Over 11,300 books have been challenged since Banned Books Week—a week in September started to celebrate the freedom to read—started in 1982. Books are most commonly banned for sexually explicit material, offensive language, unsuited for the age group, violence, or homosexuality. However, these materials are even more important to read because they voice ideas that are not just important. Ideas are powerful.

Books are a medium to convey these powerful ideas. And these powerful ideas should not be censored. These books challenge us to understand something different and to do better. And they're books you should put on your reading list—even if you aren't an avid reader—because they represent important ideas or cultural revolutions that you should be aware of.

2. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

The first installation in this series was published in 1997. It has been banned for witchcraft and violence.

4. Looking for Alaska by John Green

Green's book was published in 2005 and was banned for sexually explicit material, profanity, homosexuality, and religious beliefs.

6. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

After its publication in 2005, this memoir was banned for violence and profanity.

8. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

This 2004 novel was banned for violence, sexually explicit material, and profanity.

10. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

This 1969 autobiography was banned for childhood rape and race relations.

13. The Giver by Lois Lowry

This 1993 dystopian classic was banned for euthanasia, sexuality, and suicide.

15. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Many attempted to ban this book, leading to irony as books are illegal in Bradbury's novel. But it makes this list because it shows the importance of literature and reading. A quote from Bradbury to sum it all up: "a book is a loaded gun."

I hope you enjoy this list and embrace your freedom to read!