BANNED BOOK GIFT GUIDE FOR KIDS
Books are powerful gifts, and sharing banned books is an impactful way to encourage kids and teens to explore diverse stories and perspectives. Inspired by my video series on banned books, here’s a curated gift guide that highlights my favorite banned books across different age groups.
Let’s celebrate these stories by keeping them in circulation! Watch the video or read blog below:
Banned Books...For Christmas?? Guaranteed to make you the cool aunt/uncle, Natalie shares her top picks for banned books that are perfect gifts for kids whether they are a toddler or in high school. From adorable picture books to thought-provoking young adult novels, these banned books are as meaningful as they are entertaining. Celebrate the freedom to read and give a gift that inspires curiosity and conversation!
For Little Ones: Ages 3-5 (Toddlers & Preschool)
My Moms Love Me by Anna Membrino
Description: A beautifully illustrated picture book celebrating the love between two moms and their child.
Why It’s Banned: Challenged for promoting LGBTQ+ themes in children’s literature.
Where: Banned in some districts in Florida and Texas.
For Ages 4-8 (Pre-K to 2nd Grade)
I Am Jazz by Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthel
Description: This autobiographical picture book shares the story of Jazz, a transgender girl, and her journey to embracing her identity.
Why It’s Banned: Removed from schools and libraries for addressing gender identity.
Where: This is one of the most challenged books in the United States. Banned in some districts in Florida, Wisconsin, Virginia, Utah, and more
Maiden and Princess by Daniel Haack and Isabel Galupo
Description: A fairytale romance about a maiden who finds her happily-ever-after with a princess instead of a prince.
Why It’s Banned: Targeted for LGBTQ+ themes and nontraditional relationships.
Where: Banned in some districts in Alabama, Texas, Florida, and Louisiana
Prince and Knight: Tale of the Shadow King by Daniel Haack
Description: A poetic and evocative book about a prince and his knight joining forces to battle the Shadow King, but instead make a special friendship. This beautifully illustrated story celebrates bravery and love.
Why It’s Banned: Targeted for LGBTQ+ themes and depictions of nontraditional relationships.
Where: Banned in some districts in Florida and Texas.
For Tweens: Ages 9-12 (3rd to 6th Grade)
The Captain Underpants Series by Dav Pilkey
Description: This hilarious series about a prank-loving duo and their superhero principal is a perennial favorite among kids.
Why It’s Banned: Targeted for toilet humor, offensive language, and perceived anti-authority themes.
Where: Banned in some districts in conservative school regions across the U.S.
For Teens
Forever by Judy Blume
Description: A groundbreaking story about a teenage girl’s first romantic relationship and her exploration of love and sexuality.
Why It’s Banned: Challenged for explicit content and its frank portrayal of teen sexuality.
Where: Banned in all public schools in Utah and has been frequently challenged since it came out in the 1970s
Other Judy Blume Favorites
Judy Blume’s books, including Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Blubber, have faced bans for addressing puberty, bullying, and other relatable issues teens face.
Why Give Banned Books as Gifts?
Banned books often explore themes of inclusion, identity, and resilience—important topics for kids and teens to engage with. Giving these books as gifts not only supports freedom of expression but also empowers young readers to think critically and embrace diverse perspectives.
Want more ideas? Watch my full video on banned books gift guides!