Frequently Challenged Books For Kids and Teens

Parents need to know that this book remains one of the best books about adolescence ever written. Any language used — and it is chock full of mild to moderate swearing, and "f*ck" is used several times — is in the service of being true to the nature of a rebellious teen. There are also lots of sexual references, and everyone smokes and drinks — including the underage protagonist. Holden refers to homosexuals as "flits." People have used these instances in an effort to have the book banned. But those who would do so miss the point of the book, which is a compassionate tale of a child adrift in the world. It's an American classic that everyone should read.