Is the Detrimental Impact of Prohibited Books for Young Adults Attributable to the Book Banning Itself?

In this era, book bans crop up plenty in the headlines, sparking discussions about whether certain books should be barred from school libraries. Typically, parents bring up worries about exposure to explicit content, such as sexual, LGBTQIA+, religious or political opinions, offensive language, violence, abuse, racism, and drug use, as reasons to axe books from school libraries.

It's essential to think critically about how we handle the knottier aspects of life, including the mature themes often found in banned books. Inevitably, youngsters will run into these themes as they take on the vast world – regardless of efforts to sheltered them from such subjects. Many young adult books, shunned for carrying mature content, can aid teens in navigating these themes by offering a safe space to explore these issues. Moreover, they may provide a platform for genuine conversations between young adults and the adults who matter in their lives.

I chatted up some Harris County Public Library staff members about Young Adult books they read in their younger days that didn't just survive the ban hammer, but left a lasting impact on them. Here are the banned books they endorsed, along with their thoughts and my personal pick for a banned Young Adult book:

Cemetery Boys

"'There's no way y'all [brujx] have been around for thousands of years without there being one person not fitting into the 'men are this, women are that' bullshit.' Julian sounded so convinced, so sure. His obsidian eyes locked onto Yadriel's. 'Maybe they hid it, or ran away, or I dunno, something else, but there's no way you're the first, Yads.' - Cemetery Boys"

"This outstanding book is an essential read! It shines a light on books as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. I'd never encountered anything from a queer Latinx perspective before – a window – and I saw so much of myself in these characters – a mirror – while also feeling welcomed into the mystery of Brujería – a sliding glass door. Young people must access books that resonate with them, introduce them to new perspectives, and invite them to delve deeper – and this book does just that!" – Amanda P.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

"'I've had enough of someone else's propaganda… I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I'm a human being first and foremost, and as such I'm for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.' - The Autobiography of Malcom X"

"I found this quote remarkable, even though I don't entirely follow Malcolm X's teachings. I firmly believe understanding multiple viewpoints is crucial to avoid biases and broaden my own horizons. I think this practice is crucial for young people to expand their perspectives and gain more knowledge. Even if they disagree with a different viewpoint, they might find some truth in it." – Berenice S.

The Diary of Anne Frank

The Diary of a Young Girl

"As a tween, I checked out The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. Before reading her diary, Anne Frank was an essential historical and inspirational figure for me; after reading, she was just a relatable teenage girl burdened with profound emotions. She dealt with important issues like identity, homosexuality, and family conflicts, all shared with Kitty, her diary. The book has been continuously challenged due to violence, profanity, and adult content, but no matter how uncomfortable the book makes you feel, it's important to read the experiences that differ from our own. Reading widens our empathy and helps us better understand the world." – Anjela M.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

"One of my favorite banned young adult books is The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. This book resonated with me as it highlighted the profound need for human connection and the importance of embracing our emotions. Growing up, I often felt like I was going mad due to the intense emotions I couldn't express. I often felt like Charlie, yearning for connection with peers and family, yet fearful they wouldn't understand my negative emotions that I thought were 'bad.' This book taught me that all emotions are acceptable, and that loving oneself is crucial for being worthy of love from others." – Natalie B.

Novels have an uncanny ability to provide valuable lessons and allow readers to embark on countless journeys through their characters. Ultimately, the question is whether the detriment stems from the topics these banned books cover or if it's a result of the desire to suppress information and prevent public access to it.

Adults often express concerns over the exposure of teens to explicit content in books, such as sexual, LGBTQIA+, religious, or political themes, offensive language, violence, abuse, racism, and drug use.
Many young adult books, despite carrying mature content, can serve as a safe space for teens to explore complex themes that they'll inevitably encounter as they grow.
Banned books like 'Cemetery Boys' can offer a new perspective for teens, acting as windows and mirrors in their personal growth.
'The Autobiography of Malcolm X' introduces readers to diverse viewpoints, fostering empathy and broadening horizons.
'The Diary of Anne Frank' shows the relatable nature of teenage struggles and underscores the importance of empathy when reading the experiences of others.
'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' emphasizes the need for human connection and the acceptance of emotions in all their complexity.
Libraries play a crucial role in making diverse books accessible to kids, helping them see different perspectives and expand their understanding of the world.
Aside from books, understanding and embracing various lifestyles, fashion trends, and food choices is part of the overall growth and development, just like education and career development or healthy relationships.
From traveling the globe to tending a home garden, from learning a new skill to caring for a pet, every experience offers opportunities for personal growth.
Pursuing interests, whether it's reading, sports, or shopping, and investing in self-development contributes to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Is the Detrimental Impact of Prohibited Books for Young Adults Attributable to the Book Banning Itself?