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General Recommendations

Community Bookshelf

By:

ReadersServices_KCMO

The Kansas City Public Library

Staff-created list

The Community Bookshelf is a striking feature of Kansas City's downtown. It runs along the south wall of the Central Library's parking garage on 10th Street between Wyandotte Street and Baltimore Avenue. The book spines, which measure approximately 25 feet by 9 feet, are made of signboard mylar. The bookshelf showcases 22 spines which list 42 titles; a wide variety of reading interests as suggested by Kansas City readers and then selected by The Kansas City Public Library Board of Trustees. The final selection was made on March 16, 2004. The bookshelf was completed between March and the fall of 2004.

By:

ReadersServices_KCMO

The Kansas City Public Library

1-25 of 42 items

1-25 of 42 items

Catch-22

Catch-22

by Heller, Joseph

Book - 1996

Has been challenged in Texas in 1974 and Washington in 1979 for "sexual references to women as 'whores' ". It was banned in Ohio in 1972 and Alaska in 2021 for "sexual content and profane and inappropriate language". Has been challenged in Texas in 1974 and Washington in 1979 for "sexual references to women as 'whores' ". It was banned in Ohio in 1972 and Alaska in 2021 for "sexual content and profane and inappropriate language". Show less

Has been challenged in Texas in 1974 and Washington in 1979 for "sexual references to women as 'whores' ". It was banned in Ohio in 1972 and Alaska in 2021 for "sexual content and profane and inappropriate language". Has been challenged in Texas in 1974 and Washington in 1979 for "sexual references to women as 'whores' ". It was banned in Ohio in 1972 and Alaska in 2021 for "sexual content and profane and inappropriate language". Show less

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Goodnight Moon

Goodnight Moon

by Brown, Margaret Wise

Book - 2005

Between 1947-1972 an influential New York Public Library Children's Librarian disliked the book so much when it was published that the library didn't carry it until 1972. Between 1947-1972 an influential New York Public Library Children's Librarian disliked the book so much when it was published that the library didn't carry it until 1972. Show less

Between 1947-1972 an influential New York Public Library Children's Librarian disliked the book so much when it was published that the library didn't carry it until 1972. Between 1947-1972 an influential New York Public Library Children's Librarian disliked the book so much when it was published that the library didn't carry it until 1972. Show less

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The Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings

by Tolkien, J. R. R.

Book - 2005

Burned in New Mexico in 2001 because it "was thought to be at the very core of satanic behavior and witchcraft while also charged as depicting scenes of people engaged in smoking". Burned in New Mexico in 2001 because it "was thought to be at the very core of satanic behavior and witchcraft while also charged as depicting scenes of people engaged in smoking". Show less

Burned in New Mexico in 2001 because it "was thought to be at the very core of satanic behavior and witchcraft while also charged as depicting scenes of people engaged in smoking". Burned in New Mexico in 2001 because it "was thought to be at the very core of satanic behavior and witchcraft while also charged as depicting scenes of people engaged in smoking". Show less

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Winnie-the-Pooh

Winnie-the-Pooh

by Milne, A. A.

Book - 1988

2003, Bartley, West Yorkshire, England Junior High School’s Headteacher decreed all books featuring pigs should be removed because it could POTENTIALLY of...Show more 2003, Bartley, West Yorkshire, England Junior High School’s Headteacher decreed all books featuring pigs should be removed because it could POTENTIALLY offend the school’s Muslim students and their parents. Muslim Council on Britain formally requested an end to the “well-intended but misguided” policy, and for the titles to be returned to the classroom. 2006, Kansas Banned (tried to) the book because “talking animals are blasphemous and unnatural and an insult to God” Show less

