Banned Books Knowledge Test — Books and Literature Quiz
Identifies books historically banned or challenged and their authors.
Take the Banned Books Knowledge Test to evaluate your awareness of historically banned and challenged books, their authors, and the controversies that led to censorship. This Books and Literature quiz is designed for readers, educators, librarians, and anyone interested in literary history, free expression, and the cultural debates surrounding banned books. You will be asked to identify authors, titles, and reasons why specific works were challenged, helping you build a stronger understanding of censorship, challenged books, and literary context.
This quiz covers well-known cases from classic and contemporary literature, including titles frequently removed from school libraries and public shelves. Whether you're studying book banning, preparing a classroom discussion, or simply curious about how books and authors have been targeted over time, the Banned Books Knowledge Test gives a concise, SEO-friendly overview and a score-based assessment you can use to measure and improve your knowledge of banned and challenged books in the Books and Literature category.
Which author wrote 'To Kill a Mockingbird', a novel that has frequently been challenged in school curricula?
Identify the author of this classic novel often cited in debates about race, language, and school reading lists.
Which book led to a major international controversy and a fatwa against its author?
This novel prompted political and religious backlash after publication.
Which novel is often challenged for its use of racial slurs and depiction of race relations in the pre-Civil War United States?
This book has a long history of being banned or restricted because of its language and portrayal of race.
Who wrote the dystopian novel '1984', a work often cited in discussions about political censorship?
Name the author of this influential text about surveillance, language control, and totalitarianism.
Which novel by J.D. Salinger has frequently been challenged in schools for profanity and perceived immorality?
This coming-of-age novel has been a frequent target of bans and removals from curricula.
Which author wrote 'The Color Purple', a novel often challenged for sexual content and explicit themes?
Identify the author associated with this Pulitzer Prize–winning novel that has faced censorship challenges.
Which popular series has been challenged for promoting witchcraft and occult practices?
This modern fantasy series sparked debates about suitability for young readers in some communities.
Which novel by Vladimir Nabokov was widely banned or censored for explicit sexual themes?
This provocative mid-20th century novel faced bans in several countries and continues to spark debate.
Which novel imagines a future society where books are burned and intellectual freedom is suppressed?
This title is often referenced in conversations about censorship and the consequences of banning literature.
Which Mark Twain work has been repeatedly challenged because of its language and depictions of race?
This classic American novel has seen long-standing controversy over its portrayals and vocabulary.
Frequently asked questions
Each question assigns numeric values to options; correct or best answers are worth 2 points, partial or related answers may be 1 point, and incorrect answers score 0. The results function sums the values in the $answers array to produce a total score out of 20.
The quiz references books that have been historically banned, removed, restricted, or formally challenged in schools, libraries, or countries for reasons such as sexual content, racial language, political themes, or religious objections. Definitions may vary by jurisdiction and historical context.
Start with reputable resources like the American Library Association's lists of banned and challenged books, academic articles on censorship and free expression, library archives, and histories of literary controversies. Many public and university libraries also curate reading lists and guides about banned books.
Yes. Retaking the quiz after studying specific books, authors, and landmark cases is encouraged. Use your score to identify gaps—then read primary texts and secondary analyses before retaking the test to track your progress.
The quiz focuses on widely accepted facts about authors and historically documented censorship cases. Some controversies are complex and context-dependent; where nuances exist, questions use partial credit. For in-depth accuracy, consult primary sources, historical records, and scholarly work.
Yes. Educators and librarians can use the Banned Books Knowledge Test as a classroom activity, professional development tool, or conversation starter about censorship, intellectual freedom, and the social impact of challenged books.
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