Pick Up These Reads From The Banned Books List To Challenge The Status Quo

banned books list

Knowledge is power, so it's not that surprising that books have historically been banned to repress the power of others. According to Harvard, the first known instance of a banned book in America is from the literal 1600s, so this isn't anything new. Stemming from the idea that people — and more recently, for children specifically — will be influenced by things they read, several books you and I may be familiar with were once (or still are in some places) banned. What’s even worse is that some libraries are even being forced to withhold certain books unless they want to face prosecution still.

My fondest childhood memories revolve around the amazing relationship I had with my elementary school’s librarian, so I can't fathom this. I’d often ask for a bathroom pass only to sneak to the library to spend time reading and talking to her. I never got in trouble because staff encouraged and celebrated me reading.

While I focus on helping the next generation learn and read everything they can, here are some classic and current books that have frequented the banned books list over the years.

1984 by George Orwell

1984 is at the top of our banned books list because I think it sends a stark message that's ruffled some feathers 👀. Within its pages are one man’s growing discontent with the totalitarian government he lives in. Tasked with rewriting history so that it fits a certain narrative (clears throat), Winston Smith becomes determined to find a way to make a change. However, it feels impossible when everyone’s moves are monitored via technology.

Sadly, there are no happy endings in this book because it’s revealed that some powers are beyond control and there’s only one way to survive — assimilation.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Although main character Guy Montag is a firefighter who spends his time setting homes on fire for breaking the law, it becomes clear that he’s grown weary of society’s reliance on technological advancements. It’s first noticed when he meets teenaged Clarisse and is intrigued by her hopeful outlook on life.

When her family suddenly disappears, Guy’s moral compass and zest for life are awakened. This plunges him into the worlds that he’s been called to destroy; something he understands is worth the risk.

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

In many ways, Gender Queer is equally Maia Kobabe's love letter to emself — one the gives em permission to share their truth in its entirety. There's many tales that involved eir teenaged self, but the most important lesson e learned is how to comfortably exist.

E finds community in unexpected places and helps those who may come across eir book with their own identity journeys. In short, Gender Queer is a call-to-action novel that seeks to educate with the help of personal experiences.

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

All Boys Aren't Blue is another memoir that asks you to look at the humanity of people. Taking great care to detail pivotal moments in his life, George M. Johnson talks about the sweet and sour moments of his queer journey as a young Black man. From dealing with bullies to marginalization, it's a must-read for young adults who are looking to come to terms with their sexuality and identity.

The Perks of Being a Wallflowerby Stephen Chbosky

Charlie credits his observant nature to his ability to blend into the background, but even that's no match when he's faced with having to actually show up in his life. Thrust into the middle of changing friendships, love, and sex, he struggles to make sense of it all. But, he eventually finds that his offbeat stride is the perfect soundtrack for the craziness of life.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Instead of placing humans at the center of this tale, Animal Farm gives a charismatic voice to animals who feel under-appreciated. Encouraged by Old Major, a boar whose influence is felt by all, the animals eventually take over the farm they inhabit. They establish their own government and laws that guide their daily lives.

But as their farm thrives, the animals are met with resistance from their former farmer and find they’re not able to agree on everything. Some believe they need to rely on modern enhancements around the farm to live freely while others feel strongly that it’s unnecessary.


What the reader comes to find is that no society is perfect and even animals are prone to turn on each other in search for their idea of paradise. Not only that, but 1984 reiterates a line spoken by Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight: “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

After Atticus is assigned to defend Tom Robinson, a young black man, who’s accused of harming a white woman — a major offense during the early 1930s — he and his children’s lives are forever changed. They find themselves defending Tom throughout the book in the wake of growing tensions and hateful rhetoric.

Despite realizing that the young white woman, Mayelle Ewell, and her father aren’t telling the truth about what happened, Tom is convicted and eventually murdered. What happens next is a testament to justice and karma being found when the legal system fails to stand on the right side of history.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

So many of our lives have been touched by ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,’ so it’s heartbreaking to see that it’s now been banned. Truthfully, I can say that if my biological dad had it his way, this book and Sex Education classes would’ve been banned long ago because he feels that young girls shouldn’t be introduced to certain topics too early.

