Yes, Forever Is Banned!

Forever was revolutionary when Judy Blume published it in 1975, and it remains controversial fifty years later. The novel follows high school seniors Katherine and Michael as they fall in love, decide to have sex, and navigate the emotional complexity of a first serious relationship. Blume wrote the book at the request of her teenage daughter, who wanted a novel where teenagers had sex and nothing terrible happened as a result. The book depicts contraception, mutual consent, and eventual heartbreak with a matter-of-fact honesty that was unprecedented in young adult fiction.

Forever has been one of the most challenged books in America for five decades, making it one of the longest-running targets in the history of book banning. With over 220 total challenges, it appears on nearly every list of frequently banned books ever compiled. Critics object to its explicit descriptions of sex between teenagers and argue it is inappropriate for young readers, though Blume has pointed out that she wrote it specifically for teens and that preventing young people from reading about healthy sexual relationships doesn’t prevent them from having unhealthy ones. The book continues to be removed from school libraries in Florida, Texas, Iowa, Virginia, and South Carolina.