Banned Books in Texas but Too Good to Ignore

Banned Books Week is nearly upon us and that means now is the great time to revisit some of the classics that have either been banned, or have been attempted to be banned. And of course, Texas is right in the middle of it all. Year after year, our state ranks near the top when it comes to book bans, with everything from timeless classics to modern bestsellers ending up on the “too hot for school” list. If there’s a banned books debate, chances are Texas is front and center, and honestly, that just makes these titles even more tempting to read.

What Is Banned Books Week?

Banned Books Week is basically a nationwide shout-out to stories that someone, somewhere, decided readers shouldn’t have access to. It started back in 1982, when book challenges were on the rise, and it’s been going strong ever since. Libraries, schools, and book lovers use the week to highlight titles that have been banned or challenged, not just to stir the pot, but to remind us why the freedom to read matters.

Think of it as the ultimate reminder that books are powerful. They challenge us, make us think, and sometimes make people uncomfortable, which is exactly why they’re so important. And since Texas usually lands in the spotlight for banning more books than almost any other state, Banned Books Week always hits extra close to home here.

If you’re looking to celebrate these are some of the most talked-about banned books in Texas, stories that have sparked debate, hit headlines, and still found their way into the hands of readers who refuse to put them down.

Banned in Texas: 10 Books Sparking ControversyThese banned books in Texas reflect the clash between education, censorship, and the freedom to read across the state. But they’re still great reads and you should check them out! Gallery Credit: Joanna Barba McClelland and Stewart, Houghton MifflinThe Handmaid’s Tale Atwood’s dystopian classic imagines a future where women’s rights are stripped away and fertility is controlled by the state. It’s frequently banned in Texas schools for sexual content, violence, and “political themes” — yet it feels more relevant with every passing year. Delacorte PressSlaughterhouse Five Vonnegut’s anti-war masterpiece blends sci-fi, satire, and history through the story of Billy Pilgrim, a soldier “unstuck in time” after the bombing of Dresden. It’s been banned for profanity, sexual content, and its blunt critique of war — making it one of the most challenged novels of the 20th century. Covici FriedeOf Mice and MenSteinbeck’s Depression-era classic follows two migrant workers chasing the American Dream, and it’s been banned for profanity, violence, and “unsuitable” themes. Still, it remains one of the most assigned — and challenged — books in U.S. schools. Riverhead Books (an imprint of Penguin Random House)The Kite Runner Set in Afghanistan, Hosseini’s debut novel follows two boys whose friendship is torn apart by betrayal and political upheaval. It’s been banned for sexual violence, language, and sensitive cultural themes — but also praised for its unflinching honesty. Little, Brown and CompanyThe Catcher in the Rye Salinger’s coming-of-age novel about Holden Caulfield has been on banned lists for decades due to language, sexual references, and its portrayal of teen rebellion. It’s also one of the most influential novels of the 20th century — proving banned doesn’t mean forgotten. J.B. Lippincott & Co.To Kill a MockingbirdLee’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel tackles racism and injustice in the Deep South through the eyes of young Scout Finch. It’s often banned for racial slurs and “uncomfortable themes,” but it continues to be a cornerstone of American literature. Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins imprint)The Hate U GiveThomas’s bestselling YA novel, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, tells the story of Starr Carter, a teen navigating the aftermath of a police shooting. Challenged in Texas for profanity and “political themes,” it’s one of the most banned modern books in schools. Algonquin BooksWater For ElephantsSet during the Great Depression, Gruen’s novel follows a veterinary student who joins a struggling circus. It’s been banned and challenged for sexual content, but the book became a bestseller and was adapted into a 2011 film starring Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon. MTV Books (Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster imprint)The Perks of Being a WallflowerTold through letters from shy teen Charlie, this cult-favorite YA novel covers friendship, identity, trauma, and mental health. It’s one of the most frequently banned books for its depictions of sex, drugs, and LGBTQ themes — but it’s also a lifeline for countless young readers. Holt, Rinehart & WinstonThe Bluest Eye Morrison’s first novel tells the heartbreaking story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl who prays for blue eyes and blonde hair. Banned for explicit depictions of trauma and sexual violence, it remains a powerful critique of racism and beauty standards in America.

For all us book lovers we know that banning books doesn’t make their ideas disappear, it just makes people more curious to read them. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or checking out a modern bestseller, celebrating Banned Books Week in Texas is as simple as picking up one of these titles and letting the story speak for itself. After all, the best way to push back against censorship is to keep reading.

6 Must-Visit El Paso Bookstores Every Book Lover Will AdoreFrom cozy indie shops to niche literary gems, here’s where to find the best local reads in El Paso. Brave BooksBrave BooksLocated at 1307 Arizona Ave. Cactus Flower BookeryCactus Flower BookeryLocated at 5024 Doniphan inside the MarketPlace at Placita Santa Fe. Books Are Gems Storytime Books Are GemsLocated at 7744 North Loop Dr. Good Girl Romance Bookstore Good Girl Romance BookstoreLocated at 7118 N. Mesa Margin Notes Bookbar Margin Notes Bookbar7460 Cimarron Market Ave Bldg. 2, Ste 300 Literarity Book ShopLiterarity Book ShopLocated at 5411 N. Mesa