But there’s no denying that this book reads like a coming-of-age story that covers everything from getting your first period to navigating intense romantic feelings. It'll be hard not to see yourself in Margaret Simon or her new friends — Nancy, Gretchen, and Janie — as you relive their memories.

Also, it's a nod to the fact that sometimes young people are capable of developing their own relationship with religion and a higher power without feeling pressured.

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

This classic love story revolves around Janine Crawford's growth as a woman and the lovers she entertains along the way. Despite not having a say so in her first marriage to an older man, she escapes and finds solace in another who eventually treats her like arm candy. When she finally comes across Tea Cake, she meets someone she feels is a worthy lover and their romance is as passionate as it's volatile.

Still, no one can deny what they have is special and they get to enjoy it until tragedy rips Tea Cake away from Janine. Forced to make a difficult choice, Janine eventually finds herself back at square one and realizes it's where she needs to be.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Trigger warning: This book mentions childhood sexual violence.

Despite the brilliance of Maya Angelou, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings has landed on many banned books lists, but I have a feeling I know why. When I first read this memoir, I pictured myself in little Maya's shoes. She talks in great detail about her upbringing in Stamps, Arkansas and even talks about the prejudice that ran deep in the town. However, her grandmother, big brother Bailey, and uncle are a sort of safe haven for her.

By the time she and Bailey go to live with their biological mother in St. Louis, Maya feels like she's finally getting the hang of life. Unfortunately, sexual violence occurs in her new safe haven and she finds herself disassociating so she doesn't have to confront the aftermath of trauma.

Eventually, she learns to find forgiveness, healing, and love exist within her, and she goes on to start charting an undeniable path for herself.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey

If you watched Ratched on Netflix, you were introduced to an early version of the formidable villain Nurse Ratched that exists within Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Instead of a woman who's still unsure of herself, she runs a tight and abusive ship at a mental hospital. No one has been brave enough to challenge her until Randle Patrick McMurphy arrives.

His charm and free-spirited nature catapults him to popularity among the other patients which agitates Nurse Ratched to no end. What happens over the course of the book is a battle of wills and desires that has damning effects.

The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed

Trigger warning: This book mentions rape.

Banned books — like The Nowhere Girls — that tackle sexuality and sexual violence may seem jarring for those who believe shielding young people from anything sex related means they'll never get curious. But as a victim of rape at 17 years old, I've learned that not talking about sex or sexual violence doesn't mean they'll never happen.

It's the driving force of The Nowhere Girls and follows three teens — Grace Salter, Rosina Suarez, and Erin Delillo — as they band together to seek justice against rape culture. Although their backgrounds may be different, their commitment to seeking justice isn't and it sends them on a journey that includes practicing celibacy until changes are implemented.

Oryx and Crakeby Margaret Atwood

In a world where everything — even humanity — has changed, Snowman has a difficult time dealing with the loss of two people he cared for. In order to figure out how everything unfolded the way it has, he decides to go on a quest until he's satisfied with what he finds.

Knowing that he may find more than he intended to, he swallows his fears and learns to come to terms with the genetic engineering that's taken place.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre is caught between two worlds in A Court of Mist and Fury — the sequel to A Court of Thorns and Roses — and it causes her great distress. Although she's considered a savior by her great love Tamlin, she's fully aware that it's more complicated than that. The closer she gets to enjoying a lifetime of love and marriage with Tamlin, she must find a way to come to terms with the many layers of who she is.

Her journey is made that much harder when it's up to her to stop something dark from taking shape and causing harm to everything she's ever known.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Similar to Charlie in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Greg Gaines knows how to dissociate no matter where he is and no one really questions it. The only person who knows him the best is Earl and they spend time creating films that are mediocre at best.

But when Rachel and her leukemia diagnosis enters the picture, Greg and Earl have to open their worlds a little wider than before. This leads them to document Rachel's life and all the ways life doesn't have to be perfect to matter.

