Yes, Breathless Is Banned!
ISBN: 9780385911962
Jennifer Niven’s 2020 YA novel tells the story of Claudine Henry, who escapes her complicated family life for a summer on a Georgia island. There she meets Jeremiah Crew, and what follows is a story about first love that doesn’t shy away from the physical realities of teenage relationships. Niven, known for All the Bright Places, brings the same emotional honesty to Breathless, treating her protagonist’s sexual awakening as a natural and healthy part of growing up rather than something to be whispered about or punished for.
With 20 ban instances in the 2024-2025 PEN America data, Breathless has become one of the most targeted YA novels in Florida, pulled from school libraries in Brevard, Broward, Citrus, Escambia, Hillsborough, and Lee County school districts. The objections center on the book’s candid sex scenes between teenagers, content that defenders argue reflects the reality of adolescent experience. The book exemplifies a broader pattern: YA novels that treat teenage sexuality honestly rather than abstinently tend to land squarely in the crosshairs of book challenges.
Why Was It Banned?
Where Was It Banned?
Read It Anyway
The best response to a book ban is reading the book. Here's where to get it:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breathless banned?
Yes, Breathless by Jennifer Niven has been banned or challenged in 28 documented instances across 1 states in the United States, including Florida. It remains one of the most frequently challenged books in America.
Why was Breathless banned?
Breathless has been challenged and banned for the following reasons: Sexual Content, Language. These challenges have come from school boards, libraries, and parent groups seeking to restrict access to the book.
Where is Breathless banned?
As of 2025, Breathless has been banned or challenged in Florida. Notable bans include Brevard Public Schools (2025), Broward County Public Schools (2025), Citrus County School District (2025).