Banned Books To Read

As a second Trump administration looms, the fight for knowledge and liberation becomes more urgent than ever. Book bans aren’t just about censorship — they’re about controlling narratives and erasing truths that challenge power. To resist, we must arm ourselves with the words they fear most. These banned books push boundaries, spark critical thinking, and inspire resistance. From stories of rebellion to radical reimaginings of history, these reads are essential for anyone seeking to stay informed, aware, and ready to engage in the fight for justice and freedom.

1. PARABLE OF THE SOWER BY OCTAVIA E. BUTLER

A dystopian masterpiece that feels eerily prophetic in today’s world. Set in a near-future America ravaged by climate change, social collapse, and economic inequality, it follows Lauren Olamina, a young Black woman with the ability to feel others’ pain, as she journeys to survive-and to build a new belief system called Earthseed.

Why it matters: “Parable of the Sower” isn’t just a story-it’s a warning and a call to action. Reading banned books like this ensures that powerful, often marginalized voices continue to ignite critical conversations about the future we want to build.

2. THE 1619 PROJECT BY NIKOLE HANNAH-JONES

A groundbreaking work created by Nikole Hannah-Jones and a team of esteemed writers, historians, and scholars. It reframes American history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of the national narrative. Through essays, poetry and stories, it challenges the traditional telling of U.S. history, revealing how deeply slavery has shaped the country’s institutions, culture, and economy.

Why it matters: It is a powerful tool for decolonizing history and understanding how the legacy of slavery still impacts the present. Reading this banned book is a declaration that the full story of America must be told-and that acknowledging the past is essential for building a more just future.

3. THE BLUEST EYE BY TONI MORRISON

A profound and heartbreaking novel that tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl in 1940s America who longs for blue eyes, believing they will make her beautiful and worthy of love. Morrison masterfully explores themes of racism, colorism, trauma, and internalized self-hatred, shedding light on the devastating impact of societal beauty standards on Black identity and self-worth.

Why it matters: Toni Morrison’s focus is on the Black experience, and she powerfully validates our stories-highlighting both the beauty and the pain that shape our lives. “The Bluest Eye” exposes the psychological toll of racism and colorism, but it also honors the resilience of Black girls like Pecola, who are often ignored or misunderstood. Reading this banned book not only amplifies the importance of diverse narratives but also ensures that our collective history and truths are never erased.

4. FAHRENHEIT 451 BY RAY BRADBURY

A gripping dystopian novel that explores a future where books are banned, and “firemen” burn them to suppress knowledge and free thought. The story follows Montag, a fireman who begins to question the oppressive society he serves after a series of eye-opening encounters. His journey from blind conformity to awakening is a powerful meditation on censorship, the dangers of mass media, and the importance of intellectual freedom.

Why it matters: In an era where misinformation thrives and critical thinking is under attack, “Fahrenheit 451” serves as a stark reminder of the power of knowledge and the necessity of protecting it. Reading this banned book is an act of resistance, ensuring that the flames of curiosity and freedom of thought never go out.

5. I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS BY MAYA ANGELOU

A deeply moving memoir that chronicles Angelou’s early years, growing up as a Black girl in the segregated South. Through poetic and poignant storytelling, Angelou recounts experiences of racism, trauma, identity, and self-discovery. Despite the hardships she faces, the memoir is a testament to the strength, resilience, and dignity that carried her through-and ultimately, to the power of finding one’s voice.

Why it matters: Maya Angelou’s work is a celebration of Black womanhood and survival. She validates the complexities of Black experiences while offering hope, strength, and empowerment. Reading this banned book is an act of resistance against the erasure of Black stories, ensuring that voices long silenced continue to inspire, heal, and uplift.

6. SISTER OUTSIDER AUDRE LORDE

A powerful collection of essays and speeches that explore the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class. Lorde’s work is both deeply personal and unapologetically political, as she addresses topics like the need for radical self-care, the importance of speaking truth to power, and the ways in which systemic oppression must be dismantled through collective action. Her words challenge, inspire, and empower.

Why it matters: Audre Lorde centers the experiences of Black women, lesbians, and other marginalized communities, validating the complexities of our identities and the power in our voices. “Sister Outsider” is a call to action, urging us to confront injustice, embrace difference, and harness the transformative power of love and rage.
Reading this banned book is an act of resistance, ensuring that the voices of those who live at the intersections are not only heard but celebrated.

7. IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE BY SINCLAIR LEWIS

A chilling political novel that imagines the rise of an authoritarian regime in the United States.
Written in 1935, it follows the rise of Buzz Windrip, a populist demagogue who exploits fear, nationalism, and disinformation to seize power, dismantling democratic institutions in the process. The story serves as a stark warning about the fragility of democracy and the dangers of complacency in the face of tyranny.

Why it matters: “It Can’t Happen Here” is a prescient reminder that the erosion of democracy is not just a distant threat-it can happen anywhere, even in America. By depicting how authoritarianism can take root, Lewis validates the concerns of those who resist fascism and fight for civil liberties. Reading this banned book is a crucial act of awareness, encouraging vigilance, critical thinking, and the courage to defend democracy in turbulent times.

