Each year the Office of Intellectual Freedom, part of the American Library Association, provides information and publicizes events for Banned Books Week. An annual celebration of the freedom to read, each year’s observance features a list of the top ten most challenged books of the previous year.

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If you need help using our Digital Media tools to access these selections, visit our Online Resources Support page.

If you’re looking for more book suggestions, we’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Book Recommendation form to send us some information about what you like to read and we’ll curate a list just for you.

If you have any additional questions, you can call us at 412-622-3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org. You can find additional ways to contact us on the Need Help? page.

In the Catalog

The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-time Indian

Sherman Alexie

A poor young boy growing up on an American Indian reservation decides to attend an all-white school and change his destiny.

From the Catalog
From Libby
All American Boys

All American Boys

Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely

When sixteen-year-old Rashad is mistakenly accused of stealing, classmate Quinn witnesses his brutal beating at the hands of a police officer who happens to be the older brother of his best friend. Told through Rashad and Quinn’s alternating viewpoints.

From the Catalog
From Libby
The Bluest Eye

The Bluest Eye

Toni Morrison

A classic African American novel of race, poverty, and longing to be something that you’re not.

From the Catalog
From Libby
George

George

Alex Gino

When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl.

From the Catalog
From Libby
From Hoopla
The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give

Angie Thomas

After witnessing her friend’s death at the hands of a police officer, Starr Carter’s life is complicated when the police and a local drug lord try to intimidate her in an effort to learn what happened the night Kahlil died.

From the Catalog
From Libby
From Hoopla
Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

John Steinbeck

Steinbeck’s brief novel offers a thought-provoking and difficult tale of friendship and loss.

From the Catalog
From Libby
Something Happened in Our Town

Something Happened in Our Town

A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice

Marianne Celano

After discussing the police shooting of a local Black man with their families, Emma and Josh know how to treat a new student who looks and speaks differently than his classmates. Includes an extensive Note to Parents and Caregivers that provides general guidance about addressing racism with children, child-friendly vocabulary definitions, conversation guides, and a link to additional online resources for parents and teachers.

From the Catalog
From Libby
From Hoopla
Speak

Speak

Laurie Halse Anderson

A traumatic event near the end of the summer has a devastating effect on Melinda’s freshman year in high school.

From the Catalog
From Libby
Stamped

Stamped

Racism, Antiracism, and You

Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi

A history of racist and antiracist ideas in America, from their roots in Europe until today, adapted from the National Book Award winner Stamped from the Beginning.

From the Catalog
From Libby
To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird

Harper Lee

A young girl watches her beloved attorney father defend Tom Robinson, an African American wrongly accused of a terrible crime.

From the Catalog
From Libby
From Hoopla