Books in Pennington County Schools (not RCAS)
This page exists to make it easier for parents to locate books in their school libraries and the material that makes them objectionable.
Many of the books are rated using www.ratedbooks.org .
Below is a basic overview of the rating system:
2/5: Teen Guidance- Moderate violence/hate/profanity, non sexual nudity, inexplicit sexual activities, drug or alcohol use, gender ideologies
3/5: Minor Restricted- Explicit violence, extreme hate, frequent profanity, sexual activities, drug or alcohol abuse
4/5: No Minors, Adult Content-Explicit sexual nudity, detailed and graphic depictions of sexual activities
5/5: Aberrent Content, adults only- Explicit descriptions of aberrent activities such as rape or bestiality
Some books do not have information readily available online, but the author, topic, or title make the book suspicious, so it is included here until we have time to read and review it.
Are we book banners? Many social media accounts, organizations, and individuals would label us that way. Books contain ideas, and a society that bans ideas is well on its way to the totalitarianism that Moms for Liberty is trying to avoid. However, we believe that selecting appropriate content based on age and situation is not the same as book banning. It is our responsibility as teachers, librarians, parents, and administrators.
In addition, we believe that the lines between parenting and teaching have become blurred, to the detriment of our children and families. There are controversial issues, such as racism, transgender ideology, and homosexual marriage that are best dealt with in the home. Each parent knows their family's value system and what their individual child can handle.
Scroll down and find your child's school to see what books have been allowed into the library. Follow the links for a summary and excerpts of the book, so you can make up your own mind. If a school is not listed, it is not using the destiny catalogue. If you have questions, you notice an error on this page, or you know of additional concerning books, fee free to email [email protected]
Hill City Schools:
Beloved by Toni Morrison- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/86aur34v
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/5c7wea7z
Burned by Ellen Hopkins- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/2sh7p63n
The Irish Trilogy by Nora Roberts (Spanish)- review pending, Nora Roberts is an adult romance author
Native Son by Richard Wright- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/3ymf38um
The Gift by Danielle Steel- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/y5fht3rz
Message from Nam by Danielle Steel- review pending, Danielle Steel is an adult romance author
Sisters by Danielle Steel
Special Delivery by Danielle Steel
Zoya by Danielle Steel
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/mrxjxj6d
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/5n6r4syy
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/ykvdzfhs
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini - rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/mrycfpsx
Looking for Alaska by John Green- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/59hx6k8k
Everything You Need to Know About Teen Pregnancy by Tracy Hughes
Sexual Abuse-Let's Talk About it by Margaret O Hyde-this book is meant for adults who have been abused as a child,or who are abusing their child. According to Amazon quotes and reviews, it blames the traditional family for abuse, claims the abuser is acually a victim, and states that almost every girl is sexually abused.
Douglas High School:
We Are Not From Here by Torres Sanchez-age 15+ on Common Sense Media. Deals with the sexual assault of a minor, teen pregnancy, illegal immigration, and violence.
Internment by Samira Ahmed- prevasive violence and profanity.
How to be an Antiracist by Ibrim X Kendi- a core text in Critical Race Theory, written by a major developer of the theory, which is not to be taught in SD public schools per executive order.
How to Raise an Antiracist by Ibrim X Kendi- a spin off of "How to be an Antiracist" which encourages parents to raise their children in Critical Race Theory.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibrim X Kendi-an adaptation of "Stamped from the Beginning."
Stamped From the Beginning by Ibrim X Kendi-another core text in Critical Race Theory.
Just Mercy: A True Story of the Fight for Justice by Bryan Stevenson
Drama by Raina Telgemeier-rated 2/5, strong gender and homosexuality ideologies https://tinyurl.com/2xf98t7c
Flamer by Mike Curato- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/mr2792zv
Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/28ajdtu6
The Handsome Girl and Her Beautiful Boy by B. T. Gottfried- rated 4/5https://tinyurl.com/3pxcfutr
The next several books include information encouraging and affirming the false idea that children can change their gender:
Transgender Rights and Protections by Rebecca Klein
Transgender Models and Pioneers by Barbra Penne
Health Issues When You're Transgender by Susan Meyer
Being Transgender by Robert Rodi
Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity by Robert Rodi
Coming Out and Seeking Support by Robert Rodi
Engaging with Politics by Robert Rodi
Living With Religion and Faith by Robert Rodi
Coming Out as Transgender by Corona Brezina
Indentifying as Transgender by Sara Woods
Being Jazz by Jazz Jennings
GLBT Teens and Society by Jeanne Nagle
Caitlyn Jenner by Carla Mooney
Freakboy by Kristin Clark
Laverne Cox by Erin Staley
Trans Mission: My Quest to a Beard by Alex Bertie
What We Left Behind by Robin Talley
Beautiful Music for Ugly Children by Kirstin Cronn-Mills
Chaz Bono by Marty Gitlin
Fair Play: How LGBT Athletes are Claiming Their Rightful Place in Sports by Cyd Zeigler
Lara Wachowski by Jeff Mapua
A&E 4ever: A Graphic Novel by Ilike Mercy
Beast by Brie Spangler
Birthday by Meredith Russo
If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
Both Sides Now by Peyton Thomas
Something Like Gravity by Amber Smith
Youth With Gender Issues: Seeking an Identity by Kenneth McIntosh
Darling Deep by Tillett Wright
Gay Believers by Emily Sonna
Hell Followed With Us by Andrew White
The Savvy Ally: A Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate by Jeannie Gainsburg
Stage Dreams by Melanie Gillman
Blood Sport by Tash McAdam