2003, Bartley, West Yorkshire, England Junior High School’s Headteacher decreed all books featuring pigs should be removed because it could POTENTIALLY of...Show more 2003, Bartley, West Yorkshire, England Junior High School’s Headteacher decreed all books featuring pigs should be removed because it could POTENTIALLY offend the school’s Muslim students and their parents. Muslim Council on Britain formally requested an end to the “well-intended but misguided” policy, and for the titles to be returned to the classroom. 2006, Kansas Banned (tried to) the book because “talking animals are blasphemous and unnatural and an insult to God” Show less

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

by Baum, L. Frank

Book - 2006

Banned in Chicago Public Schools in 1928 for it's "ungodly" influence and "for depicting women in strong leadership roles". Was also b...Show more Banned in Chicago Public Schools in 1928 for it's "ungodly" influence and "for depicting women in strong leadership roles". Was also banned in Detroit Public Library in 1957 for having "no value for children of today; bringing children's minds to a cowardly level". Show less

Banned in Chicago Public Schools in 1928 for it's "ungodly" influence and "for depicting women in strong leadership roles". Was also b...Show more Banned in Chicago Public Schools in 1928 for it's "ungodly" influence and "for depicting women in strong leadership roles". Was also banned in Detroit Public Library in 1957 for having "no value for children of today; bringing children's minds to a cowardly level". Show less

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Harold and the Purple Crayon

Harold and the Purple Crayon

by Johnson, Crockett

Book - 1955

This appears on a variety of banned/challenged lists without any confirmed report regarding where or when the book was challenged. It's often cited reason is “promoting vandalism.” This appears on a variety of banned/challenged lists without any confirmed report regarding where or when the book was challenged. It's often cited reason is “promoting vandalism.” Show less

This appears on a variety of banned/challenged lists without any confirmed report regarding where or when the book was challenged. It's often cited reason is “promoting vandalism.” This appears on a variety of banned/challenged lists without any confirmed report regarding where or when the book was challenged. It's often cited reason is “promoting vandalism.” Show less

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Fahrenheit 451

Fahrenheit 451

by Bradbury, Ray

Book - 1996

Challenged in Texas in 2006 and Florida in 2018 for discussion of being drunk, smoking cigarettes, violence, "dirty talk", references to the Bible, using God's name in vain, and going against "religious beliefs". Challenged in Texas in 2006 and Florida in 2018 for discussion of being drunk, smoking cigarettes, violence, "dirty talk", references to the Bible, using God's name in vain, and going against "religious beliefs". Show less

Challenged in Texas in 2006 and Florida in 2018 for discussion of being drunk, smoking cigarettes, violence, "dirty talk", references to the Bible, using God's name in vain, and going against "religious beliefs". Challenged in Texas in 2006 and Florida in 2018 for discussion of being drunk, smoking cigarettes, violence, "dirty talk", references to the Bible, using God's name in vain, and going against "religious beliefs". Show less

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Green Eggs and Ham

Green Eggs and Ham

by Seuss

Easy Reader - 1988

Banned from 1965-1991 in China for “its portrayal of early Marxism” and the ban wasn’t lifted until the author’s death in 1991. Banned in California in 1992 because it promoted a seductive homosexual agenda. Banned from 1965-1991 in China for “its portrayal of early Marxism” and the ban wasn’t lifted until the author’s death in 1991. Banned in California in 1992 because it promoted a seductive homosexual agenda. Show less

Banned from 1965-1991 in China for “its portrayal of early Marxism” and the ban wasn’t lifted until the author’s death in 1991. Banned in California in 1992 because it promoted a seductive homosexual agenda. Banned from 1965-1991 in China for “its portrayal of early Marxism” and the ban wasn’t lifted until the author’s death in 1991. Banned in California in 1992 because it promoted a seductive homosexual agenda. Show less

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Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

by Twain, Mark

Book - 2005

Has caused controversy since it was published in 1885 and was either been challenged or banned every year since for it's offensive language and being degrading towards African Americans. Has caused controversy since it was published in 1885 and was either been challenged or banned every year since for it's offensive language and being degrading towards African Americans. Show less

