If you feel like you’re seeing "book ban" in the headlines every other day, you aren't imagining it. According to the American Library Association, 2023 and 2024 saw the highest number of "challenged" books since they started keeping track.

But let’s clarify the terminology. A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials based on the objections of a person or group. A ban is when that book is actually pulled from the shelves.

The weird part? It’s not just "edgy" YA novels anymore. We’re seeing everything from And Tango Makes Three (a picture book about penguins) to the legendary Captain Underpants getting the boot.

In 2026, the conversation has shifted. It’s less about one concerned parent and more about organized groups pushing for state-level legislation. For intentional parents, this creates a weird friction: we want to protect our kids from "brain rot" content, but we also want them to have the critical thinking skills that come from reading diverse, sometimes uncomfortable, perspectives.

Kids are drawn to the very things that often get books challenged: honesty, rebellion, and humor that feels "theirs."

Take Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey. It’s been a staple of "banned" lists for years. Why? Because it features "offensive language" (read: toilet humor) and encourages "disruptive behavior."

But let’s be real: if your kid is already obsessed with Skibidi Toilet or watching MrBeast yell for twenty minutes, a book about a principal in his underwear is the least of your worries. In fact, Captain Underpants is often the "gateway drug" that turns reluctant readers into actual book lovers. Banning it doesn't stop kids from liking "gross" stuff; it just stops them from reading.

If you’re looking to build a resilient, empathetic reader, these are the titles that are currently under fire but offer massive value.

Ages 10-14 This graphic novel is a middle-school staple. It’s about a theater crew, crushes, and friendship. It gets challenged constantly because it includes LGBTQ+ characters and a very innocent on-stage kiss. It’s not "adult content"—it’s just a reflection of what middle school actually looks like. Check out our guide on why graphic novels are "real" reading

Ages 8-12 The first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal. It follows a Black student at a prestigious, mostly white private school. It’s been challenged for "Critical Race Theory," but in reality, it’s a brilliant, funny, and relatable story about trying to fit in when you feel like an outsider.

Ages 14+ A powerhouse of a YA novel about a girl who witnesses a police shooting. It’s frequently banned for profanity and "anti-police" sentiment. It’s also one of the best tools for starting a conversation with your teen about justice, systemic issues, and finding your voice.

Ages 16+ This is currently the most challenged book in the country. It’s an autobiography about being non-binary. While it contains some sexually explicit illustrations that make it a "high school and up" recommendation, the ban attempts often focus on removing it from libraries entirely, even for adults.

Ask our chatbot about age-appropriate LGBTQ+ books

If your local school or town library has started pulling titles, don’t panic. The internet is the ultimate "un-banner." Digital libraries are harder to censor and easier to access from your living room.

If you have a library card, you need Libby. It’s the gold standard. Even if your local branch doesn't have a physical copy of a book, their digital consortium might. Pro-tip: Some major libraries, like the Brooklyn Public Library, have offered "Books Unbanned" cards to teens nationwide, giving them digital access to their entire collection regardless of where they live.

For the younger set (under 12), Epic! is a massive digital library. It’s great because it’s a controlled environment—you don't have to worry about them stumbling into the "weird" side of YouTube. It features thousands of high-quality books, including many that have faced challenges in conservative districts.

When a book is truly hard to find, the Internet Archive often has digital scans available for "borrowing." It’s a bit clunkier than Libby, but it’s a vital resource for intellectual freedom.

Here’s the thing about banning books: it makes kids want to read them way more. This is called the Streisand Effect. If you tell a 12-year-old they aren't allowed to see what’s inside Captain Underpants, they will find a way to see it.

Instead of letting the controversy dictate what your kid reads, use it as a teaching moment.

How to talk about it:

Not every "banned" book is right for every kid.

Check out our guide on navigating mature themes in YA literature

Book bans are often more about adult anxieties than they are about child safety. As intentional parents, our job isn't to shield our kids from every "controversial" idea, but to give them the tools to process those ideas.

If your kid is reading Captain Underpants and laughing, they’re developing a love for storytelling. If they’re reading The Hate U Give and asking questions, they’re developing empathy.

Next Steps:

Learn more about digital literacy for parents