Freedom to Read Week

Libraries across Canada recognize Freedom to Read Week to protect the public’s right to freely choose what to read. During Freedom to Read Week and all year long, Richmond Public Library is committed to ensuring that everyone has uncensored access to materials of varying topics, beliefs and opinions. In 2026, Freedom to Read Week takes place from February 22 to 28. We invite you to discover and browse some recently challenged and banned books that we have featured here.

Gender Queer

In this autobiographical comic memoir, author Maia Kobabe reflects on their own journey of understanding gender and sexuality. Banned, challenged, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content, and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images.

By Maia Kobabe

All Boys Aren't Blue

Written in a series of personal essays, journalist George M. Johnson recounts his childhood, adolescence and college years as he goes through the hardships and triumphs he faced as a Black queer boy. Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, profanity, and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.

By George M. Johnson

The Bluest Eye

In The Bluest Eye, Pulitzer prizewinner Toni Morrison tells the story of a black girl growing up in the 1940s. Widely taught in schools, it is frequently on the American Library Association’s lists of most challenged books, and was the tenth most-challenged book of the past decade. An unflinching look at the pain and damage caused by bigotry, the book has been “banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and depicts child sexual abuse.

By Tony Morrison

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Seventeen-year-old Greg has managed to become part of every social group at his Pittsburgh high school without having any friends, but his life changes when his mother forces him to befriend Rachel, a girl he once knew in Hebrew school who has leukemia. Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and degrading to women.

By Jesse Andrews

This Book is Gay

This informative handbook offers a wide overview of the LGBTQ experience, from gender identity and sexual orientation, to self esteem, dating and more.

By Juno Dawson

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Perks follows observant “wallflower” Charlie as he charts a course through the strange world between adolescence and adulthood.

By Stephen Chbosky

Flamer

It’s the summer between middle school and high school, and Aiden Navarro is away at camp. Everyone’s going through changes—but for Aiden, the stakes feel higher. As he navigates friendships, deals with bullies, and spends time with Elias (a boy he can’t stop thinking about), he finds himself on a path of self-discovery and acceptance.

By Mike Curato

Tricks

This novel in verse tells five interwoven stories of teens from across the US who, due to different circumstances and situations, end up working as prostitutes in Las Vegas.

By Hannah Bonam-Young

Looking for Alaska

One of the most banned novels of the 21st century, Looking for Alaska tells the story of relationships, sex, and alcohol Before and After a deadly car crash, and the struggles of teenager Miles “Pudge” Halter to cope and find meaning in the midst of it all.

By John Green