BANNED

Yes, The Kite Runner Is Banned!

by Khaled Hosseini · Riverhead Books · 2003

ISBN: 9781573222457

15 documented challenges

📖 Why You Should Read This Book

The scenes people want to censor are the ones that matter most. They're where the book becomes real.

This literary bestseller tells the story of Amir and Hassan, childhood friends in Afghanistan. Became a Broadway play and massive success.

Why This Book Was Banned

The reasons listed above reflect formal challenge attempts. The real reasons are more complicated—and more revealing.

Why You Should Read This

The scenes people want to censor are the ones that matter most. They’re where the book becomes real.

Why Was It Banned?

Where Was It Banned?

Multiple Multiple districts 2024

Read It Anyway

The best response to a book ban is reading the book. Here's where to get it:

Buy from Capital Books

Support the bookstore that built this site. You won't get your book overnight, but we'll make 30%.

Buy on Bookshop.org

Support indie bookstores. Pick one or help them all. (We make 10%.)

Buy on Amazon

We know. They're huge, cheap, own a rocket ship, and you'll probably get it overnight. (We get 4%.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Kite Runner banned?

Yes, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini has been banned or challenged in 15 documented instances across 1 states in the United States, including Multiple. It remains one of the most frequently challenged books in America.

Why was The Kite Runner banned?

The Kite Runner has been challenged and banned for the following reasons: Sexual Content, Violence. These challenges have come from school boards, libraries, and parent groups seeking to restrict access to the book.

Where is The Kite Runner banned?

As of 2025, The Kite Runner has been banned or challenged in Multiple. Notable bans include Multiple districts (2024).