Yes, The Cruel Prince Is Banned!
ISBN: 9780316310277
📖 Why You Should Read This Book
Black's faerie court political thriller features a human girl who's meaner than the fae. It redefined YA fantasy romance.
The Cruel Prince follows Jude Duarte, a mortal girl who was stolen away to the High Court of Faerie as a child. Now seventeen, she wants nothing more than to belong in a world that despises humans. But Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King, makes her life miserable. To win her place at court, Jude must defy him, and in doing so, she becomes entangled in palace intrigue, power plays, and a dangerous game she might not survive.
A New York Times #1 bestseller and one of the most popular YA fantasy series of the decade, The Cruel Prince has been challenged for its depictions of violence, sexual content, and strong language. It appears on PEN America’s index of banned books and has been pulled from school libraries in multiple states.
Why Was It Banned?
Where Was It Banned?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cruel Prince banned?
Yes, The Cruel Prince by Holly Black has been banned or challenged in 8 documented instances across 3 states in the United States, including Florida, Texas, Utah. It remains one of the most frequently challenged books in America.
Why was The Cruel Prince banned?
The Cruel Prince has been challenged and banned for the following reasons: Violence, Sexual Content, Profanity. These challenges have come from school boards, libraries, and parent groups seeking to restrict access to the book.
Where is The Cruel Prince banned?
As of 2025, The Cruel Prince has been banned or challenged in Florida, Texas, Utah. Notable bans include Clay County School District (2023), Keller ISD (2022), Davis School District (2022).