Which banned books have you read? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out our storefront for more book recs!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header images via Amazon

What is it about family sagas that seem to make book clubs more interesting? Maybe it's because we know interpersonal relationships can be a little dysfunctional. It could be that we still don't know how to communicate with the people we love the most. Even if we love our parents and siblings, reading about other families' fictional twists and turns gives us a rush of adrenaline.

So it's no wonder Jenna Bush Hager's January book club pick feels like something we can read without putting down. It's full of complicated relationship dynamics, love, and reconciling one's identity with their past. You can say it's the perfect read to kick off your 2025 reading goals!

Learn more about Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 book club pick and fall in love with one character's journey of self-discovery.

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The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight

Penn should be excited about advancing her education at the University of Edinburgh, but she can't stop thinking about the secret her parents have been keeping from her. For some reason, she believes she'll uncover it while she's in Scotland because Lord Lennox — her father's friend — is in the area.

Her hunger for the truth leads her to Lord Lennox's estate where she she starts mingling with his family and even discovers love in this moving novel.

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Jenna Bush Hager's Thoughts About The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus

Jenna Bush Hager thinks readers will love The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus because "it's a rich novel" with themes of "friendship and motherhood" (via Instagram). It's so good, she's sure "it will sweep you off your feet (via Instagram).

We hope you enjoy reading about Penn's journey in The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus and encourage you to check out Reese Witherspoon's January book club pick next!

Eating out as a vegan can be a true challenge, especially if you don’t exactly know that what you’re ordering is 100% vegan. Fast food faves like McDonald’s and Taco Bell are secretly packed with vegan items, and Starbucks is no exception. From oat milk coffees to satisfyingly savory snacks, you’ve actually got plenty of plant-based choices when you pull up at your local Starbucks.

Scroll on to explore every vegan Starbucks drink and food item you can add to your order!

Vegan Starbucks Drinks

Starbucks

1. Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado

This new-to-the-menu espresso drink combines brown sugar syrup and oat milk to balance out the punchy coffee notes.

Starbucks

2. Latte (Iced + Hot)

You can totally enjoy a latte at Starbucks if you're vegan. Their oat, almond, coconut, and soy milks are vegan, plus many of their syrups qualify as vegan, too, if you want to flavor up your drink. According to this Starbucks supervisor, all of Starbucks "clear" syrups are vegan and dairy-free. Starbucks' regular and white mocha sauces and caramel drizzle are also vegan and dairy-free.

Starbucks

3. Americano (Iced + Hot)

Starbucks' Americanos are just water and espresso, so you don't have to worry about any dairy being in there. Optionally, you could ask for a splash of non-dairy milk and pumps of your fave syrup.

Starbucks

4. Brewed Coffee (Iced + Hot)

Same goes for their brewed coffees, including iced coffee. Easily ask your barista to add in some non-dairy milk and a few pumps of syrup if you desire!

Starbucks

5. Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

This vegan cold brew drink is crafted with non-dairy cold foam that's flavored with salted caramel – and it's delish!

Starbucks

6. Nitro Cold Brew

A plain nitro cold brew from Starbucks is fully vegan and dairy-free. You can choose to add a splash of non-dairy milk, if you wish your sip to be a bit smoother and creamier.

Starbucks

7. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

This one's a classic: shots of espresso get shaken up with ice and brown sugar syrup to create a frothy foam, then the drink is topped off with oat milk to cut the bitterness. It's quite a delectable order, even if you're not eating fully vegan.

Starbucks

8. Starbucks Refreshers

All of Starbucks' fruity Refreshers are vegan. Plus, you can can add lemonade, tea, other flavor inclusions like strawberry and peach to add some extra oomph.

Starbucks

9. Iced Black Tea

Their refreshing iced black tea is certifiably vegan, too.

Starbucks

10. Iced Green Tea

If you prefer green tea, Starbucks' offering is vegan-friendly. If you tend to take your tea a bit sweeter, just order it with however many packets of your preferred sweetener, and your barista will add it in.

