9 Novels by Black Female Writers Facing Unjust Censorship

“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” – Toni Morrison

A staggering 1,835 unique book titles were targeted for censorship in the United States between January and October 2022, with a shocking 47% of these books representing the voices and experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals.¹ 

As book banning efforts continue to sweep the nation, the works of Black women authors are increasingly under attack. From classic novels to contemporary young adult fiction, these groundbreaking books are being unjustly removed from school and public library shelves. 

Here are nine must-read novels by Black women authors that are facing censorship:

1. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s debut novel, “The Bluest Eye,” has long been one of the most frequently banned books in the United States. 

Published in 1970, this powerful story explores the devastating impact of racism and colorism on a young Black girl named Pecola Breedlove. Despite its critical acclaim and enduring relevance, the book continues to face challenges and bans due to its frank depictions of sexual abuse and racism.

Morrison’s works have been targeted for their unflinching portrayals of the Black experience, with censors often citing graphic content as justification for removal.

2. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Color Purple,” has faced numerous challenges and bans since its publication in 1982. 

The story follows the life of Celie, a young Black woman in the American South, as she navigates abuse, self-discovery, and the power of sisterhood. Critics have objected to the book’s sexual content and its frank discussions of race and gender.

Despite the attempts to censor “The Color Purple,” the novel remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its raw emotion and its celebration of Black women’s resilience.

3. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou’s autobiographical novel, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” has faced frequent challenges and bans since its publication in 1969. 

The book chronicles Angelou’s early life, including her experiences with racism, sexual assault, and her journey to finding her voice as a writer. Censors have often cited the book’s explicit content and discussions of race as reasons for its removal.

4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas’ young adult novel, “The Hate U Give,” has faced challenges and bans since its publication in 2017, with critics claiming that it promotes an anti-police message.

The book follows Starr Carter, a Black teenager who witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed friend and becomes an activist in her community.

“The Hate U Give” has been praised for its timely and honest portrayal of police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement. Thomas’ powerful storytelling has resonated with readers of all ages, sparking important conversations about racism, activism, and social justice.

5. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston’s classic novel, “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” has faced challenges and bans since its publication in 1937, often due to its sexual content and use of dialect. The story follows Janie Crawford, a young Black woman in the South, as she navigates love, identity, and self-discovery.

6. Beloved by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “Beloved,” has faced frequent challenges and bans due to its graphic depictions of slavery and sexual violence. The story, inspired by the real-life case of Margaret Garner, follows Sethe, a formerly enslaved woman haunted by the trauma of her past.

“Beloved” is a powerful meditation on the legacy of slavery and the enduring strength of the human spirit. 

7. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Elizabeth Acevedo’s young adult novel-in-verse, “The Poet X,” has faced challenges and bans due to its frank discussions of sexuality and religion.

The story follows Xiomara Batista, a young Afro-Latina woman in Harlem, as she discovers the power of poetry to express her identity and desires.

8. Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes

Nikki Grimes’ memoir-in-verse, “Ordinary Hazards,” has faced bans and challenges due to its depictions of trauma and its discussions of race. 

The book chronicles Grimes’ childhood in the foster care system and her journey to becoming a writer and advocate for children in need.

Grimes’ powerful, poetic prose and her unflinching honesty have made “Ordinary Hazards” a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the experiences of children in the foster care system.

The book’s editor has emphasized the importance of making such stories available to young readers, as they can provide validation and hope and nurture empathy.

9. Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Jewell Parker Rhodes’ middle-grade novel, “Black Brother, Black Brother,” has faced challenges and pending investigations, with one complaint stating that the book aims to “brainwash kids with lies and hate”.

The story follows two biracial brothers, one who presents as Black and the other as white, as they navigate racism and the school-to-prison pipeline.

Rhodes’ engaging storytelling and her timely exploration of racial identity and systemic racism have made “Black Brother, Black Brother” a hit with young readers. The author has noted that children love the book for its sports theme, its celebration of diversity, and its message of social justice.

Celebrating Black Women’s Voices in the Face of Censorship

As book banning efforts continue to target the works of Black women authors, it is more important than ever to celebrate and uplift these powerful voices.

These nine novels offer a glimpse into the rich history of Black women’s experiences and the enduring power of their storytelling.

Source:
1. Unite Against Book Bans