The Most BANNED Books in America: Is Your Favorite Novel on the List?

Jodi Picoult’s “Nineteen Minutes” has taken the top spot on a list compiled by PEN America of the books most frequently pulled from school shelves across the United States. This news has sparked a wave of controversy surrounding censorship in schools and the freedom to read. PEN America, a nonprofit organization that advocates for free expression and literary excellence, has been tracking book bans and challenges in schools since 2021.

“Nineteen Minutes,” Picoult’s 2007 novel, explores themes of bullying, trauma, and the impacts of violence in a small town. It is not hard to see why this book would be a target for book banners. Its 10th spot on the American Library Association’s most challenged books list in 2007 foreshadowed this recent ranking. However, fans of the book and advocates for free expression argue that “Nineteen Minutes” has merit in exploring the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of our actions.

Other notable works that made it onto the list include John Green’s “Looking for Alaska,” Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple,” Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and Toni Morrison’s “Beloved.” It is worth noting that these works have been widely acclaimed and have played significant roles in shaping the literary landscape. They tackle tough subjects like racism, sexism, and trauma but do so with the nuance and sensitivity needed to facilitate meaningful discussions in classrooms and beyond.

The list highlights the double standard often applied when it comes to the censorship of books. Some argue that these novels do not belong in schools because they tackle difficult subjects. Others argue that this is precisely the reason these books should be included on the curriculum: because they spark important discussions, foster empathy, and provide readers with real-world perspectives that can help to shape a more informed, empathetic society.

One can argue that readers are better equipped to navigate these topics if they are exposed to diverse perspectives and worldviews early on. It can also help in making a better decision for themselves and teaching students to do the same. However, challenges to the freedom of expression in the form of book bans raise important questions about whose voices deserve to be heard in our classrooms. This concerns the choice of materials and the learning environment it provides for the students. Moreover, do we owe it to the writers, readers, and citizens to advocate for the preservation of stories, even those we don’t always agree with?

Picoult has released several statements expressing her support for her readers and fellow writers who have had their books challenged or banned. In her releases, Picoult mentions her concerns about how this decision might be perceived by readers, particularly students. She urges everyone to keep reading, discussing, and caring about the big issues that really matter.

The book challenges that PEN America and Picoult express their concern over is far from an anomaly. Since the dawn of civilization, governments and authorities have implemented restrictive legislation to conceal information, be it book banning, the closure of public gathering spaces, or even press censorship. Unfortunately, schools have become a popular location for this activity and have become increasingly hard to disregard.

In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower stated in a speech that censorship can end with the war and the restriction will end with the conflict. In 2021 we still find that our nation grapples with challenging situations of extreme censorship.