Banned Books for Teens — 7 Most-Challenged Titles

Amazon links checked November 13, 2026

These titles top the school challenge lists across the country — and they're some of the most-taught, most-loved books teenagers read. Here's the list, with where to find each one.

Best for grades 7–12 · check content notes on each book page.

1. 
   1The Hate U Give

   by Angie Thomas · Grades 9th–12th · 444 pages · 2017

   Challenged in 10+ states. The police-shooting story teens pass to each other and can't stop talking about.

   Get it on Amazon→
2. 
   2The Perks of Being a Wallflower

   by Stephen Chbosky · Grades 9th–12th · 213 pages · 1999

   Challenged in 11 states. 213 pages of feeling seen — the book every 'wallflower' keeps.

   Get it on Amazon→
3. 
   3Speak

   by Laurie Halse Anderson · Grades 8th–10th · 224 pages · 1999

   Challenged in 6 states. A girl who stops speaking after an assault — and the book that gave a generation the words.

   Get it on Amazon→
4. 
   4The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

   by Sherman Alexie · Grades 7th–10th · 230 pages · 2007

   Challenged in 8 states. Funny, raw, illustrated — the one reluctant readers actually finish.

   Get it on Amazon→
5. 
   5To Kill a Mockingbird

   by Harper Lee · Grades 7th–10th · 281 pages · 1960

   Still challenged in 8 states 60+ years on. The classroom classic that started the conversation.

   Get it on Amazon→
6. 
   6The Kite Runner

   by Khaled Hosseini · Grades 10th–12th · 371 pages · 2003

   Challenged in 12 states. Friendship, guilt, and redemption in Afghanistan — unforgettable.

   Get it on Amazon→
7. 
   7Slaughterhouse-Five

   by Kurt Vonnegut · Grades 11th–12th · 275 pages · 1969

   Challenged in 12 states — and burned in one. The anti-war novel that bends time. So it goes.

   Get it on Amazon→

As an Amazon Associate, ReadingList earns from qualifying purchases and membership trials at no extra cost to you. Pricing, Prime, and trial terms are shown on Amazon.

Last updated November 13, 2026