Curated shelf
Banned Books List from the American Library Association
Browse Banned Books List from the American Library Association as a public-domain reading list on Rivro, with free classics, authors, subjects, and related books.
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
"Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain is a picaresque novel published in 1884-1885. Told in vernacular English, it follows young Huck Finn as he escapes his abusive father and flees down the Mississippi River with Jim, an enslaved man seeking freedom. Their journey brings encounters with feuding families, con artists, and moral dilemmas that challenge Huck's conscience. Set in the antebellum South, this sequel to "Tom Sawyer" is celebrated for its portrayal of boyhood and its satirical examination of racism and society.
Ulysses
James Joyce
Ulysses
"Ulysses" by James Joyce is a modernist novel published in 1922. It chronicles one day in Dublin—June 16, 1904—following three characters whose experiences mirror Homer's Odyssey. Leopold Bloom parallels Odysseus, his wife Molly echoes Penelope, and Stephen Dedalus reflects Telemachus. Through experimental prose styles and stream of consciousness technique, Joyce explores themes of identity, Irish life, and human consciousness. The novel's complexity, literary allusions, and revolutionary approach to depicting thought have made it one of modernism's most celebrated and debated works.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete
Mark Twain
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete
"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete" by Mark Twain is a novel published in 1876 about a mischievous boy growing up along the Mississippi River in the 1830s-1840s. Tom Sawyer and his friend Huckleberry Finn navigate childhood adventures that take increasingly dangerous turns when they witness a murder in a graveyard. Sworn to secrecy and living in fear, the boys must decide whether to speak the truth as an innocent man faces trial, while a vengeful killer remains free.
The King James Version of the Bible
Unknown
The King James Version of the Bible
"The King James Version of the Bible" is an English translation of the Christian Bible commissioned in 1604 and published in 1611 under King James VI and I. This translation for the Church of England contains 80 books and was created to address controversies surrounding existing versions. Celebrated for its majestic style, it has profoundly shaped English literature, Christian thought, and everyday speech for over four centuries. The translation became the unchallenged standard in English Protestant churches and remains one of the most widely read versions today.
The call of the wild
Jack London
The call of the wild
"The Call of the Wild" by Jack London is an adventure novel published in 1903. Buck, a powerful dog living comfortably in California, is stolen and sold into service as a sled dog during the Klondike Gold Rush. Thrust into the brutal Yukon wilderness, he must fight to survive among other dogs and harsh masters. As Buck endures the unforgiving environment, he grows increasingly primitive, shedding his domesticated life and answering an ancient instinct that pulls him toward something wild and primal.
The Jungle
Upton Sinclair
The Jungle
"The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair is a novel published in 1906. It follows Lithuanian immigrant Jurgis Rudkus and his family as they pursue the American Dream in Chicago's meatpacking district. What begins as hopeful optimism quickly descends into a brutal struggle against exploitation, corruption, and poverty. Working in dangerous conditions for meager wages, the family faces mounting tragedies and moral tests. Sinclair's exposé of unsanitary practices in the meat industry sparked public outrage and led to landmark food safety legislation.
The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories
Kate Chopin
The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories
"The Awakening" by Kate Chopin is a novel that likely dates from the late 19th century. It revolves around Edna Pontellier, a young married woman who experiences a profound transformation during a summer at Grand Isle, leading her to question the constraints of her society and her roles as a wife and mother. The story explores themes of identity, independence, and the struggle against societal norms. The opening of "The Awakening" introduces us to Edna Pontellier and her husband Léonce during their summer stay at Grand Isle. As Léonce attempts to enjoy his Sunday morning, the sounds of the island—especially the chatter of children and the call of birds—surround him. When Edna arrives with Robert Lebrun, tensions arise as Léonce expresses concern for Edna's sunburn and her adventurous spirit. As their summer unfolds, Edna grapples with feelings of confinement in her roles and begins to reflect on her identity, hinting at the inner turmoil that will shape her journey through the novel. The dynamics between Edna, Léonce, and Robert hint at deeper emotional complexities and foreshadow her quest for self-discovery.
Sons and Lovers
D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence
Sons and Lovers
"Sons and Lovers" by D. H. Lawrence is a novel published in 1913. It follows Paul Morel, a young man caught between his demanding mother's overpowering love and his relationships with two contrasting women. These suffocating bonds create deep emotional conflicts that shape his struggle toward manhood. Lawrence explores the psychological damage of maternal possession as Paul fights to claim his own life and capacity for love, ultimately facing the question of whether he can break free from the ties of blood that bind him.
Women in Love
D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence
Women in Love
"Women in Love" by D. H. Lawrence is a novel published in 1920. It follows two sisters, Gudrun and Ursula Brangwen, as they navigate complex romantic relationships with two men: industrialist Gerald Crich and intellectual Rupert Birkin. Set in pre-World War I Britain, the story explores intense emotional and physical connections between all four characters, examining questions of love, society, and human relationships. The narrative moves from the English Midlands to the Austrian Alps, where passion and psychological tension culminate in tragedy.
Little Black Sambo
Helen Bannerman
Little Black Sambo
"Little Black Sambo" by Helen Bannerman is a children's storybook written during the early 20th century. The book centers around a little black boy named Sambo and his adventures in the jungle, where he encounters various tigers. Its narrative explores themes of cleverness, resourcefulness, and ultimately, the consequences of pride. The story follows Little Black Sambo, who, while adorned in his fine clothes crafted by his parents, meets several tigers in the jungle who intend to eat him. In a clever turn of events, Sambo offers each tiger his clothing in exchange for his freedom. Eventually, a commotion ensues among the tigers, who begin to fight over their newfound pride in their appearances. This chaos leads to their humorous demise, leaving behind a pool of melted butter, which Sambo's father collects to make pancakes. The story ends with the family enjoying a feast, underscoring themes of clever negotiation and familial love.