The Challenging Books Collection (formerly known as the Bad Books Box) is a curated collection of children’s books and educational texts flagged for problematic or offensive content.
This collaborative, ongoing project between the School of Education and the Library and Archive teams uses these materials as a resource for:
Reflecting on censorship, academic freedom, and institutional responsibility
Discussing harmful narratives, representation, and inclusive education
Highlighting the importance of historical and cultural context in pedagogy
Books in the Box are not removed or hidden. They are preserved with care, intention, and guidance, and used in:
Workshops, teacher training, and student research
Curriculum development and inclusive teaching practice
Discussions around ethics, literacy, and educational change
Contact us at: library@roehampton.ac.uk if you would like to get involved