Banned, challenged, cancelled, removed. Censorship can take many forms. If there wasn’t proof enough that knowledge is power, there have even been instances where dictionaries were banned to prevent people from developing secret ways of communicating.
We are dedicating our November reading list to some of the most challenged books and authors – and to the librarians around the world who continuously side with critical thinking and free access to information.
Queerly Autistic
Erin Ekins
Following a controversial audit in a school library in Manchester in November 2025, Queerly Autistic was one of 130 books removed from the shelves for alleged inappropriate content. The book, published for a 12-18 audience, is a resource for autistic teenagers designed to help navigate identity, safety and self-care.
Gender Queer
Maia Kobabe
Always at the top of the charts of most banned and censored book is Gender Queer, the bestselling graphic novel about nonbinary and asexual author Maia Kobabe is a precious tool to think about gender identity, first experiences and what it means to grow up gender non-conforming. Librarians around the world have continuously defended it and challenged its removal from the shelves, proudly siding up with critical thinking and freedom of expression.
A Wrinkle In Time
Madeleine L’Engle
Can a book be banned for one thing and it's very opposite? Apparently it can! A Wrinkle in Time was at some stages challenged both for being too religious and not religious enough, while lots of its readers remember it mostly as one of those precious, adventure-packed books that made them want to borrow plenty more.
It Can’t Happen Here
Sinclair Lewis
Sinclair Lewis can boast an impressive amount of banned books. Although this one was never formally banned, It Can't Happen Here has a significant history of ostracism both in its book form and in its adaptations. Heavily reminiscent of Orwell's most famous and most banned books, this powerful piece of dystopian satire is a cautionary tale against the evils of totalitarianism.
Tales of the city
Armistead Maupin
In 1984 Bookshop and London landmark Gay's the Word was raided by the Government and the owners were charged of importing indecent books in what became known as Operation Tiger.
Tale of the City, the first volume of the cult Armistead Maupin series set in San Francisco, was one of those titles. The books were adapted into a TV series starring Laura Linney, but it was cancelled after the first season when its broadcaster faced significant political backlash for its progressive content.
Beloved
Toni Morrison
Along with The Bluest Eye, Pulitzer winning novel Beloved is one of Toni Morrison's most banned books across the US. Often censored for its graphic content and confronting themes, according to critics the book is considered a challenge to the way American History is often studied, most notably for exposing the institutionalisation of systemic racism.
And Tango Makes Three
Justin Richardson
Inspired by two penguins at Central Park Zoo, Tango makes three is a picture book about diverse families. Following its publication, bans and challenges started flocking around the world, and so did awards and nominations. Over 20 years after its release date, it continues to be one of the most popular and equally censored books for children.
Persepolis
Marjane Satrapi
Banned in Iran and challenged multiple times in US school libraries, where it was often threatened with removal, Persepolis is the autobiography of celebrated late graphic novel artist Marjane Satrapi. An ode to the importance of culture and resistance, it was adapted into a successful film, winner of the Jury Prize at Cannes and nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars.
Night
Elie Wiesel
Elie Wiese's Night is one of the most read books about the atrocities of concentration camps and a powerful testament to the importance of memory. Often banned in the US for being too dark, it deals with profound themes like our relationship with faith in the face of utter brutality and the disillusionment that comes with dehumanisation.
Careless People
Sarah Wynn-Williams
Censorship can take many forms. In this case, the now worldwide bestseller Careless People was never technically banned, but a complicated set of court rulings triggered by her former employer, Meta, made it so she would be forbidden to promote it. A timely read that will make you think about the difference between whistleblowing and defamation and about the question "how much power is too much power".