Banned Books Week 2026

Protect the Freedom to Read

Banned Books Week is October 4-10 this year. Launched in 1982 by the American Library Association, Banned Book Week was created in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. These challenges continue today and are on the rise. This annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and the freedom to seek and express ideas.

Here are some children’s books that have been challenged or banned:

• The Last Stop on Market Street - Matt de la Pena

• Crown: Ode to the Fresh Cut - Derrick Barnes

• Each Kindness - Jacqueline Woodson

• Junie B. Jones - Captain Underpants - Dav Pilkey

• Where the Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak

• A Light in the Attic - Shel Silverstein

• Bridge to Terabithia - Katherine Paterson

• A Wrinkle in Time - Madeline L’Engle

• Baseball Saved Us - Ken Mochizuki

• The Giver - Lois Lowry

• The Watsons Go to Birmingham - Paul Curtis

Here are some books to share with children to explain the concept of book banning:

• The Day the Books Disappeared - Joanna Ho & Caroline Kusin Pritchard

• This Book is Banned - Raj Halder

• Book Comes Home - Rob Sanders

• Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books - Kirsten Miller

*** As always, parents have the right to select books for their own children.***
Ultimately, you know what’s best for your child. The books you choose to share are your decision. To learn more, visit bannedbooksweek.org