Has caused controversy since it was published in 1885 and was either been challenged or banned every year since for it's offensive language and being degrading towards African Americans. Has caused controversy since it was published in 1885 and was either been challenged or banned every year since for it's offensive language and being degrading towards African Americans. Show less

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Little House on the Prairie

Little House on the Prairie

by Wilder, Laura Ingalls

Book - 1981

Challenged in Louisiana in 1993 and banned in South Dakota in 1994 for being offensive and derogatory towards Native Americans. Challenged in Louisiana in 1993 and banned in South Dakota in 1994 for being offensive and derogatory towards Native Americans. Show less

Challenged in Louisiana in 1993 and banned in South Dakota in 1994 for being offensive and derogatory towards Native Americans. Challenged in Louisiana in 1993 and banned in South Dakota in 1994 for being offensive and derogatory towards Native Americans. Show less

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O Pioneers!

O Pioneers!

by Cather, Willa

Book - 1988

This appears on a number of banned/challenged lists with no specific reason or location or date provided. Unconfirmed sources cite the author’s lesbianism and cross-dressing. This appears on a number of banned/challenged lists with no specific reason or location or date provided. Unconfirmed sources cite the author’s lesbianism and cross-dressing. Show less

This appears on a number of banned/challenged lists with no specific reason or location or date provided. Unconfirmed sources cite the author’s lesbianism and cross-dressing. This appears on a number of banned/challenged lists with no specific reason or location or date provided. Unconfirmed sources cite the author’s lesbianism and cross-dressing. Show less

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Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God

by Hurston, Zora Neale

Book - 2006

Challenged in Virginia in 1997 for sexual explicitness. Challenged in Virginia in 1997 for sexual explicitness. Show less

Challenged in Virginia in 1997 for sexual explicitness. Challenged in Virginia in 1997 for sexual explicitness. Show less

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To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird

by Lee, Harper

Book - 2010

Has been challenged/banned nearly every year since it was published usually do to its racial themes/slurs, profanity, and adult themes such as intercourse, rape, and incest. Has been challenged/banned nearly every year since it was published usually do to its racial themes/slurs, profanity, and adult themes such as intercourse, rape, and incest. Show less

Has been challenged/banned nearly every year since it was published usually do to its racial themes/slurs, profanity, and adult themes such as intercourse, rape, and incest. Has been challenged/banned nearly every year since it was published usually do to its racial themes/slurs, profanity, and adult themes such as intercourse, rape, and incest. Show less

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Invisible Man

Invisible Man

by Ellison, Ralph

Book - 1995

Challenged in 1995 in Washington with a 5 month dispute from parents with concerns about profanity, and images of violence and sexuality. Banned (for 10 days) in 2003 in North Carolina for its lack of innocence and sexual content. Challenged in 1995 in Washington with a 5 month dispute from parents with concerns about profanity, and images of violence and sexuality. Banned (for 10 days) in 2003 in North Carolina for its lack of innocence and sexual content. Show less

Challenged in 1995 in Washington with a 5 month dispute from parents with concerns about profanity, and images of violence and sexuality. Banned (for 10 days) in 2003 in North Carolina for its lack of innocence and sexual content. Challenged in 1995 in Washington with a 5 month dispute from parents with concerns about profanity, and images of violence and sexuality. Banned (for 10 days) in 2003 in North Carolina for its lack of innocence and sexual content. Show less

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The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes

The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes

by Hughes, Langston

Book - 1994

Many novels from Langston Hughes were banned in 2016 in Texas prisons for containing the n-word. Many novels from Langston Hughes were banned in 2016 in Texas prisons for containing the n-word. Show less

Many novels from Langston Hughes were banned in 2016 in Texas prisons for containing the n-word. Many novels from Langston Hughes were banned in 2016 in Texas prisons for containing the n-word. Show less

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Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web

by White, E. B.

