Yes, The Hand on the Wall Is Banned!
ISBN: 9780062338112
The Hand on the Wall is the thrilling conclusion to Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious trilogy. Stevie Bell, a true-crime-obsessed teenager at the elite Ellingham Academy in Vermont, finally closes in on the solution to both a present-day murder and the legendary 1936 Ellingham kidnapping. With a blizzard trapping everyone on campus, the stakes are life and death.
The novel has been challenged for violence, LGBTQ+ content (including a bisexual protagonist), and drug references. The entire Truly Devious series has appeared on PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans.
Why Was It Banned?
Where Was It Banned?
Read It Anyway
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hand on the Wall banned?
Yes, The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson has been banned or challenged in 4 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 Hand on the Wall banned?
The Hand on the Wall has been challenged and banned for the following reasons: Violence, LGBTQ+ Content, Drug Use. These challenges have come from school boards, libraries, and parent groups seeking to restrict access to the book.
Where is The Hand on the Wall banned?
As of 2025, The Hand on the Wall has been banned or challenged in Texas, Florida. Notable bans include Keller ISD (2022), Brevard County Public Schools (2023).