Banned and Challenged Books

This guide provides:

• A brief introduction of banned books week, book challenges, and bans

• A selection of materials available via the Jim Dan Hill Library including

  • Books that have been banned or challenged

  • Perspectives on and depictions of book bans or challenges

  • Histories and analyses of book bans or literature censorship

• Suggestions for additional resources to aid research and instruction

• Navigational and search suggestions for location of additional materials

The Jim Dan Hill Library and the Markwood CLIC affirm a commitment to:

• being open-minded to other’s views and learning from them 

• encouraging and modeling respect for our diverse community  

• supporting quality course design based on inclusion  

• curating diverse and accessible collections throughout the library

This guide aims to share resources of interest.  Some historical images and descriptions may be considered derogatory or offensive. Additionally, please note that scholarly and creative perspectives and understandings may vary widely. Sharing of resources through this guide does not necessarily constitute endorsement. 

ALA graphics, including those for the  annual "Ten Most-Challenged Books" and "Censorship by the Numbers" were sourced from the website of the American Library Association in September, 2024 and September, 2025. 

The provided descriptions of all featured titles were drawn from publishers' descriptions

This LibGuide was created by A Barbour, in collaboration with the Library Team at the JDHL, Fall 2024; updated September 2025. 

Suggestions for additional sources are welcomed and can be sent to askref@uwsuper.edu.