All over the world for countless years, people have been challenging pieces of literature that is usually taught in schools, mostly because the books may contain violence or sexual content that parents, schools officials, and others deem too inappropriate for young adults to read. Although some countries such as the United States are quick to ban a piece of literature, in other countries this action is more uncommon, such as in New Zealand, which has band its first book in 22 years.

According to an article written by Euan McKirdy titled “New Zealand bans young adult novel; first book ban in 22 years,” the novel, written by New Zealand author Ted Dawe, was removed from circulation because of complaints expressed by the New Zealand family advocacy group Family First. Reportedly, the group wanted the book banned because of “graphic language and themes contained in the book, including ‘strong offensive language, strong sexual descriptions (and) covers serious things like pedophilia and sexual abuse,’ according to Bob McCoskrie, National Director, Family First NZ.”

The article further reports that the members of Family First were originally only seeking an age restriction for the novel, which was eventually given at an R-14 rating; however, the age restriction was eventually removed by deputy Chief Censor Nic McCully. Nevertheless the article further reported that “when the age restriction was lifted Family First complained and the Film and Literature Board of Review placed the book on the restriction order, meaning it cannot be distributed or displayed anywhere in New Zealand.” Furthermore, if the order is breached, those who have purchased the book may be required to pay a fine of 3,000 dollars while companies who are caught selling the novel would be required to pay a fine of 10,000 dollars. Although there has been sharp criticism towards the novel, its author has not ceased to defend it.

By writing a young adult novel that contains adult themes, Dawe attempts to create a safe environment for teens where they can learn about adult issues that they may feel uncomfortable discussing with an adult. “This is what young adult fiction prepares them for,” said Dawe. “I understand adults who get upset (with some of the topics) but often their children are the ones who can’t discuss these things with their parents. In the safety of a novel they can learn about this.”

The banning of the novel has also created issues regarding freedom of speech in New Zealand, as the article describes, that freedom of speech and expression is much more relaxed in New Zealand. In fact, New Zealand’s Booksellers chief executive Lincoln Gould, Penguin Random House New Zealand and even the author of the novel himself have all gone on record saying that it is strange for a novel to be banned in the country. Additionally, Penguin Random House New Zealand also had a similar voice to Dawe, as the publishing company said in the article that “that young people benefit from having access to coming of age books that help them to understand the complex society in which they live.”