Restricting access to books has been a growing topic of conversation over the last few years. In 2023 alone, Virginia saw 25 attempts to restrict access to books, with nearly 400 titles challenged during that time. As concern continues to grow about additional book censorship, one way to challenge book bans is to open up a copy and read. Here are six banned books that Northern Virginia’s book sellers deem important reads.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
“A generation after its publication, The Perks of Being a Wallflower remains vital for its unvarnished portrayal of suburban teenage life. In letters to an anonymous pen pal, 15-year-old Charlie describes his freshman year of high school, from his unexpected friendships with fellow misfits to his experiences with depression and trauma. Chbosky lays bare the messiness of growing up, with all its thrills and uncertainties, in an empathetic voice that will resonate with anyone who has struggled — or is struggling — to figure out who they are and where they belong.” — Amy Woolsey, Bards Alley
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
“One of the most banned or challenged books in the country, All Boys Aren’t Blue is a stunning ‘memoir-manifesto’ of the author’s experience growing up Black and queer, and how those identities intersect. While it may be hard to read at times, Johnson’s story shows how important it is for young people to be able to see themselves reflected in the stories we tell. Whether they identify with the joy of exploring one’s own queerness, or with the trauma that Johnson experiences, it’s crucial that every young person knows that they’re not alone.” — Lelia Nebeker, One More Page Books
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
“This novel is a fictionalized tale of the author’s own life, chronicling the adolescence of Native American teen Junior and his struggle to become who he was always meant to be. Raw, funny, and heartbreaking, themes of identity and perseverance are brought to the forefront as Junior reckons with what it means to be a part of something larger than himself. [It’s] another novel that invites readers to consider experiences that may be far different from their own and to think more critically, or see themselves represented on the pages.” — Mallory Sutton, Bards Alley
Beloved by Toni Morrison
“There is no writer who has had a deeper impact on my soul than Toni Morrison. Her work cuts to the bone. But as hard as the work may be, she also salvages humanity with her honesty. Her characters ask to be seen, honored. This may be what people respond to when they remove her books from shelves but that is precisely why they are so impactful. Authors who do not hide from the stories they tell allow us to feel and connect to the parts of ourselves and our history in need of reckoning.” — Cammie Fuller, The Open Book
Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
“This picture book is full of some of the most gorgeous illustrations I’ve seen. In it, young Julián is inspired when he sees a group of mermaids on the train, and with the compassionate support of his Abuela, he dresses up to join a gathering of mermaids just like him. Julián Is a Mermaid showcases what can be accomplished when young minds are nurtured and encouraged. Filled to the brim with love and self-expression, this is a fantastic read for any imaginative child and their parent.” — Mallory Sutton, Bards Alley
Animal Farm by George Orwell
“Animal Farm is the first ‘classic’ I read. I imagine, like other banned books, it is feared because it tells many ugly truths. Most importantly, it delivers its message through direct language and an engaging story of solidarity among livestock. It tells us that even when we feel we have ended our struggle, we cannot escape the law of our lot — that all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others. When we’ve been fooled into thinking we can rest, it reminds us that we might look from man to pig and pig to man, only to find that it is already impossible to tell which is which.” — Diego Quintanar-Pen֮a, The Open Book
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