8. THINGS FALL APART BY CHINUA ACHEBE

A seminal novel that tells the story of Okonkwo, a respected Igbo leader and warrior in pre-colonial Nigeria. The novel follows Okonkwo’s rise and tragic fall as British colonizers and Christian missionaries disrupt the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of his community. Through Okonkwo’s journey, Achebe masterfully illustrates the human cost of colonialism and the fragility of tradition in the face of change.

Why it matters: Chinua Achebe centers the African experience, reclaiming a narrative often distorted by Western perspectives. “Things Fall Apart” validates the complexities of African identity, culture, and resistance, offering a lens into the consequences of colonization. Reading this banned book is an act of decolonization, ensuring that African voices and stories remain a vital part of global literature and historical understanding.

9. WOMEN, RACE, & CLASS BY ANGELA Y. DAVIS

A groundbreaking analysis of the intertwined struggles for gender, racial, and economic justice. Through a historical lens, Davis examines the role of Black women in movements for abolition, suffrage, and labor rights, revealing how race and class have shaped feminist movements. Her work challenges mainstream feminist narratives, highlighting the necessity of an intersectional approach to liberation.

Why it matters: Dr. Davis centers the experiences of Black women and other marginalized groups, validating the importance of intersectionality in the fight for justice. “Women, Race & Class” calls for a deeper understanding of how systems of oppression are interconnected—and how true liberation requires dismantling them all. Reading this banned book is a vital act of resistance, ensuring that the voices of those at the intersections of race, gender, and class are heard, remembered, and empowered.

10. THE NEW JIM CROW BY MICHELLE ALEXANDER

A powerful exposé on how the U.S. criminal justice system functions as a racial caste system. Alexander argues that, despite claims of a “colorblind” society, mass incarceration disproportionately targets Black and Brown communities, perpetuating systemic racism reminiscent of the Jim Crow era. Through meticulous research and compelling analysis, she reveals how policies like the War on Drugs continue to strip marginalized people of their rights, from voting to employment opportunities.

Why it matters: Alexander shines a light on the hidden machinery of racial oppression, validating the lived experiences of those most impacted by the prison-industrial complex. “The New Jim Crow” equips readers with the knowledge to challenge the myth of racial progress and fight for true justice. Reading this banned book is an act of resistance against the erasure of systemic racism, ensuring that the call for abolition and reform remains loud, urgent, and undeniable.

11. ALGORITHMS OF OPPRESSION BY SAFIYA UMOJA NOBLE

Exposes the hidden biases embedded in search engines and digital technologies. Noble reveals how algorithms, often perceived as neutral, actually reflect and amplify societal prejudices—particularly anti-Blackness and misogyny. Using real-world examples, she shows how Black women and marginalized communities are misrepresented or erased in online search results, calling for accountability and ethical reform in tech.

Why it matters: Noble highlights how racism isn’t just a social issue—it’s coded into the very technologies we use daily. “Algorithms of Oppression” validates the lived experiences of marginalized communities navigating a digital world that distorts their identities. Reading this banned book challenges the notion of “neutral” technology and calls on us to demand equity, transparency, and justice in the algorithms shaping our reality.

12. PERSOPOLIS BY MARJANE SATRAPI

A powerful graphic memoir that tells the story of Satrapi’s childhood and coming of age during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Through striking black-and-white illustrations, she recounts her experiences with war, political repression, and the struggle for personal freedom. Satrapi’s intimate portrayal of life under an authoritarian regime offers a deeply human perspective on a period often misunderstood in the West.

Why it matters: Satrapi centers the experiences of those living through war and political upheaval, validating the voices of people often erased from global narratives. “Persepolis” challenges Western misconceptions about Iran, offering a nuanced view of resistance, resilience, and the cost of authoritarianism. Reading this banned book is an act of defiance against censorship, ensuring that personal stories of survival, especially from women in conflict zones, are seen, heard, and honored.

13. BLACK GIRLS ARE FROM THE FUTURE BY RENINA JARMON

This collection of essays explores the intersections of race, gender, and technology, with a focus on Black women’s experiences in the digital age. Jarmon critically examines topics like race and access to food, internet culture, and popular media, offering sharp reflections on how Black women navigate and shape these spaces. Her work challenges dominant narratives and celebrates Black creativity and resistance.

Why it matters: Jarmon’s essays validate the unique experiences of Black women in the digital world. Her analysis not only highlights the systemic barriers Black women face but also honors their innovation and creativity. This book underscores the importance of archiving and amplifying Black women’s voices in spaces often shaped by exclusion.

Knowledge is power, and in times like these, it’s a power we can’t afford to lose. These banned books hold stories and ideas that challenge the status quo and demand critical thought. Don’t just read them — own them. Build a library of liberation, and while you’re at it, support the Black-owned bookstores that have always been cultural hubs for resistance and education. Visit your local Black-owned shop or order online to ensure these vital voices continue to be heard. Your bookshelf is a battleground — stock it wisely.