What are Banned Books?

 Banned books are works prohibited from being accessed or read. They are often removed from schools and libraries due to reasons like political, moral, or religious motives. Common examples include The Handmaid's Tale, To Kill a Mockingbird, and 1984, which have faced challenges for various reasons such as racism, sexual content, or political themes. Banning is a form of censorship that restricts free access to information and ideas. 

Simian Books believes in freedom to read, not censorship, so in this section you will find a selection of books that have been banned and the reasons they have been banned as well. 

We recommend that you chose these books carefully as some might contain themes or language which may not be suitable for younger readers. 

​At Simian Books, our mission is simple: to bring the joy and adventure of stories to the next generation. As a shop dedicated to children and young people, we take our role as curators very seriously. We believe that books have the power to build communities, and we strive to provide a space where every child can find a story that represents them.

​We are committed to being a safe and inclusive space for children of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. To uphold this commitment, we use a values-based approach to the books we stock:

• ​Diverse Representation: We prioritize books and authors that celebrate diversity and foster empathy.
• ​Ethical Curation: As an independent shop with limited shelf space, we choose to champion creators whose public platforms and actions align with a spirit of kindness and inclusivity.
• ​The Power of Choice: We believe in the "three R's" of reading: Representation, Respect, and Responsibility. If an author’s public conduct or widely shared views actively marginalize or harm the communities we seek to represent, we may choose not to stock their titles on our main shelves.

​Curation is not censorship; it is a choice about who we give a platform to in our small, independent space. By focusing our inventory on authors who contribute positively to a safe world for children, we ensure that Simian Books remains a place where every family feels welcome and seen.

​We respect that every reader’s journey is different. If you are looking for a specific title that we have chosen not to stock, we are always happy to process a Special Order for you. This allows us to serve your individual needs as a reader while maintaining the curated environment of our shop