10 Children’s Books That Were Stupidly Banned

As children, many of us encounter books in various forms, whether through the avid bookworms in our family or those who shy away from lengthy reads. But did you know that numerous books, some you’ve read or had read to you, were once banned? These ten children's books were removed from libraries and bookstores, though some were eventually reinstated, with many banned due to their controversial content, even in recent history.

10. Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

Winnie-the-Pooh has been cherished for generations as a symbol of a child's best companion. Most people who grew up with the tale of the silly bear likely have fond memories of him. However, not everyone shares the same sentiment towards Pooh’s love of honey and his whimsical adventures. Banned Books Awareness notes that this classic has faced bans in several countries, including Russia, China, Turkey, and even the UK, as well as in parts of the United States.

Why would anyone want to deprive children of the joy found in Milne’s timeless classic? In 2009, Russia banned Winnie-the-Pooh, claiming it had Nazi connections. The supposed reason? A single individual, known for their Nazi sympathies, was found in possession of a picture of Pooh adorned with a swastika. This isolated incident led to the conclusion that Winnie-the-Pooh was somehow pro-Nazi and anti-Russia. In reality, a closer look at the reasons for banning this book, whether by schools or governments, reveals how absurd and unfounded these claims truly are. As Pooh himself might say: 'Oh bother.'

9. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum

MGM’s 1939 film adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a beloved classic, and the original book holds equal importance. First published in 1900, it laid the foundation for the fairytale genre. Even if you've never read the Oz books, you've likely encountered some reference to the land of Oz. It raises the question: Who would want to ban such an iconic book that has become so ingrained in American culture?

America, that's who. It may surprise you, but this classic has been challenged over the years for various reasons. In 1957, the Detroit Library banned The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, claiming it lacked value for children and encouraged cowardly behavior – despite the fact that the character accused of cowardice was actually never cowardly. Religious groups also opposed it, arguing that the book portrayed magic and sorcery in a positive light. Clearly, those who sought to ban this beloved tale are far from understanding the magic that it brings.

8. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

A Wrinkle in Time takes young readers on an adventurous journey through the intersection of science and magic. While inspired by theories of quantum physics, the novel captivates children, showing them the possibilities that lie beyond their immediate world. The book is celebrated for its boundless imagination and vision. However, not everyone has embraced L’Engle’s creation.

Surprisingly, despite the religious imagery present in L’Engle’s work—similar to that of C.S. Lewis—A Wrinkle in Time’s most vocal critics come from religious circles. According to Banned Books Awareness, many religious groups felt L’Engle’s portrayal of Christian imagery was too subtle. One organization in Iowa even went so far as to accuse the book of promoting satanic themes. The absurdity of these claims is so evident that a true L’Engle fan might wonder if the book’s villain, The Black Thing, is somehow behind the criticism.

7. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

E. B. White’s touching story about the unlikely friendship between a pig and a spider has been captivating children for more than 50 years. Published in 1952, Charlotte’s Web has been a staple on library shelves for young readers. Yet, some still wish this beloved classic would disappear.

In one particularly bizarre incident, a school in England banned Charlotte’s Web over concerns that the character of Wilbur the pig might offend Muslim students. Thankfully, the Muslim Council of Britain recognized the absurdity of this decision, and both the book and others featuring pigs were swiftly returned to their rightful places on library shelves.

6. Bridge to Terebithia by Katherine Patterson

This iconic book ranks number nine on the American Library Association's list of most frequently banned books of the 1990s. While many complaints have been voiced, the most frequent objection revolves around the book’s depiction of death. Some readers applaud Patterson for blending fantasy with realism, while others deem the portrayal of a child's death as too distressing for young audiences. In addition to these alleged grim elements, Bridge to Terabithia has faced accusations of promoting various religious ideologies, including Satanism, Occultism, and New Age spirituality.

5. Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is a widely recognized classic. Even those who haven't read the book have likely encountered one of its many adaptations, with Disney’s animated version being the most well-known. Carroll’s imaginative language introduced us to words like 'vorpal sword', 'chortle', and 'galumph'.

Alice in Wonderland has sparked a range of bizarre objections. Some complaints mirror those against the talking animals in Charlotte’s Web and Winnie-the-Pooh, but others have taken a more extreme turn, accusing the book of including references to sexual acts, promoting child abuse, and encouraging drug use. While most of these allegations have been debunked, there are still those who believe the book is inappropriate for children. However, with over fifty films, novels, and comics based on or inspired by Carroll’s work, it seems unlikely that Alice in Wonderland will be forgotten or banned anytime soon.

4. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss, the iconic American author, has become a household name, with his 46 children’s books gracing libraries and bookstores everywhere. Green Eggs and Ham, a story about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things, was unfortunately banned in China in 1965. The Chinese government claimed the book promoted Marxist and homosexual themes, with the ham in the story allegedly symbolizing sexual imagery and Sam being a figure of temptation. The ban was only lifted after Dr. Seuss's death, and now Chinese schoolchildren can freely enjoy the book – though it remains unclear whether they read it in a box or with a fox.

3. Watership Down by Richard Adams

Watership Down is often compared to a rabbit's version of Lord of the Rings, with an epic plot filled with obstacles and challenges. The story follows a diverse group of rabbits, each with unique skills and qualities, as they search for a new home and face a fierce battle to secure it. The raw, realistic conflict in Watership Down has led to its repeated banning in some schools. While it has never been banned on a national level, certain schools in the U.S., including in New York, have chosen to remove it from their shelves. The impact of the story is clear, either terrifying or inspiring its audience, and if you asked Fiver, the party’s wise rabbit, he would likely say that Watership Down has staying power for years to come.

2. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

The primary controversy surrounding this beloved classic stems from its portrayal of Mr. Wonka’s Oompa Loompas. Although it may be difficult to understand for those familiar with the 1971 movie adaptation or other modern versions, the original text of the book presents the Oompa Loompas as small, dark-skinned pygmy people who work for cocoa beans rather than money. Despite Roald Dahl's assertion that no racist themes were intended, the depiction still sparked offense. This led to the brief banning of the book in certain U.S. locations, although it didn’t remain banned for long. After all, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory still holds the magic ticket to children's hearts.

1. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

This classic, published in 1963, was adapted into a trippy, live-action film in 2009. Though it’s been around for over forty years, this book hasn’t always been readily available in libraries and in stores. After its release, Where the Wild Things Are was banned in libraries all across the U.S. for its dark tone and unruly lead character. Some parents were apparently uneasy about the fact that Max, the story’s protagonist, acted far too much like a regular little boy – he was loud, chaotic, prone to tantrums, and full of mischief. Nowadays, you’ll find far fewer libraries that still hold this ban, though some censors have stuck to their guns. Said censors have clearly lacked the desire to become kings or queens of their Wild Things.