About this book
Todd Strasser’s acclaimed account of school violence that Kirkus Reviews calls “vivid, distressing, and all too real.” For as long as they can remember, Brendan and Gary have been mercilessly teased and harassed by the jocks who rule Middletown High. But not anymore. Stealing a small arsenal of guns from a neighbor, they take their classmates hostage at a school dance. In the panic of this desperate situation, it soon becomes clear that only one thing matters to Bendan and Gary: revenge.
Censorship history
In 2025, "Give a Boy a Gun" by Todd Strasser faced bans at various school levels across the United States due to its depiction of violence and school shootings. The book was challenged in several school districts, leading to heated discussions at PTA meetings and school board votes, particularly in states like Texas and Florida. As a result, the book was officially banned in multiple districts, with some educators and parents arguing that it could incite further violence among students. The ban remains upheld in these areas, reflecting ongoing concerns about the impact of violent literature in educational settings.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | Violence |