Starbucks

11. Lemonade

You truly can't go wrong with a lemonade!

Starbucks

12. Hot Teas

Starbucks' hot teas are totally vegan, too. If you want to make them fancier, ask for an additional splash of your go-to non-dairy milk!

Vegan Starbucks Foods

Starbucks

1. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Now onto the food! First up is Starbucks' oatmeal, which you can fancy up with nuts, berries, and brown sugar. Make sure to order it with water to ensure it stays vegan.

Starbucks

2. Plain Bagel

Surprisingly, Starbucks' bagels are also vegan.

Starbucks

3. Everything Bagel

The plain and everything bagels will work for any vegan eater.

Starbucks

4. Avocado Spread

Plus, you can order your bagel with a side of this delicious avocado spread for a nutritious boost!

Starbucks

5. Spicy Falafel Pocket

This 100% vegan snack pocket is new to the Starbucks menu, but it's already become a fan-favorite amongst vegans and non-vegans alike.

Starbucks

6. Chipotle Almond Dip

You can order the Spicy Falafel Pocket with a side of this fully-vegan Chipotle Almond Dip (AKA Bitchin’ Sauce). Yum.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing Starbucks orders!

As much as I've written about Reese Witherspoon's book club, you'd think I was on a first name basis with her (wishful thinking)! But, the truth is that it's the reason I rediscovered reading for fun. As informational as books can be, there's also joy, anguish, fear — and even spicy romance — to lose ourselves in. I'm become a firm believer in holding on to things that bring us joy so if your book stash is overflowing, you're going to love Reese's January pick for 2025.

Learn about Reese Witherspoon's Book Club pick for January 2025!

Amazon

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan (New Release)

Cate Kay's a literary genius who's cracked the code of keeping readers engaged in her written work. She's also secured a film franchise that's made fans go wild. But, no one's ever seen Cate Kay or talked to her. She's an enigma on purpose.
You see, 'Cate Kay' and her bestie Amanda made plans to live lavish lives in California. They were so sure everything would work out until something awful happens that forces 'Cate Kay' to leave her real identity behind.

It's not until something forces her to make peace with where she comes from that 'Cate Kay' decides it's time to stop running from who she is.

Reese's Book Club

Here's What Reese Witherspoon Had To Say About The Three Lives of Cate Kay

Reese Witherspoon never shies away from telling her adoring fans why she chose a book and this month is no different. On her book club's official Instagram page, she wrote: "Have you ever felt like you were living more than one life? That’s exactly what Cate Kay is grappling with in our January pick, The Three Lives of Cate Kay by @KateFagan3. She’s a literary sensation, the face behind a blockbuster film trilogy, but her life isn’t what it seems. This story swept me away with its big dreams, love, and unexpected twists."

Visit our storefront to check out more of our top book picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Trader Joe’s loves to keep us on our toes when it comes to their new arrivals. We’re constantly monitoring the aisles to discover all the new TJ’s sweet treats and savory snacks they launch – and these 7 new picks for January 2025 are not to be missed! All of these Trader Joe’s products will run you less than $5, which only makes sealing the deal on your grocery bill easier.

From delicious dips to a very enticing new frozen meal, these are the 7 best new Trader Joe’s finds you absolutely need to try in January 2025.

Trader Joe's

1. Teensy Candy Bars

These tiny little candy bar bites ($2.99) resemble Snickers in the best way possible: layers of nougat, caramel, and peanuts are enveloped in a delicious chocolate coating for maximum snackage. We're gonna have to resist eating the whole bag! TJ's even suggests using these bits as decoration for other desserts, like sprinkling some on a scoop of ice cream or baking them into some cookies.

Trader Joe's

2. Olive Tapenade Hummus

Trader Joe's array of dips is simply too good to resist, and this newcomer hummus ($3.49) is no exception! It's a tub of "smooth and nutty" hummus topped with a tapenade comprised of black olives, manzanilla olives, capers, and olive oil to give it a salty effect. It's gonna taste so great as a dip for crackers or as a spread on a Mediterranean pita wrap.

