Books About Censorship

The Best Censorship Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about censorship? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Arthur and the Scare-Your-Pants-Off Club

#2 in Series

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Censorship

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Ban This Book

By Alan Gratz

A fourth grader battles censorship to save her favorite book from being banned.

256 pages· 45,851 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.4 Goodreads · 17,025 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: When her favorite book is banned from the school library, shy fourth grader Amy Anne takes a bold stand against censorship. With her friends, she creates a secret library of banned books and challenges the system with humor and determination. As they fight for the right to read, Amy Anne discovers her own voice and the power of standing up for what she believes in. Will their grassroots rebellion succeed, or will the forces of censorship prevail? Dive into this inspiring tale of courage and the fight for freedom of expression.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2019

The Genius Under the Table

By Eugene Yelchin

A boy's doodles may change his fate amidst Cold War secrets.

Golden Kite Honor (2022)Sydney Taylor Book Honor (2022)

208 pages· 22,374 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,577 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In Cold War Russia, young Yevgeny navigates family chaos and hidden secrets, including a KGB spy in his kitchen. With dreams of becoming a national hero, he faces the challenge of living up to his parents' expectations without the talents of his brother. Armed only with a pencil and a table's underside, Yevgeny discovers that his doodles might hold the key to his future. Can he find his place in a world filled with drama and intrigue? This memoir blends humor and poignancy, capturing a boy's quest for identity in a tumultuous era.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2026

The Monster and the Library

By Mats Strandberg, Sofia Falkenhem (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Frank the Monster series

Monster books vanish from a fearful town's library, and then the librarian disappears.

168 pages· 13,975 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 205 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the town of Yrred, people are terrified of monsters. A new rule bans books about monsters from the library, and soon the librarian goes missing. Frank knows his monster friends have good hearts, like the monster hidden inside him, but angry citizens want to deal with them once and for all. As a showdown between monsters and humans nears, Frank must decide whether to keep his secret or find the courage to tell it.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2022

Attack of the Black Rectangles

By A. S. King

A student discovers censored books and fights to uncover the truth behind the blacked-out words.

258 pages· 46,023 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 7,071 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Mac finds words blacked out in his school book, sparking outrage and a quest for truth. Despite adults urging silence, Mac, raised to challenge wrongs, confronts censorship head-on. With his friends, he protests to the principal, but their concerns are dismissed. As the mystery deepens, Mac must decide if he will let his voice be heard or remain silent. In a town where truth is stifled, can Mac and his friends uncover who is behind the censorship and why? This is a story of courage, defiance, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2018

Who Is Judy Blume?

By Kirsten Anderson, Who HQ, Ted Hammond (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

The life story of Judy Blume, a renowned author of children's and young adult books.

112 pages· 7,756 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 340 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Judy Blume, once a stay-at-home mom, transformed into a celebrated author, captivating readers with tales of growing up. Her stories, featuring characters like Margaret Simon, faced controversy for tackling sensitive topics. Despite challenges, her books remain cherished by fans. What fueled her imagination, and how did she navigate the storm of criticism? Uncover the journey of a literary icon who dared to write the stories she couldn't find on library shelves.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics

By Chris Grabenstein · Book #2 in the Mr. Lemoncello's Library series

Books vanish during a fierce library competition. Can the mystery be solved?

320 pages· 45,085 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 15,697 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In the first-ever Library Olympics, game maker Luigi Lemoncello invites teams nationwide to compete. Kyle Keeley faces fierce rivals, but when books start disappearing, the stakes rise. Is censorship at play? As the games unfold, Kyle and his friends must unravel the mystery threatening their beloved library. Can they uncover the truth before it's too late? Let the games begin!

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

This Book Is Banned

By Raj Haldar, Julia Patton (Illustrator)

A book where ideas vanish, but curiosity remains. What's inside?

40 pages

4.1 Goodreads · 861 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a world where ideas are erased, a book defies definition. Dinosaurs? Avocados? Forbidden! As pages turn, discover the chaos and humor of censorship. What secrets lie within this ever-changing tale?

Sale price

$1639

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1998

Arthur and the Scare-Your-Pants-Off Club

By Marc Brown · Book #2 in the Arthur Chapter series

Arthur and friends fight to unban their favorite book series. Can they succeed?

64 pages· 5,181 words· Est. 58 min read

4.1 Goodreads · 432 ratings

$17.25Save 5%

Prebound-Glued

Summary: Arthur and his friends eagerly await the new Scare-Your-Pants-Off Club book, only to find it banned from the library. Determined to reclaim their beloved series, Arthur, Francine, and Buster hatch a bold plan. Will their scheme succeed, or will the books remain out of reach? Dive into this adventurous tale where friendship and determination face off against censorship, and discover if the kids can outsmart the system to bring their favorite stories back to life.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Ink Girls

By Marieke Nijkamp, Sylvia Bi (Illustrator)

Two girls unite to fight censorship and uncover hidden truths in a vibrant city.

288 pages· 11,414 words· Est. 2 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 1,586 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a bustling city, young printer's apprentice Cinzia and sheltered noble Elena form an unlikely alliance. When Cinzia's mentor is jailed for exposing the ruling family's secrets, the girls embark on a daring quest to clear her name. As they navigate a world of intrigue and deception, they discover the power of their voices and the strength of unity. Can these two girls, from such different worlds, change the course of history? Join them on a journey of courage and friendship, where every secret is a story waiting to unfold.

The Bookroo Book Club