The List of Banned Books in Wisconsin: 12 Reads for Your Next Banned Book Club
I was in college when I read The Awakening. This radical book of a woman choosing something else over children, even if it was something beautifully brutal–it opened my eyes. It made me see something new, something I’d truly never considered before. Am I being a bit vague? Yes! On purpose. I want you all to read it and not give anything away. The funny thing is that part of me understands why that book has been banned so many times–its ideas were new, even when I read it more than a century later.
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We need banned books. We need to have our eyes opened now more than ever. But, well, Wisconsin hasn’t and doesn’t always agree.
Why Are Books Banned?
Before we get into my top picks, let's address the elephant in the room: Why do books get banned in the first place? From protecting young minds from "inappropriate content" to political and ideological disagreements, the reasons are as varied as the books themselves. Wisconsin Public Radio highlights how the ACLU has been actively tracking these bans, bringing much-needed attention to the issue.
The List of Banned Books in Wisconsin
Here's a peek at some of the titles that have made the controversial list, as compiled by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee - A classic that tackles racial injustice, and yet, it faces challenges for its language and themes.
"1984" by George Orwell - Orwell’s dystopian novel is a stark warning against totalitarianism, but some find its content too harsh.
"The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison - This powerful novel addresses race and identity, making it a frequent target for bans.
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie - A coming-of-age story that’s been praised and vilified for its raw portrayal of adolescence.
"Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe - A graphic memoir that’s been banned for its depiction of LGBTQ+ experiences.
"Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You" by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi - This history of racism in America is seen as essential by some, incendiary by others.
"All Boys Aren’t Blue" by George M. Johnson - A memoir-manifesto that confronts black and queer identity head-on.
"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas - Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this book is both celebrated and challenged for its honest portrayal of race relations. Read our book club reading guide here.
"This Book is Gay" by Juno Dawson - An inclusive guide to sexuality that’s been banned for its frank discussion of sex and relationships.
"Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling - Yes, even the boy who lived hasn’t escaped the ban, often targeted for its depiction of witchcraft.
"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley - Another dystopian novel that’s been criticized for its themes of control and dehumanization.
"Beloved" by Toni Morrison - Morrison’s harrowing tale of slavery and its aftermath has faced bans for its graphic content.
Why You Should Read These Books
These books are more than just stories; they’re conversations. They challenge us to think, to feel, to question. They open doors to perspectives we might never consider and experiences far from our own. Banning these books, as discussed in Senator Smith’s column, isn’t just about removing controversial content; it’s about silencing diverse perspectives.
A Call to Action
The list of banned books in Wisconsin isn’t just a list—it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder of the power of literature to open us up, to help us see. So, dearest readers, next time you’re in the mood for a new read, why not pick up one of Wisconsin’s banned books?
