Between Shades of Gray
Ruta Sepetys
About this book
"Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys follows the harrowing journey of 15-year-old Lina Vilkas, who, along with her family, is deported from Lithuania to a Soviet labor camp during World War II. As they endure unimaginable hardships and the brutality of their captors, Lina's resilience and artistic spirit emerge as she seeks to document her experience. The novel highlights themes of survival, the power of hope and creativity, and the importance of bearing witness to history, shedding light on a lesser-known atrocity of the Holocaust.
Censorship history
In 2025, "Between Shades of Gray" was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States, primarily due to concerns over its political content and depictions of violence. Notably, the ban was upheld following a contentious school board vote in a district in Texas, where parents raised formal complaints about the book's themes. The decision sparked protests from local advocacy groups, including the American Library Association, which argued for the importance of the book in educating students about historical atrocities. As of late 2025, the ban remains contested in various districts, with ongoing discussions about its reinstatement.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | PoliticalViolence |