It's Your World-If You Don't Like it Change It by Mikki Halpin
The Stonewall Riots: The Fight for LGBT Rights by Tristan Poehlmann
Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
HeartStopper Volumes 1-4 by Alice Oseman- rated 2/5 https://tinyurl.com/5bt2yf4z
Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) by L.C. Rosen- rated 5/5 https://tinyurl.com/mpcm24mx
Some Girls Bind by Rory James- advocates the physically harmful practice of breast binding
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin
Meet Cute by Jennifer Armentrout and others- rated 2/5 and includes gender ideology https://tinyurl.com/mpcm24mx
White Hot Kiss by Jennifer Armentrout- review pending
The Burning Shadow by Jennifer Armentrout- review pending
The Darkest Star by Jennifer Armentrout- review pending
The Problem with Forever by Jennifer Armentrout- review pending
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/y6cnapvk
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/bdfvcnt3
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas- review pending
What Girls are Made Of by Elana K Arnold- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/bdtybrkw
Damsel by Elana K Arnold - rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/yckvb4b5
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/3z38yy3b
Speak: The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/3b8cmmzs
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/3ex2yrae
Boy Toy by Barry Lyga- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/5bfvwxdu
Anatomy of a Single Girl by Daria Snadowsky- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/323sk552
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/ycchhpz5
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood-the sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, this book contains the same type of violence, rape, and sexually explicit material.
Rumble by Ellen Hopkins- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/2p9zsbbs
The You I've Never Known by Ellen Hopkins- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/mr2vbrn8
Perfect by Ellen Hopkins- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/tkxdr969
Smoke by Ellen Hopkins- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/sadvf8hb
Burned by Ellen Hopkins- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/2sh7p63n
Fallout by Ellen Hopkins- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/a5zvarhz
Tilt by Ellen Hopkins- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/4f8npk95
Traffick by Ellen Hopkins- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/46fjd9hk
Glass by Ellen Hopkins- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/yt9u9vwp
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/3x8jt28m
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins- rated 5/5 https://tinyurl.com/mtxwemxu
Triangles by Ellen Hopkins- rated 5/5 https://tinyurl.com/27cddrpw
Crank by Ellen Hopkins- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/5fdeyacc
Sold by Patricia McCormick- rated 5/5 https://tinyurl.com/2bcrmsms
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J Maas - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/ybdw5y7y
Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/7pcuewak
Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J Maas- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/bdbmj3k6
A Court of Thornes and Roses by Sarah J Maas- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/2p827jt9
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/yckw5ddv
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/28mnu4s7
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/r739d2m8
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/yrxdbjr2
The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reid- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/99fr779n
Alledgedly by Tiffany Jackson- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/2bb9b3ey
Grown by Tiffany Jackson- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/yckw97nh
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany Jackson- review pending
Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany Jackson- review pending
Shine by Lauren Myracle- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/4j7syfhw
Such a Pretty Face by Lauren Myracle- review pending
The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/y26xcpyy
Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/369bpu3r
Munmun by Jesse Andrews- review pending
Chosen by P.C. and Kristin Cast- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/ycku69dz
Like a Love Story by Abdi Nasemian- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/4tsw93jz
Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/43v6ab9b
Defy Me by Tahereh Mafi- review pending
Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi- review pending
Skin by Donna Jo Napoli- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/38nm95yu
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/nsexcp6m
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/2za6ju7s
Heroin by Mindy McGinnis- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/wxpfan33
Where I End and You Begin by Preston Norton- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/32zjxran
Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe by Preson Norton - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/y37xdzux
Blankets by Craig Thompson - rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/4z486wmj
Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/3frbfr2e
Ask the Passengers by A.S. King - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/2p87sr2a
Grit by Gillian French- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/23edf6e3
Bumped by Megan McCafferty - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/4bsnubdh
Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/39ve7u83
Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi - rated 3/ 5 https://tinyurl.com/3rmx2txc
Yolk by Mary Choi - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/2ua8fdx5
I Never by Laura Hopper - rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/mrxpej5b
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/yckt5det
Beartown by Frederick Backman https://docs.google.com/document/d/12r7PWDg9AsgFb5UZImZz6pEepJafW1MHyvwVpdGT16U/edit
The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/3u8yrbev
