Bonus: Banned Books

The Confessions of Nat Turner is a historical novel that delves into the life of Nat Turner, a slave who led a significant rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1831. The book, narrated by Turner himself as he awaits execution, explores his internal conflicts, societal perceptions of slavery, and the moral implications of his actions. Styron's work is a poignant exploration of resistance and the human spirit in the face of oppression.

Drama is a graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier that follows Callie, a seventh-grader who loves theater and works on her school's stage crew. The story explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and self-discovery as Callie and her friends navigate the challenges of producing a school play. The novel also addresses issues of identity and inclusion, featuring a diverse cast of characters.

Wifey follows the story of Sandy Pressman, a 1970s New Jersey housewife who feels trapped in her conventional life. She embarks on an extramarital affair with an old high school boyfriend, navigating themes of marriage, identity, and societal expectations. The novel explores the complexities of relationships and personal growth during a time of social change.

Goodnight Moon is a timeless children's book written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd. The story follows a young bunny as it prepares for bed, saying goodnight to all the objects in its green-walled bedroom. The book features a rhyming poem and detailed illustrations that capture the bunny's bedtime ritual, gradually transitioning from a lit room to a darkened one as the moon glows outside. The narrative is simple yet effective, creating a cozy and rhythmic bedtime journey that has delighted children and parents alike for generations. The book is notable for its focus on the minutiae of a child's surroundings and its ability to induce a sense of comfort and security.

The book follows Margaret Simon, who moves from New York City to Farbrook, New Jersey, and struggles to fit in with her new friends. Margaret is part of a secret club where the girls discuss boys, bras, and getting their periods. Born to a Jewish father and a Christian mother, Margaret is trying to figure out her own religious identity and has a personal relationship with God, whom she talks to about her thoughts, fears, and desires. The story addresses themes of puberty, peer pressure, social acceptance, and religious identity in a relatable and humorous way.

The story follows the Cat in the Hat, a tall anthropomorphic cat in a red and white-striped top hat and a red bow tie, who visits two children, Sally and her brother, on a rainy day when their mother is away. Despite the objections of their pet fish, the Cat shows the children various tricks and introduces his companions, Thing One and Thing Two, causing chaos in the house. However, just before the mother returns, the Cat cleans up the mess using a machine. The book is known for its simple vocabulary, basic rhyme, and colorful illustrations, making it a favorite among children and parents alike.

The novel follows Charlie, a 15-year-old freshman, as he navigates the challenges of high school, including first dates, family drama, and new friendships. Through a series of letters to an anonymous 'friend', Charlie shares his observations and experiences, delving into themes of mental health, sexuality, abuse, and the struggles of growing up. The book is known for its raw and realistic portrayal of teenage life, capturing the confusion, anxiety, and heartbreak that often accompany this stage of life.

Set in a post-apocalyptic North America known as Panem, The Hunger Games follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12, who volunteers to participate in the 74th Hunger Games to save her younger sister Prim. Alongside Peeta Mellark, the other tribute from District 12, Katniss must use her hunting skills and wits to survive the arena. The Games are a tool of oppression by the Capitol to remind the districts of their defeat in a past rebellion. As Katniss and Peeta navigate the treacherous arena, they also manipulate the audience and sponsors to gain advantages, while sparking the beginnings of a rebellion against the Capitol's tyrannical rule.

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard. The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.

Published in 1987, 'Beloved' is a work of historical fiction that delves into the aftermath of the American Civil War. The novel centers around Sethe, a Black woman who escaped from slavery in Kentucky and now lives in Ohio. However, her life is haunted by the ghost of her two-year-old daughter, whom she killed to prevent her from being taken back into slavery. The story is deeply intertwined with themes of mother-daughter relationships, the power of family and community, and the lasting impact of slavery on individuals and society. The novel introduces a mysterious figure named Beloved, who is the physical manifestation of Sethe's murdered daughter, and explores how this presence disrupts and ultimately transforms the lives of Sethe and her surviving daughter, Denver. Through a complex narrative that includes flashbacks, stream-of-consciousness monologues, and multiple voices, Morrison examines the trauma and resilience of those affected by slavery.

Published in 2006, 'Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic' is a graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel that recounts her upbringing in a funeral home in rural Pennsylvania. The book focuses on Bechdel's fraught relationship with her father, Bruce, a closeted gay man and high school English teacher who also worked as a part-time mortician. The narrative is non-linear, using literary and mythological allusions to explore themes of sexual orientation, gender roles, family dysfunction, and the impact of secrets on family life. Bechdel's meticulous artwork and essayistic writing style combine to create a powerful and intimate portrayal of her childhood and her attempts to understand her father and herself.

In this memoir, Kiese Laymon delves into his complex relationship with his mother, grandmother, and his own body, addressing themes of weight, identity, art, family, and national failures. Laymon writes about his experiences growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, including early encounters with sexual violence, his suspension from college, and his journey to becoming a young college professor in New York. The book is a candid and insightful exploration of the consequences of living in a country obsessed with progress but disinterested in reckoning with its past, and it highlights the personal and national weight of secrets, lies, and trauma.