Inappropriate books in libraries and schools is not a new phenomenon and neither is the banning of books. However, the banning of books does not inherently protect children from inappropriate content. 

  Book bans suppress books featuring diverse characters or harsh truths of reality.  For instance, banning “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margret Atwood hides real world issues, such as oppression and sexual violence. Like “The Handmaid’s Tale”, a fair amount of banned books include real world challenges and hard truths. 

  As complex as the nation is, it is important that the libraries in schools reflect the diversity and challenges that are realistic.

With perspectives limited by a lack of access to these types of books, students are forced to rely on the perspectives handed to them. It hinders their ability to think critically and undermines students who identify themselves through the literature that is deemed inappropriate by the community.

   When a novel such as “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morison is too inappropriate for schools, we have to determine what the message is that is being sent to students who find themselves rooted in that history. It also may result in students who are unprepared to have difficult conversations about the controversies of the world they encounter. If diversity isn’t presented to students in schools, they won’t be able to handle it outside of school. 

  As I wrap up my education on my path to teaching English on the high school level, it is important to me that I am able to put these controversial books in front of students. Allowing students to see themselves and absorb literature, while practicing crucial literary skills, is crucial during this stage of their development. It is also critical that students are prepared for the realities of the world that waits for them outside of the school building. 

  While I believe that most banned books have their rightful place in schools, I am aware that not everything is appropriate for all age groups. Thoughtful restrictions should still be set, keeping mature literature out of small hands and adding warnings to the books. However, protecting students from all of the realities of life only hinders them.