Book - 1999

2003, Bartley, West Yorkshire, England Junior High School’s Headteacher decreed all books featuring pigs should be removed because it could POTENTIALLY of...Show more 2003, Bartley, West Yorkshire, England Junior High School’s Headteacher decreed all books featuring pigs should be removed because it could POTENTIALLY offend the school’s Muslim students and their parents. Muslim Council on Britain formally requested an end fo the “well-intended but misguided” policy, and for the titles to be returned to the classroom. 2006, Kansas Banned (tried to) the book because “talking animals are blasphemous and unnatural” and passages about the spider dying were also criticized as being “inappropriate subject matter for a children’s book” and an “insult to God” Show less

2003, Bartley, West Yorkshire, England Junior High School’s Headteacher decreed all books featuring pigs should be removed because it could POTENTIALLY of...Show more 2003, Bartley, West Yorkshire, England Junior High School’s Headteacher decreed all books featuring pigs should be removed because it could POTENTIALLY offend the school’s Muslim students and their parents. Muslim Council on Britain formally requested an end fo the “well-intended but misguided” policy, and for the titles to be returned to the classroom. 2006, Kansas Banned (tried to) the book because “talking animals are blasphemous and unnatural” and passages about the spider dying were also criticized as being “inappropriate subject matter for a children’s book” and an “insult to God” Show less

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Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet

by Shakespeare, William

Book - 2001

"No Fear Shakespeare" (an easy to read version of the play produced by Sparknotes) was challenged in South Carolina in 2012 for having "mature themes and discusses sex". "No Fear Shakespeare" (an easy to read version of the play produced by Sparknotes) was challenged in South Carolina in 2012 for having "mature themes and discusses sex". Show less

"No Fear Shakespeare" (an easy to read version of the play produced by Sparknotes) was challenged in South Carolina in 2012 for having "mature themes and discusses sex". "No Fear Shakespeare" (an easy to read version of the play produced by Sparknotes) was challenged in South Carolina in 2012 for having "mature themes and discusses sex". Show less

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One Hundred Years of Solitude

One Hundred Years of Solitude

by García Márquez, Gabriel

Book - 1998

Challenged frequently throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s due to offensive language, disrespect for religious and political authority, and sexually explicit,...Show more Challenged frequently throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s due to offensive language, disrespect for religious and political authority, and sexually explicit, emotionally disturbing scenes and themes, including war, death, incest and implications of the occult. In 1986, it was even removed from required reading lists at Wasco Union High School in California due to being seen as “garbage being passed off as literature”. Show less

Challenged frequently throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s due to offensive language, disrespect for religious and political authority, and sexually explicit,...Show more Challenged frequently throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s due to offensive language, disrespect for religious and political authority, and sexually explicit, emotionally disturbing scenes and themes, including war, death, incest and implications of the occult. In 1986, it was even removed from required reading lists at Wasco Union High School in California due to being seen as “garbage being passed off as literature”. Show less

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Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri

Its History and Its People, 1808-1908

by Whitney, Carrie Westlake

Book - 2010

Available in some locations

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Tom's Town

Tom's Town

Kansas City and the Pendergast Legend

by Reddig, William M.

Book - 2013

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Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri

An Architectural History, 1826-1990

by Ehrlich, George

Book - 1992

In-library use only in some locations

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Virgil Thomson, A Reader

Virgil Thomson, A Reader

Selected Writings, 1924-1984

by Thomson, Virgil

Book - 2002

Available in some locations

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I Was Right on Time

I Was Right on Time

by O'Neil, Buck

Book - 1996

Available in some locations

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Independence Avenue

Independence Avenue

by Sherman, Eileen Bluestone

Book - 1990

In-library use only in some locations

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Stella Louella's Runaway Book

Stella Louella's Runaway Book

by Ernst, Lisa Campbell

Book - 1998

Available in some locations

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1-25 of 42 items

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