About this book
Don’t miss this timely contemporary young adult novel from Alex Flinn, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beastly, about a teenage boy’s struggle to break free from the cycle of abuse. “Gripping.” —Publishers Weekly Intelligent, popular, handsome, and wealthy, sixteen-year-old Nick Andreas is pretty much perfect—on the outside, at least. What no one knows—not even his best friend—is the terror and anger that Nick faces every time he is alone with his father. Then he and Caitlin fall in love, and Nick thinks his problems are over. Caitlin is the one person he can confide in, the only person who understands him. But when Nick’s anger and jealousy overtake him, things begin to spiral out of control and Nick realizes that he’s more his father’s son than he wants to be. Now Nick must confront his inner demons to stop the history of violence from repeating itself.
Why it was banned
In 2024, "Breathing Underwater" by Alex Flinn was banned at the school level in the United States due to concerns over sexual content, violence, and immorality. There are no documented lawsuits or formal proceedings related to this ban. The official reason given by the banning authority was the book's portrayal of sensitive themes that some deemed inappropriate for a school setting.
Censorship history
In 2024, "Breathing Underwater" by Alex Flinn faced bans at various school districts across the United States, primarily due to concerns over sexual content, violence, and perceived immorality. Notably, the book was challenged during a school board meeting in a district in Texas, where parents voiced strong objections, leading to a vote that upheld the ban. The controversy surrounding the book reflects ongoing debates about appropriate content in educational settings, particularly regarding themes of abuse and personal trauma.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | SexualViolenceMoral |
