know, have nothing to do with the actual content of the novel. These bans and challenges arise from the fear that The Color Purple and other works hold a mirror up to those who attempt to ban the book.³

Harry Potter
When: 2001-2004
Where: United Arab Emirates & Tennessee
Why: The first Harry Potter book was released in 1997 by author JK Rowling. The series was an instant success that led to six more books and eight movies, not without backlash though. “Though loved by many worldwide, the Harry Potter series has not gone without challenge and criticism. Depictions of witchcraft are the primary reason for the challenges. While many readers view the series as a family-friendly series, some religious critics have accused the books of containing content that could encourage curiosity about or even the practice of witchcraft.”⁴ Even after Rowling put down these rumors, many still believe she is using these books to recruit followers. Much like ‘Dumbledore's Army.’