Book banning often arises due to concerns about controversial or challenging content, such as themes related to religion, sexuality, politics, or other sensitive topics. Advocates for free expression argue that even books with challenging content can serve as valuable tools for promoting critical thinking, empathy, and understanding. They argue that readers should have the opportunity to make their own choices about what they read and that parents and guardians can play a role in guiding children's reading choices.

Efforts to ban books are often met with resistance from individuals and organizations that defend intellectual freedom and the First Amendment rights of authors and readers. They argue that the best way to address concerns about a book's content is through open and respectful dialogue, education, and the promotion of diverse reading materials.