I believe it's essential to remember the importance and power that books have on young minds, especially when it comes to understanding the impact of banned books. Book bans have been a prominent topic in the media recently, often involving discussions about whether certain books should be banned from school libraries. The reasons parents give for wanting to ban books usually revolve around concerns about exposure to indecent content, such as sexual and LGBTQIA+ themes, religious or political viewpoints, offensive language, violence or abuse, racism, and drug use.
While parents have valid concerns about their children's exposure to these themes, it's important to think critically about how we handle the more difficult and dangerous aspects of life. Regardless of our efforts to shield children from these elements, they will inevitably encounter them to some extent as they engage with the world around them. Many of the young adult books banned for such content can actually help introduce teens to these topics in a safe way and convey messages that can potentially help them navigate these themes in their own lives in a healthy manner without negative consequences. Perhaps just as importantly, books that explore difficult themes can foster discussion between young adults and the adults in their lives, giving young people opportunities to ask questions and express opinions and parents to provide guidance and their own experiences.
I reached out to some staff members of Harris County Public Library and asked them about the Young Adult books they read while growing up that had a positive impact on them despite being banned. I also asked if they would recommend those books to teenagers today. Below are the banned books they chose, along with their responses and my own choice of a banned young adult book.
“There's no way y'all [brujx] have been around for thousands of years without there being one person not fitting into the 'men are this, women are that' bullshit." Julian sounded so convinced, so sure. His obsidian eyes locked onto Yadriel's. "Maybe they hid it, or ran away, or I dunno, something else, but there's no way you're the first, Yads.” - Cemetery Boys
"This is such an important book and an essential story! It’s also a wonderful example of books as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. I had never read anything from a queer Latinx lens before (window), and I saw so much of myself in these characters (mirror); I also felt invited into the mystery of Brujería as part of my culture and heritage (sliding glass door). Kids need access to books that reflect them, show them new things and people, and invite them to learn more, and even become a part of the story!" - Amanda P.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
"I’ve had enough of someone else’s propaganda… I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” - The Autobiography of Malcom X
"I really resonated with this quote even though I don't fully follow the teachings of Malcolm X. I find it very important to understand that listening to many points of view on a matter as to avoid bias and learn more about myself and the world. I believe this is a practice that many young adults should participate in to broaden their horizons and expand their knowledge. Even if they think a different viewpoint is wrong, they might find some truth in those words." - Berenice S.
"As a tween, I checked out The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. Before reading her diary, to me, Anne Frank was this important historical and inspirational figure, and after, she was just a teenage girl that I could relate to. She was a teenage girl who was an aspiring writer, who had a sister, who was a bit too talkative, who struggled to relate to her mother, who had a crush on a boy, who was forming her own identity and was curious about her sexuality, all of which she shared with Kitty, her diary. The book has been continuously challenged and banned because of violence, profanity, and sexual materials. However, no matter how “uncomfortable” a book makes you feel, it is important that we read experiences other than our own. Reading helps us build empathy and understand the world. Because what I read was a coming-of-age story of a brave young teenage girl that saw the very worst of humanity, but still held onto her belief that people were still good. That is why The Diary of a Young Girl stays with me to this day and why it should be read by all teens." -Anjela M.
The Perks of Being A Wallflower
"One of my favorite banned young adult books is The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. This book resonated with me due to the profound impact and deep need for human connection we all have – to be seen, to be heard. Growing up, I often felt like I was going crazy with all the emotions I had within me that I didn’t know how to express and often thought were "bad". I remember feeling like Charlie, needing connection with peers and family, yet fearful that they would struggle to accept my negative emotions that I thought were bad. This book taught me that all emotions are acceptable, and that being loved by others looks like being brave enough to love and accept yourself first - to show yourself to the world as you are." - Natalie B.
Books have the power to offer impactful lessons and allow readers to experience a multitude of lives through the characters they encounter. As a result, I believe it's crucial to consider whether the harm lies in the topics these banned books cover and the messages the authors portray or if it's caused by the intention to withhold information and literature from public access.
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