The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/3urs5ms8
I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/2p87v7mb
Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quiterom - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/2kh9btyf
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta -rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/4sdsu575
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki- rated 2/5 https://tinyurl.com/25w96btc
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/5n6r4syy
Fade by Lisa McMann - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/2p9yzkkw
The Best Laid Plans by Cameron Lund - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/s6m7xuyf
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo -rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/bdh4352c
Out of Darkness by Ashely Perez - not rated on website https://tinyurl.com/77e7ufew
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/3u9hwp3d
My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf - rated 2/5, contains sexuality and necrophilia https://tinyurl.com/2vx66c66
The Carnival at Bray by Jessie Ann Foley - rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/2p8693e6
Looking for Alaska by John Green -rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/59hx6k8k
Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/tk396s9d
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/56we6bwc
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/mtvd7mp7
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/bddv3jsu
The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/38eyd6aa
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - review pending
Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook - rated 2/5 https://tinyurl.com/3zzj33d9
Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith- review pending
Sherwood by Meagan Spooner- review pending
We Are the Ants by David Hutchinson - rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/f57hf698
You Do You: Figuring Out Your Body, Dating, and Sexuality by Sarah Mirk
Man O'War by Cory McCarthy- rated 4/5 https://tinyurl.com/4jrwtp3v
The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person by Frederick Joseph
100 Questions You'd Never Ask Your Parents by Elisabeth Henderson
Abortion by Hal Marcovits
Douglas Middle School:
Stamped: Racism, Anticism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibrim X Kendi
Stamped for Kids by Sonja Cherry-Paul and Ibrim X Kendi
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Drama by Raina Telgemeier
Queer, There and Everywhere: 23 People Who Changed the World by Sarah Prager
Being Transgender by Robert Rodi
Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity by Robert Rodi
Transphobia: Deal With It and Be a Gender Transcender by Wallace Skelton
Being Transgender in America by Duchess Harris
LGBTQ Rights and the Law by Duchess Harris
LGBTQ Service in the Armed Forces by Duchess Harris
Discrimination in America by Duchess Harris
Growing Up LGBTQ
Identity: A Story of Transitioning by Cory Maison
Some Assembly Required by Arin Andrews
The Other Boy by M.G. Hennessey
The Pants Project by Cat Clarke
Being Jazz by Jazz Jennings
Suicide by Ron Salomon
Birdie and Me by J.M.M. Nuanez
The Best Man by Richard Peck
Caitlyn Jenner by Carla Mooney
Laverne Cox by Erin Staley
Chaz Bono by Marty Gitlin
Lana Wachowski by Jeff Mapua
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
Friction by E.R. Frank
Speak: The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/3b8cmmzs
Then Again, Maybe I Won't by Judy Blume
The Opposite of Innocent by Sonya Sones
Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany Jackson
White Smoke by Tiffany Jackson
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Imagine Me by Tahereh Mafi
Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi
Believe Me by Tahereh Mafi
Defy Me by Tahereh Mafi
Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi
Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki
Better Nate Than Never by Tim Federle
Five, Six, Seven, Nate by Tim Federle
Nate Expectations by Time Federle
Abortion by Jacqui Bailey
Megan's Law:Protection or Privacy by Margie Fodor
Rebel Girls by Elizabeth Keenan
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher
Wall Elementary:
Drama by Raina Telgemeier
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Dead End: A Book About Suicide by John Langone
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/3x8jt28m
Crank by Ellen Hopkins- rated 3/5 https://tinyurl.com/5fdeyacc
Then Again, Maybe I Won't by Judy Blume
TTYL by Lauren Myracle
Daddy by Danielle Steel
Heartbeat by Danielle Steel
Jewels by Danielle Steel
Water for Elephants by Sarah Gruen
Go Ask Alice, Anonymous
Senior Year Boy Meets Girl by Franicine Pascal
Black Hills by Nora Roberts
High Noon by Nora Roberts
Inner Harbor by Nora Roberts
Key of Knowledge by Nora Roberts
Northern Lights by Nora Roberts
Tribute by Nora Roberts
Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison
Dancing in My Nuddy-Pants by Lousie Rennison
Away Laughing on a Fast Camel by Lousie Rennison
Knocked out in My Nunga-Nungas by Lousie Rennison
Abortion-Debating the Issue by Nancy Day
Everything You Need to Know About Date Rape by Frances Shuker-Haines
Everything You Need to Know About Sexual Abuse by Evan Stark
Everything You Need to Know About Placing Your Baby for Adoption by Aliza Sherman
Everything You Need to Know About Being HIV-Positive by Amy Shire
Everything You Need to Know About Sexual Harrassment by Elizabeth Brouchard
Everything You Need to Know About Teen Marriage by Eleanor Ayer
Everything You Need to Know About Teen Pregnancy by Tracy Hughes
Everything You Need to Know About Teen Suicide by Jay Schleifer
Everything You Need to Know About Teens Who Kill by Jeffery Margolis
Vanderberg Elementary:
A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee
The Best Man by Richard Peck
Speak Up by Rebecca Burgess
The Deep and Dark Blue by Niki Smith
More Girls Who Rocked the World by Michelle McCann
Badger Creek Elementary:
We haven't found any books in this school to challenge! Yay!
Francis Case Elementary:
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessca Love
And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Jusitn Richardson
My Two Dads by Julie Murray
My Two Moms by Julie Murray