By Laci R.
 
When you hear the words “banned book,” what’s the first thought that comes to mind? Is it a particular title? Do you stay away from these books or welcome them onto your bookshelf? Is your child allowed to read these books? 
 
I’m always intrigued by a title that has made it onto the banned/challenged books list. Often, the reason is something that should really involve a personal decision on the suitability for any child. Instead of immediately turning away from a title, representation on the banned books list can be cause to look deeper and open up a valuable conversation. 
 
Reasons for a book to be banned include: racial themes, alternative lifestyles, LGBTQIA+, profanity, violence, negativity, sex, magic and witchcraft, unpopular religious or political views, or any theme deemed unsuitable for a particular age group.  
 
I have chosen a few children’s books to highlight:   

Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss 
Found in many personal collections, this Dr. Seuss book depicts rambunctious kids hopping on their father as he tries to relax. This book was challenged because it depicts violence against fathers and was thought to encourage such behavior. Parents grew concerned that the silly rhyming story would cause children to destroy their homes, and some even stated that their local library should pay for any resulting damages. Dr. Seuss is no stranger to the banned books list, due to racist depictions of people through wording and exaggerated facial features. However, it’s a bit more far-fetched to ban a story that is just so naturally zany.  
 
Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak 
You’ve likely read this story and may even have it memorized. This classic makes the banned books list for many reasons. Some find it psychologically damaging and traumatizing for young children due to the explosive emotions that Max seemingly can’t control. Child abuse is also listed as a reason, due to Max’s mom sending him to bed without any dinner as a punishment. In addition, witchcraft and supernatural elements continue to check the boxes for reasons to be on a banned books list. However, I see this book as an opportunity to discuss how actions have consequences, imagination knows no bounds, and emotions can often be bigger than us and difficult to control.

The Family Book by Todd Parr 
Todd Parr is certainly not someone you would ever expect to see on a banned books list. His vibrant, emotive, and inclusive books are customer favorites. This title has all the great things you look for in Parr’s books, but not everyone agreed with the depiction of diverse families. Having two moms or two dads caused a lot of people to complain. Sadly, any mention of LBGTQIA+ characters, themes, or elements is often a cause for parents to call for banning books. Instead, I suggest using that time reading together to celebrate diverse love and educate your child about all the wonderful representations of the rainbow- and families!  

Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park  
Even a well-loved series isn’t safe from the banned books list. Junie B. Jones certainly has her own way of talking and expressing herself. This results in a lot of technical grammatical errors with phrases like “runned speedy quick” and “did a shrug.” Junie’s speech patterns landed this series on the banned books list as parents were worried it could encourage young readers to mimic her ways.  
 
The Giver by Lois Lowry 
This is my all-time favorite book. I read it in middle school and immediately loved it. Every re-read results in the same feeling and, honestly, that’s rare to find. Concern for this book consists of a variety of reasons. “Twisted” and “lewd” content, occult themes, violence, infanticide, euthanasia, sexuality, and suicide are all reasons this story has made its way onto the banned books list. Some expressed that this was the very kind of book that leads a person to have no concern for humanity. The themes in this book offer room for a lot of heartfelt, thoughtful, and meaningful discussion. The Giver is beautiful and haunting, and it makes me feel deeply and fully.
 
I mentioned the reasons a book might be banned. What about the reasons not to ban a book? Something that isn’t liked by one shouldn’t be taken away from everyone. Books are truly among our best teachers, having a broad impact that can change the world, Censorship isn’t protection from the difficult realities of the world, rather it’s a practice in inefficacy and privilege.  

Everyone should read banned books, including children. Many of the most frequently banned books either are celebrated classics or future classics. I encourage you to read banned books with your child, to look deeper, and to maintain a safe space for conversation. 
 
Laci is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS. They love a wide variety of music, spending time in the garden, Halloween, cats, and crafting. Their “to read” list is always full of graphic novels and picture books.