Banned Books Week may be over, but censorship is always a relevant topic in Texas. Texas lawmakers recently increased the control that parents have over library materials. The 2025 theme for Banned Book Week was “Censorship Is So 1984 — Read for Your Rights,” referencing “1984” by George Orwell, a dystopian tale of censorship that’s frequently banned or challenged in schools. And censorship is so Texas—in the state 1,781 books have been banned across seven school districts.
We caught up with a few DFW booksellers to hear what their favorite banned books are and why they think people should read them anyway.
Pan-African Connection Bookstore, Art Gallery and Resource Center, Dallas
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X
Akwete Tyehimba, owner
Akwete Tyehimba says her favorite banned book elicits a thirst for more knowledge. (Courtesy of Akwete Tyehimba)
“My favorite banned book is ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X,’ as told to Alex Haley,” said Akwete Tyehimba. “I first read it in my early twenties, and I was shocked that I hadn’t encountered Malcolm X’s story during high school or college. His life is a testament to brilliance stifled by a system designed to disenfranchise poor African American communities.”
What the haters say: Critics of the book point to fears that the human rights activist Malcolm X’s ideology was radical and that his promotion of Black pride was divisive.
What the lovers say: Proponents argue it’s a crucial piece of literature for understanding American history and that learning about Malcolm X’s influence on the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ‘60s is a necessary part of Black history education.
What Tyehimba says: Malcolm’s early experiences reflect the realities faced by many young Blacks today; poverty, limited education, a lack of historical and cultural grounding, and a path that too often leads to prison. If fortunate, some experience a reawakening (wokeness), a rediscovery of self-love, and purpose.
Malcolm X’s transformation is a blueprint for many struggling young men. He rose from one of the most marginalized positions in society to become a towering figure of justice, freedom, and empowerment. His story cannot be silenced because it echoes the journey of so many striving to survive and thrive under inequitable conditions.
His life is a blueprint of radical self-transformation and remains one of the most powerful legacies in American history. The best part of this book is that it will give you a thirst for more knowledge. You will read 100 more books after reading ‘ The Autobiography of Malcolm X,’ guaranteed.
Talking Animals Books, Grapevine
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas and “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson
Brooke Marquis, store associate
Brooke Marquis says Talking Animals Books is a place to engage in community and recommends stories that provide insight into diverse experiences. The 32-year-old believes it’s crucial, now more than ever, to stand with young people and fight for their rights. Her recommended reads are “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas and “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson—the most challenged book of 2024, according to the American Library Association.
What the haters say: “The Hate U Give” has been banned due to profanity, violence, and anti-police sentiment. Critics say the material indoctrinates readers into a specific social agenda. “All Boys Aren’t Blue” is banned for LGBTQIA+ content and descriptions of sexual content, which some claim are sexually explicit.
What Marquis says: Attempts to limit people’s exposure to the very real issues that they already face on a daily basis is not only doing them a disservice, but is also an infringement upon their basic rights. Just because the content makes you uncomfortable does not make it inappropriate.
Recycled Books & Records, Denton
“Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison “the sun and her flowers” by Rupi Kaur
Axel Severs, store associate
Song of Solomon is a coming-of-age story that follows a Black man from his birth in 1970s Michigan to adulthood. (Photo Courtesy of Axel Severs)
“Personally, I recommend reading (or at least reading about) any book, film, or artist that has been banned for any reason,” said Axel Severs, store associate at Recycled Books & Records in Denton. Severs, 36, encourages readers to check out “Song of Solomon” by Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison and “the sun and her flowers” by Rupi Kaur.
What the haters say: “Song of Solomon” faced scrutiny from some parents in Texas communities, including Dallas’ Highland Park High School back in 2014, for its sexual content and racial themes.
Kaur’s poetry collection, “the sun and her flowers,” has also faced challenges locally and nationwide. Some argue that themes of sexual identity and sexual assault aren’t suitable for young audiences.
What the lovers say: Advocates for the freedom to read have said exploring diverse content can help young people who have survived or experienced assault, discrimination, and other polarizing issues, and help people learn empathy.
What Severs says:
What one person hates about a book may be the very thing another person loves about it, and what gets a story banned may be the reason it’s worth reading.
