Reading Banned Books: Why It Matters More Than Ever

The American Library Association (ALA) hosts Banned Books Week to celebrate the freedom to read. The ALA began tracking book challenges in the early 1980s, creating lists of titles that schools or libraries attempted to remove due to controversial themes, language, or ideas. These “banned books” range from “classics” like To Kill a Mockingbird to modern bestsellers such as The Hate U Give.

But what does it really mean for a book to be banned?
Typically, it starts when a parent, group, or community member challenges a book’s content, perhaps due to sensitive topics, language, or differing worldviews. From there, school boards or library committees review the material and decide whether to remove or restrict it.

Why Reading Banned Books Matters

When students engage with diverse books, even the ones some might label “controversial,” they build empathy, critical thinking skills, and a broader understanding of the world. Reading stories that explore race, gender, power, freedom, or moral dilemmas helps children see life from different perspectives and ask important questions.

For homeschool families, this is a powerful opportunity. Instead of shielding students from difficult topics, parents can guide conversations and use these stories to teach discernment, compassion, and confidence in forming their own opinions.

How to Bring Banned Books Into Your Homeschool

If you’re unsure where to start, try exploring novels that have sparked important conversations throughout history. Use discussion questions, creative writing prompts, or character analysis activities to help your child think critically about what they read.

At Teacher Jade’s Writing Academy, we believe reading should inspire, not intimidate. Our literature and writing courses encourage students to dive deeper into stories and connect them to real-world lessons.

Here are a few you might love:

• Beyond the Pages: Novel Studies in Life Lessons – Explore themes like empathy, kindness, and courage through classic literature.

• Dystopian Novel Studies: Exploring Control and Freedom in Classics – Perfect for middle and high school readers curious about government, individuality, and freedom.

• Reading Banned Books: Novel Study for Upper Elementary – A guided look at why certain books are challenged and what we can learn from them.

You can also explore additional Literature & Writing courses for all grade levels through Teacher Jade’s Writing Academy, where homeschool families find support, structure, and inspiration in every class.

Grab a Banned Book Today!

Choosing to read banned or challenged books is more than an act of curiosity, it’s a commitment to open-minded education. When children are encouraged to ask questions and analyze ideas, they grow into thoughtful, informed adults. As parents and educators, our job isn’t to limit stories, it’s to guide how those stories are understood.

If you’re ready to bring more depth and discussion into your homeschool, explore Teacher Jade’s literature courses and see how reading the “forbidden” can open new doors for learning.