During Banned Books Week some of the ACLU of Illinois Staff shared their favorite banned books.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Recommended by: Julie Allpow, Individual and Corporate Support Specialist
The first time I read it was in a high school literature class. This book exposed my classmates and I to a major global conflict from a unique and relatable perspective that only enhanced what we learned in history class. Literature has a unique way of encouraging empathy and understanding across differences, which is why I find it so important to fight against book bans.
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Recommended by: Gillian Armstrong, Operations Coordinator
I love that Gender Queer can be read by and be educational for any age group, and that it demonstrates the importance of supporting & accepting people as they identify.
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Recommended by: Paul Bulow, Advocacy Administrative Manager
It's an eye-opening look at how crucial voices are pushed to the margins, particularly within social movements. To ensure access to and freedom of expression for those crucial voices!
1984: The Graphic Novel by George Orwell; adapted and illustrated by Fido Nesti
Recommended by: Kevin Fee, Senior Special Litigation Counsel and Supervising Attorney
Just for the exquisite irony of it.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Recommended by: Kayla Flanagan, Events and Supporter Communications Senior Strategist
Books are such a powerful tool to open minds and start conversations and it’s important to fight against book bans to safeguard free speech and promote new ideas and ways of thinking.
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
Recommended by: Danny Gebre, Data and Operations Specialist
This book was important to me, because it showed me reading didn’t have to be stuffy, boring, or educational all the time. It could just be fun.
Heather Has Two Mommies by Lesléa Newman
Recommended by: Angela Inzano, Policy and Advocacy Strategist
Our family loves reading the banned book: "Heather Has Two Mommies" by Lesléa Newman. As a parent, books like this are essential to raising empathetic children who know that every friend, family member, and neighbor in their life is unique in ways that should be celebrated. As Heather's teacher says, "the most important thing about a family is that all the people in it love each other."
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
Recommended by: Emmalee Scott, Director of Philanthropy and Engagement
House of the Spirits is an important book to me because at its core it is a story of resilience and resistance. Fighting against book bans is important because everyone should have the right to decide what they read – reading has the power to open up worlds that we might otherwise never know about.
My Shadow is Pink and My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart
Recommended by: Chaundre White, Senior Supervising Attorney
These books matter to me because they celebrate diverse gender identities and gender expression and model positive parenting of gender expansive children.
One reason it is important to fight against book bans is so we can promote understanding of gender issues from a young age and stamp out prejudice in those formative years as opposed to undoing years of misinformation.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Recommended by: Kelly Yue, Legislative Operations Associate
It allowed me as a first-generation immigrant to get a glimpse into what Black teens experience as they navigate adolescence, racism, school, and family.
Find out more about fighting book bans in your local community