About this book
A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year! Put an atheist in a strict Catholic school? Expect comedy, chaos, and an Inquisition. The Breakfast Club meets Saved! in debut author Katie Henry’s hilarious novel about a band of misfits who set out to challenge their school, one nun at a time. Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Robyn Schneider. When Michael walks through the doors of Catholic school, things can’t get much worse. His dad has just made the family move again, and Michael needs a friend. When a girl challenges their teacher in class, Michael thinks he might have found one, and a fellow atheist at that. Only this girl, Lucy, isn’t just Catholic . . . she wants to be a priest. Lucy introduces Michael to other St. Clare’s outcasts, and he officially joins Heretics Anonymous, where he can be an atheist, Lucy can be an outspoken feminist, Avi can be Jewish and gay, Max can wear whatever he wants, and Eden can practice paganism. Michael encourages the Heretics to go from secret society to rebels intent on exposing the school’s hypocrisies one stunt at a time. But when Michael takes one mission too far—putting the other Heretics at risk—he must decide whether to fight for his own freedom or rely on faith, whatever that means, in God, his friends, or himself.
Why it was banned
In 2024, "Heretics Anonymous" by Katie Henry was banned at the school level in the United States due to its political content and perceived blasphemy. The banning authority cited concerns over religious themes as the official reason for the ban. There are no documented lawsuits or public statements from the author or publisher regarding this ban.
Censorship history
In 2024, "Heretics Anonymous" by Katie Henry was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States due to complaints from parents and local religious organizations regarding its portrayal of Catholicism and themes of atheism. Specific instances of challenges included formal complaints presented at school board meetings, leading to votes that upheld the bans in some districts. The book's controversial content sparked debates about freedom of expression and the appropriateness of its themes in educational settings, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding religious beliefs in public schools.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | PoliticalReligiousBlasphemy |