The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky About the Author Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821–1881) is one of Russia’s greatest novelists, renowned for his intense psychological insight and philosophical explorations of faith, guilt, free will, and moral responsibility. His later works — above all “The Brothers Karamazov” — synthesize his lifelong engagement with theology, law, and the social … Read more
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov About the Author Mikhail Bulgakov was a Russian novelist, playwright, and satirist whose works boldly criticized Soviet society under Stalin’s rule. Known for his dark humor and imaginative storytelling, Bulgakov struggled with censorship throughout his career—many of his manuscripts were banned or destroyed. The Master and Margarita … Read more
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka About the Author Franz Kafka was a German-speaking Bohemian writer whose surreal and haunting stories probe themes of alienation, guilt, and the absurdity of modern life. Although Kafka published only a few works during his lifetime, his posthumously released novels and stories made him one of the most influential writers … Read more
25 Children’s Books You Won’t Believe Were Banned Books open doors to imagination, kindness, and curiosity. We read them to children to help them dream, to laugh, and to understand the world. Yet, surprisingly, even some of the most beloved picture books have faced bans and challenges. For instance, The Very Hungry Caterpillar has … Read more
10 Banned Books Everyone Should Read at Least Once Books have always challenged silence. They question comfort, confront injustice, and remind us who we are when the world grows quiet. Many of the books most often banned are the ones that reveal difficult truths — about race, love, power, or freedom.Yet these are the very … Read more
The Stranger by Albert Camus About the Author Albert Camus was a French-Algerian philosopher, novelist, and journalist known for his writings on existentialism and absurdism. His works explore life’s deepest questions—meaning, morality, and the human struggle in an indifferent universe. Camus received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957 for illuminating “the problems of … Read more
Which U.S. States Lead in School Book Bans in 2025? In the 2024–2025 school year, three U.S. states stand out for the highest numbers of documented school book bans: Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. Together, they account for a large share of the national total. This article looks at how many bans occurred, how new state … Read more
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle by Madeleine L’Engle About the Author Madeleine L’Engle was an American author known for blending science, fantasy, and spirituality in her stories. A Wrinkle in Time (1962) was her breakout work. It won the Newbery Medal in 1963 and has stayed in print ever since. Story in … Read more
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie About the Author Sherman Alexie is a Native American writer whose works often explore identity, culture, hardship, and humor. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is semi-autobiographical, giving readers insight into reservation life and the struggles faced by young people caught … Read more
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood About the Author Margaret Atwood is a Canadian novelist, poet, and critic, famous for her sharp, speculative works that explore themes like science, ethics, power, and environment. Her writing often pushes boundaries, asking what happens when science outpaces morality. Story in Brief Oryx and Crake is a … Read more