Each of us can remember reading a book that changed the way we thought about the world, or about other people, or about ourselves. In the process of opening people's eyes, though, these books may have also ruffled a few feathers - and landed on someone's literary hit list.

This week we recognize Banned Books Week - and celebrate the power of the pen to evoke controversy, wonder, discomfort and change.  

Check out this list of banned books that are included in the Library of Congress's exhibit on Books that Shaped America - and have been banned at some point in our nation's history. 

Of course reasonable people can, should and will disagree about what should be taught in the classrooms in their communities, but there is no doubt that there are books on this list that teachers across the country can't imagine not teaching.