Gender Queer: a Memoir by Maia Kobabe
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
Maia Kobabe shares their deeply personal journey of self-identity, from grappling with adolescence and coming out to exploring nonbinary and asexual experiences. What began as a way to explain their identity to family evolves into a powerful guide on gender, offering insight for advocates, friends, and anyone seeking understanding.
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
George M. Johnson reflects on his childhood, adolescence, and college years, sharing personal stories about growing up as a Black queer boy. The memoir tackles themes of gender identity, toxic masculinity, family, and Black joy, offering both a guide for allies and a reassuring voice for young queer men of color.
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit
This book is a candid, humorous, and uncensored guide to growing up LGBT, offering answers to questions about sex, politics, stereotypes, and coming out. With real stories from people across the gender and sexual spectrums, it’s both informative and entertaining, reminding readers that however they identify, they are exceptional and matter.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity
A poignant coming-of-age novel told through the letters of Charlie, a high schooler navigating the complexities of life, friendship, and self-discovery. As he grapples with family issues, first loves, and personal trauma, Charlie’s story captures the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence with humor and heartache.
Flamer by Mike Curato
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
Mike Curato’s debut graphic novel, Aiden Navarro grapples with his identity during a transformative summer at camp. As he navigates friendships, bullying, and his feelings for Elias, Aiden embarks on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, blending humor, compassion, and vulnerability.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Challenged for: rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI content
Toni Morrison tells the poignant story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl who desperately prays for blue eyes to fit in. As she faces constant ridicule for her appearance, her obsession with beauty leads to a heartbreaking unraveling of her life. Morrison’s debut novel powerfully explores themes of race, class, and gender.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity
Greg Gaines is a high school senior who prefers to stay under the radar, spending his time making quirky films with his friend Earl. However, when his mother forces him to reconnect with Rachel, a classmate diagnosed with leukemia, Greg is pushed out of his comfort zone. As he and Earl make a movie for Rachel, it becomes a life-changing experience that forces Greg to confront his own fears and emotions.
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, LGBTQIA+ content
Follows five teenagers from different backgrounds—three girls and two guys, some wealthy, some struggling, all searching for love, freedom, and belonging. As their individual stories unfold, their lives unexpectedly intertwine, exploring the complexities of relationships, identity, and growing up. The novel delves into the consequences of love, the mistakes we make, and the emotional struggles of finding self-acceptance.
Let’s Talk About It: The Teen’s guide to Sex, Relationships and Being Human by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content
An inclusive and honest graphic novel that serves as a comprehensive guide for teens navigating adolescence. Covering topics like gender, sexuality, consent, body image, and safe sex, it answers the difficult questions about growing up, relationships, and self-discovery. This accessible, well-researched resource provides teens with the information they need while encouraging open conversation about the challenges of growing up.
Sold by Patricia McCormick
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, rape
Lakshmi and her family are living in poverty in the mountains of Nepal. When a monsoon washes away all that remains of the family’s crops, Lakshmi’s stepfather says she must leave home and take a job to support her family. Believing she is taking a job as a maid for a wealthy woman in the city, she is actually being sold into prostitution and life becomes a nightmare.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Challenged for: vulgar language, sexual misconduct allegations against the author, anti-Christian content, violence
Follows Junior, a young cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation, as he leaves his troubled school to attend an all-white high school in a nearby town. Faced with challenges of identity and belonging, Junior navigates the complexities of his Native American heritage, school life, and personal growth. With humor, heartbreak, and insightful drawings, Sherman Alexie captures the contemporary experience of a boy striving to shape his own future.
Captain Underpants (series) by Dav Pilkey
Challenged for: disruptive behavior, potty humor, same-sex representation
Follows two fourth-grade boys, George and Harold, who love to create comic books and pull pranks. When their principal, Mr. Krupp, threatens to expose their mischief, the boys use a 3-D Hypno-Ring to hypnotize him, transforming him into their superhero creation, Captain Underpants. With humor, playful illustrations, and interactive flip-o-ramas, this book delivers an engaging and hilarious adventure.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Challenged for: teen suicide, drugs and alcohol, profanity, negative portrayal of helping professionals
Follows Clay Jensen, who receives a set of cassette tapes recorded by his classmate, Hannah Baker, who recently committed suicide. Through the tapes, Hannah reveals the thirteen reasons why she chose to end her life, and Clay learns that he is one of them. As he listens to her story, Clay is forced to confront the painful truths and the impact of his actions.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Challenged for: sexual content, LGBTQIA+ content, substance use, age appropriateness
Tells the story of Miles “Pudge” Halter, who leaves his dull life behind to attend Culver Creek Boarding School. There, he meets the captivating and unpredictable Alaska Young, whose intense personality pulls Pudge into a whirlwind of experiences. When tragedy strikes, Pudge is left to navigate the aftermath, changing his life forever.
George by Alex Gino
Challenged for: language and references, LGBTQIA+ content, transgender character, conflicting with religious views
Tells the story of a young transgender girl named George, who feels trapped in a body that doesn’t match her identity. When her class announces auditions for Charlotte’s Web, George is determined to play Charlotte, despite being told she can’t because she’s assumed to be a boy. With the help of her best friend Kelly, George plans to reveal her true self to everyone.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, age appropriateness
Based on the true story of two male penguins, Roy and Silo, who formed a bond and raised a chick together at the Central Park Zoo. With the help of a caring zookeeper, they became parents to Tango, showing that all families are unique.
Drama by Raina Telgemeier
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, political viewpoint, racial or social offensiveness
Follows Callie, a middle schooler passionate about theater who takes on the role of set designer for her school’s production of Moon Over Mississippi. While dealing with challenges like a tight budget, uncooperative crew members, and offstage drama, Callie navigates her way through the chaos of the school play and her blossoming feelings for two brothers.
Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James
Challenged for: sexual content, offensive language
Follows Anastasia Steele, a literature student, who interviews Christian Grey, a successful and enigmatic entrepreneur. Despite their differences, they embark on a passionate, complex relationship where Ana grapples with Christian’s controlling nature and unconventional desires, while exploring her own. The novel delves into themes of power, intimacy, and self-discovery.
Internet Girls (series) by Lauren Myracle
Challenged for: sexually explicit, offensive language
Best friends Maddie, Angela, and Zoe navigate the ups and downs of high school with humor and heart. As they face boy troubles, school drama, and personal mistakes, they must rely on their bond to make it through the year. The story explores friendship, growth, and the challenges of adolescence.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Challenged for: sexual assault, religious content, violence, cultural sensitivity, offensive language
Twelve-year-old Amir strives to win a kite-fighting tournament with the help of his loyal friend Hassan. However, a traumatic event during the tournament changes their lives forever. Years later, after fleeing to America due to the Russian invasion, Amir returns to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, seeking redemption for his past actions.
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