Banned Books in Crossroads curriculum
This book links many short stories of the Vietnam war together into a mix of fiction and memoir. This book was assigned for the juniors to read this summer. Narrated by fictional character Tim O'Brien.
What is... The Things They Carried
This 7 Book series has been banned and challenged in over 300 school districts. It has most commonly been banned for witchcraft and anti-authority themes. The British author of this series published the books under an alias because her publisher said it would sell better if a man wrote it.
what is... Harry Potter
This young adult book was published in 2017, and a movie was soon made after it in 2018. This book follows an African American girl going to school at a predominately white private school. When the protagonist, Starr, witnesses her friend being killed by a police officer she must navigate what to do. Written by author Angie Thomas. This book is thought at Crossroads in the 8th grade introduction to literature of the U.S class. This book is commonly banned for topics of racism and violence.
What is...The Hate U Give
This 1967 novel had gotten banned in over a hundred of school districts and is currently banned in over four school districts today. Most commonly banned for Violence, Language, Underage substance abuse and family dysfunctionality. This author published this book when she was only 17 and is one of the most taught pieces of literature.
What is... The Outsiders
This world-famous dystopian novel series had its first book published in 2008. The book takes place in a post disaster world separated into different "areas" the book surrounds an annual tradition. This book has been banned for child-on-child violence and profanity.
What is... The Hunger Games
This Missouri school district has over 200 banned books. It is about 45 minutes from St. Louis. The Highschool located in this district is Holt Highschool.
What is... Wentzville
This Pulitzer Prize winning novel was published in 1960 is recognized as the most commonly banned book in the U.S public school system. You have definitely heard of this book if not read it. This book takes place in rural Alabama where a man is falsely accused of raping a woman. The book covers heavy topics of racism and sexual content leading to its common banning. This book is currently banned in the Missisipi Biloxi school district.
What is... To Kill a Mockingbird
This 1998 published book surrounds a boy named Stanley. The book takes place at a juvenile detention camp where Stanley and others dig holes. This book is thought at crossroads in the 6th grade literary studies class. This book has been cited for- Violence, Child labor and mature content.
What is... Holes
This Young adult dystopian novel was published in 1958. Set in a Christian fundamentalists New England. The main character is assigned to the role of the handmaid; her purpose is only to give birth to infertile couples. The novel jumps timelines from before when she was free and then the present time where she is forced into bearing children. This book has been banned in many school districts due to topics of rape, profanity and LGBTQIA characters
What is... The Handmaids Tale
This Southeastern state has banned over 10,000 books. This state is bordering the Gulf Of Mexico and is a popular vacation destination.
What is... Florida
This Book published in 1982 is set in rural Georgia and follows young girl Celie through her life. This book illustrates the harsh reality of being an African American girl and women. Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Alice Walker. This is one of the most banned books in general, one of the most banned books surrounding race and one of the most banned books surrounding queer characters. The book is written in letters addressed to God.
What is... The Color Purple
This 1996 non-fiction books surrounds a seemingly normal man who abandons his life to live in Alaska. The 11th grade AP Lang class just finished reading this book and watching the 2007 film rendering of it. Written by Jon Krauker this book was banned in a Florida school district for unlisted reasons.
What is... Into the Wild