Trader Joe's

3. Organic Concord Grape Jelly

This squeezable grape jelly ($3.49) is nothing short of nostalgic. Trader Joe's says it's "super smooth, joyously juicy, and potently purple," which immediately has us sold on making PB&Js every day now.

Trader Joe's

4. Spicy Chicken Nuggets

Oh, yeah. Bring on the spice with these spicy nuggs ($3.99) that make the perfect easy meal no matter the time of day! Made from all-natural chicken breast and rib meat, breaded with wheat, rice and corn flours, then covered in hot sauce and lightly fried, TJ's has their texture down to a tee. You can easily cook 'em in the air fryer, oven, or microwave before chowing down!

Trader Joe's

5. Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos

These halved and fried frozen tacos ($4.99) will totally crush your Taco Bell cravings, since they come together super quickly and contain flavors with mind-blowing authenticity! Each taco is filled with a blend of seasoned mashed potatoes and some "ever-so- slightly spicy" poblano peppers that'll work so well with any dipping sauce, from TJ's salsa to their creamy Jalapeño Sauce.

Trader Joe's

6. Strawberry Mini Hold The Cone!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Trader Joe's is debuting a new flavor ($3.99) of their classic Hold The Cone! frozen dessert: strawberry! These tiny, chocolate-covered cones are lined with even more "rich" chocolate on the inside, then packed with strawberry ice cream, which TJ's says is crafted with plenty of strawberry purée.

Trader Joe's

7. Caesar Salad Dip

Trader Joe's shoppers have said this new Caesar Salad Dip ($3.69) makes a perfect girl dinner addition– which, if you get it, you get it! The tub starts with a "creamy" base that's then loaded up with Caesar-seasoned sour cream, mayo, anchovy paste, Parmesan, and finely shredded Romaine for the crunch. It's best enjoyed with crackers or veggie sticks to dip, but you could also smatter fried chicken or seared steak in it for some ahh-mazing flavor!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more of the best Trader Joe's new items!

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner spent New Years Eve together, and based on the giant ring Dua's wearing on THAT finger, it looks like they could be spending the rest of their lives together too! This celebrity couple were first spotted together in January 2024, and immediately became my favorite couple, like, ever. Engagement rumors were flying by the end of the year, and thanks to Dua Lipa's latest Instagram posts, the internet is more convinced than ever that these two will be headed down the aisle soon.

Here's everything we know about those Dua Lipa and Callum Turner engagement rumors.

Dua Lipa's been wearing a gorgeous ring on THAT finger since Christmas.

In a post celebrating the holidays, Dua Lipa posted a roundup of photos — led by a shot of her wearing a sherpa jacket and reindeer antlers. But as fun as her outfit is, the internet immediately focused on another detail: her new ring. It appears to be a diamond on a chunky gold band, and if you ask me, the ring's modern, glam look is the perfect vibe for the "Houdini" singer.

"THE RING," one user commented, while another user said, "ENGAGED VIBESSSSSSSSSS," under another end-of-year post.

And when Dua Lipa finally posted photos from her epic New Year's Eve celebration on January 3, a third user commented, "We all still waiting to see the 💍." TLDR; the singer's fans really want to know if she's engaged! But if there's one thing I know for sure, it's that this couple won't tell us unless they want to. And I'm here for it!

And Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are totally "mad about each other."

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner keep their relationship pretty private (aside from some very cute walks), but according to one Page Six source, they've been "mad about each other" from the start. And it's clear because these two can't keep their hands off each other!

"Dua and Callum are so in love and know this is forever," a source told The Sun in December 2024. “They are engaged and couldn’t be happier. Dua has had one of the best years of her career professionally and this is the cherry on the cake."

"Callum is such a solid support for Dua and they make a wonderful couple," the source continues. "Their family and friends are so happy. It’s been an amazing Christmas for them.”

Stay tuned for the latest news on Dua Lipa and Callum Turner's potential engagement, and read up on Tom Holland and Zendaya's engagement!