Banned Books Week is on October 5–11, 2025
Here are Black authors whose works have been banned—and ways to support them.
1. George M. Johnson – All Boys Aren’t Blue (2020)
Why banned: Consistently one of the most banned books in America since 2021. Cited for LGBTQ+ content and exploration of Black queer identity.
Where: Florida, Texas, Missouri, and more than 20 school districts nationwide.
2. Angie Thomas – The Hate U Give (2017)
Why banned: Removed or challenged for “anti-police” messaging, profanity, and racial content.
Where: Banned or restricted in schools across Texas, Pennsylvania, and parts of the South.
3. Ibram X. Kendi (with Jason Reynolds) – Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You (2020)
Why banned: Labeled “divisive” or “political” for addressing systemic racism and American history.
Where: Banned or challenged in Florida, South Carolina, and DoDEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) schools.
4. Jerry Craft – New Kid (2019)
Why banned: Temporarily removed from school libraries following parent complaints that it taught “Critical Race Theory.”
Where: Katy Independent School District, Texas (2021); Clay County, Florida (2023).
5. Michelle Alexander – The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness (2010)
Why banned: Criticized for political content; banned or restricted in multiple prison systems and school libraries.
Where: Prisons in Florida, North Carolina, and New Jersey; restricted in public schools.
How to Support These Authors (and Resist Book Bans)
1. Buy Their Books (Directly or Through Black-Owned Stores)
Support them financially by purchasing through:
- Bookshop.org’s Banned Books Lists
- Black-owned bookstores such as:
2. Donate or Replace Banned Titles
Buy replacement copies for schools or libraries where books were removed.
Some libraries maintain “Wish Lists” for banned books.
You can also donate to neighborhood Little Free Libraries.
3. Host a Book Club or Join Read-Ins
Hold public or virtual readings of banned works during Banned Books Week—or any time of year.
4. Amplify on Social Media
Tag authors directly when bans are overturned or resisted.
Use hashtags:
#ReadBannedBooks #BlackAuthors #FreedomToRead #LetUsRead
5. Engage Locally
Attend school board or library meetings where book bans are discussed and share your perspective.
6. Support Advocacy Organizations
Donate or volunteer with:
Cover Photo: Five Recently Banned Books by Living Black Authors