Yes, Girls of Paper and Fire Is Banned!
ISBN: 9780316561365
📖 Why You Should Read This Book
Ngan's fantasy about girls stolen to serve a demon king is a story of resistance, queer love, and refusing to be someone's property. It's fierce.
Girls of Paper and Fire is set in a world where humans (Paper caste) are ruled by demons. Each year, eight beautiful girls are chosen to serve as the Demon King’s concubines. Lei, a Paper Girl, is taken from her village and brought to the palace, where she falls in love with another concubine, Wren, and discovers that Wren is part of an underground rebellion against the King.
One of the most frequently banned YA novels in the country, it has been challenged for sexual content (including depictions of sexual assault), LGBTQ+ themes (the central romance between two girls), and violence. The novel’s unflinching portrayal of abuse and its celebration of queer love have made it a perennial target.
Why Was It Banned?
Where Was It Banned?
Read It Anyway
The best response to a book ban is reading the book. Here's where to get it:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Girls of Paper and Fire banned?
Yes, Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan has been banned or challenged in 13 documented instances across 4 states in the United States, including Texas, Florida, Utah, Missouri. It remains one of the most frequently challenged books in America.
Why was Girls of Paper and Fire banned?
Girls of Paper and Fire has been challenged and banned for the following reasons: Sexual Content, LGBTQ+ Content, Violence. These challenges have come from school boards, libraries, and parent groups seeking to restrict access to the book.
Where is Girls of Paper and Fire banned?
As of 2025, Girls of Paper and Fire has been banned or challenged in Texas, Florida, Utah, Missouri. Notable bans include Keller ISD (2022), Escambia County School District (2023), Alpine School District (2022).