Banned Books Week this year is coming up on September 18 – September 24! Graphic novels are not immune to challenges and censorship, with graphic illustrated works frequently finding themselves banned from classrooms and libraries for alleged violence, “pornographic” illustrations, and other “adult” themes.
Books banned most frequently include those dealing with sexuality and gender, war and genocide, religion, race, and more. Book banning unfortunately continues to be on the rise in the US, with parents and school districts seeking to restrict students’ access to books based on their own concerns or in order to comply with new statewide legislation, like Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law. PEN America keeps tabs on US book challenges and bans, collecting them into an index. Their Banned in the USA report examines trends in book banning and reports on the continued rise in censorship in libraries and classrooms.
PRH has compiled a Banned Books Resources Hub. Check it out for more information about how to fight back against book bans.
Below are some of our most frequently or notably challenged graphic novels, all of which are worth a read this September.