Yes, The Gilded Ones Is Banned!
ISBN: 9780593128374
The Gilded Ones follows sixteen-year-old Deka, who lives in a patriarchal society where girls must undergo a blood ceremony to prove their purity. When Deka’s blood runs gold instead of red, she is marked as impure and sentenced to death. But a mysterious woman offers her a choice: die or join an army of girls like her, the alaki, near-immortal warriors fighting to protect the empire. As Deka trains, she discovers that everything she was taught about her world, and about herself, is a lie.
A New York Times bestseller and an instant critical favorite, The Gilded Ones has been banned for its graphic violence, sexual content, and themes of the occult. The novel’s exploration of misogyny, religious hypocrisy, and female power has made it a target in multiple school districts.
Why Was It Banned?
Where Was It Banned?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Gilded Ones banned?
Yes, The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna has been banned or challenged in 5 documented instances across 2 states in the United States, including Texas, Florida. It remains one of the most frequently challenged books in America.
Why was The Gilded Ones banned?
The Gilded Ones has been challenged and banned for the following reasons: Violence, Sexual Content, Occult/Witchcraft. These challenges have come from school boards, libraries, and parent groups seeking to restrict access to the book.
Where is The Gilded Ones banned?
As of 2025, The Gilded Ones has been banned or challenged in Texas, Florida. Notable bans include Keller ISD (2022), Brevard County Public Schools (2023).