Kristin Hannah Recommends 5 Books Everyone Should Read for Banned Books Week
From Stephen King to ‘Harry Potter,’ see which books she loves most
Key Takeaways
- Kristin Hannah has recommended ‘The Shining,’ published by Stephen King in 1977.
- Hannah called ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ her “favorite novel of all time.”
- Hannah credits an advance copy of ‘Harry Potter’ for introducing her to the series.
It’s Banned Books week here in the United States, the annual event that spotlights books that have been challenged or removed from schools and libraries. To mark it, we’re looking at the titles Kristin Hannah, has praised that have landed on those lists. Indeed, over the years the bestselling author has shared a number of books she likes that have been banned or challenged—meaning people have tried or are trying to ban them—and they range from literary classics to modern-day triumphs. Keep scrolling to learn more.
First, what is a banned or challenged book?
A banned or challenged book is a piece of written work that’s either been removed from a library or school or is at risk of being removed because an individual or group of people believes the content isn’t suited for children to read. According to the American Library Association (ALA), 5,668 books were banned in 2025, which is 66 percent of the total challenged books from that year.
So, why does it matter? People disagree on the answer. Those who file challenges often say they want to keep content they consider inappropriate away from children, while librarians, authors and free-speech advocates argue that removals limit access to a range of ideas and perspectives. Banned Books Week, an annual event backed by ALA and other organizations, is meant to spotlight that debate and the freedom to read.
Kristin Hannah’s favorite banned books
From Stephen King to Harry Potter, here are Hannah’s favorite banned books.
‘The Shining’ by Stephen King
Published in 1977, Stephen King’s horrifying novel has been removed from libraries across the country for its themes of violence and substance abuse, but that hasn’t stopped Hannah from sharing her love for it on her website. The plot follows Jack Torrance after he accepts a caretaker position at the isolated Overlook Hotel during its winter closure. As snow falls, the family grows increasingly cut off from the outside world and dangerous forces begin to stir within the hotel walls. Only Jack’s 5-year-old son Danny, who has a mysterious psychic ability, truly understands what’s going on and only he can stop the evil hidden within the hotel. A page-turning tale that will keep readers guessing.
What readers are saying: “A spine tingling 5 stars and a book worthy in the hall of fame, horrifying yes but also a book that goes beyond horror. A book that leaves sentiment at the door and embraces strong themes of child abuse, alcoholism and the psychological unravelling of a a father who is so affected by the very surroundings he sought solace from, he descends into one of the darkest nightmares as the ghostly macabre presence takes hold. A book that evokes such strong emotions it held my attention for the entire novel without deviation.”
‘The Stand’ by Stephen King
King’s 1978 novel is another that’s been banned in schools across the country for its violence and profanity. In this novel, a man escapes from a biological testing facility, accidentally carrying a super-flu that will kill 99 percent of the world’s population in a few weeks. Those left decide they need a leader and are left with two options: Mother Abagail, a 108-year-old woman who believes they should build a peaceful community in Boulder, Colorado, and Randall Flagg, also known as the “Dark Man.” He loves violence and is thrilled by this current state of affairs. As time goes on, both leaders collide and no one will predict what comes next.
What Kristin Hannah has said about this banned book: Hannah has The Stand by Stephen King listed as one of her favorite books on her website. She also said in a 2018 interview with The New York Times that I am a sucker for epic, world-building novels with high stakes that are written beautifully and are impossible to put down. Extra points if I laugh or cry. Few authors can do this once or twice in a career. Mr. King and Ms. [J.K.] Rowling are masters at it. I stand in awe.”
What readers are saying: “The Stand by Stephen King is an epic story of survival, hope and a battle between good and evil that will have you gripping the edge of your seat. After everything we’ve been through in the last few years, this book hits home in a big way, cranking up the horror to a whole new level.”
‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel García Márquez
Since its publication in 1967, Gabriel García Márquez’s novel has been banned in schools for its mature content and explicit themes, but that hasn’t stopped countless readers from diving into the book, including Hannah, who lists it as one of her favorite books on her website. The novel takes place in the mythical town of Macondo and follows the Buendía family over decades as they deal with life, death, loss and the wealth of humankind.
What readers are saying: “One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a tremendous piece of literature. It’s not an easy read. You’re not going to turn its pages like you would the latest John Grisham novel, or The DaVinci Code. You have to read each page, soaking up every word, immersing yourself in the imagery.”
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee
Published in 1960, this beloved story has been challenged, restricted or removed from libraries for its language and themes of violence. It was also made into a movie starring Gregory Peck in 1962. Set in the deep South during the 1930s, it follows the Finch family—Scout, Jem and their widowed father Atticus, a lawyer—and their reclusive, mysterious and possibly dangerous neighbor Boo Radley. When Tom Robinson, a local Black man, is accused of a terrible crime he didn’t commit, Atticus fights for justice, putting the entire family in jeopardy. It’s a masterclass in race, justice, mental health and fighting for what you believe in.
What Kristin Hannah has said about this banned book: Hannah has To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee listed as one of her favorite books on her website. And in an interview with Women’s Prize she called it “Probably my favorite novel of all time…I loved how it’s one of those books that opened my eyes to so many things, and introduced me to a kind of character that prior to that book, I hadn’t experienced. And of course, there’s always the Atticus and Scout father daughter relationship, which impacts me a lot. And just the writing and the story.”
What readers are saying: “I read this book as part of a banned book project and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I fell in love with Atticus Finch and Scout and I hope to become a better person for it! I’m glad when young people review this book and are shocked by what the world offered in 1935. That helps me understand that times are indeed changing despite still having a way to go!”
‘Harry Potter’ by J.K. Rowling
All seven books in J.K. Rowling’s bestselling series have either been banned, restricted or challenged in schools across the country for their themes of witchcraft. In the first novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry discovers he’s been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Having grown up in the Muggle—or nonmagical—world, Harry is skeptical at first, but he quickly settles into his new life at the school. He even befriends fellow students Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and soon finds himself swept into a world of magic, mystery and adventure.
Where Kristin Hannah showed her support for this banned book: Hannah includes the entire Harry Potter series in her list of favorite books on her website. She also posted on BookBub about the series, writing “Years ago, when I was a young mother, I brought my son to a sprawling book conference in New York City. We both walked around, wide-eyed, at the endless rows of yet-to-be-published books. A representative of my then-publisher took me aside and handed me an advance reading copy of a book for my son. Neither of us had ever heard of it. ‘You’ll love it,’ the rep told us both. The book: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
What readers are saying: “I wish I’d had this book when I was a kid, because the idea that someone could be special without knowing it, and then get to visit a special world where the things that made him different were the same things that made him awesome would have been really inspiring to me.”
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