#14 - Out of Darkness - Ashley Hope Perez

Set in 1937 Texas, Out of Darkness tells the story of Naomi, a Mexican-American girl, and Wash, an African-American boy, who develop a forbidden relationship amidst the challenges of segregation and prejudice. As their relationship grows, they both confront personal and societal barriers, culminating in a tragic event that forces them to confront harsh realities of race, love, and injustice in America. The novel has ended up banned or challenged in many areas due to its addressing of heavy themes like racism, abuse, and the fight for dignity in society.