Why Was Charlotte’s Web Banned? The Shocking Truth Behind Book Censorship

Charlotte’s Web—a beloved classic, a childhood staple, and, surprisingly, a banned book. Yep, you read that right. E.B. White’s 1952 masterpiece was banned in Kansas in 2006. Why? Because the animals talk.

That’s it. That’s the reason.

The Absurdity of Book Bans

At first, I thought there must be some deeper, hidden controversy. Maybe the geese were a secret lesbian couple? Maybe Wilbur was dressing in drag and reading Goodnight Moon to Templeton the rat? Maybe one of Charlotte’s 514 baby spiders identified as trans?

Nope. The issue was simply that animals having conversations wasn’t, according to certain groups, part of God’s design.

But here’s the thing: Just like bathroom bills aren’t really about bathrooms, book bans aren’t really about books. They’re about control. They’re about restricting access to knowledge, shaping narratives, and ultimately, limiting the power of our own thoughts.

The Power of Words

E.B. White once wrote, “With the right words, you can change the world.” And that’s exactly why censorship exists—to prevent change, to keep people from thinking critically, and to stifle voices that challenge the status quo.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Read the banned books. Read Charlotte’s Web, read 1984, read The Handmaid’s Tale, read Gender Queer, read the stories they don’t want you to see. Because the more you read, the more you think. And your thoughts? They shape the person you become.

Final Thoughts

We should all be a little more like Charlotte—crafting words that inspire, educate, and challenge the web of ignorance. Keep reading, my friends. Banned books and all.