The Perks of Being a Wallflower

By Stephen Chbosky

"A coming of age novel about Charlie, a freshman in high school who is a wallflower, shy and introspective, and very intelligent. He deals with the usual teen problems, but also with the suicide of his best friend." - HELM

Why was this book challenged?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower banned book element tile.

Banned book element tile

Reasons: Sexual Content

  • Marshall University Library documents more than 15 challenges made against the Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, most alleging explicit sexual content and illicit behavior by the characters.

  • See our Frequently Asked Questions webpage to learn more about the differences between a challenge and a ban.

Ways to read this book at STCC!

Members of the STCC community have full borrowing privileges at the STCC Library, located in Building 19, 2nd Floor, provided they are actively registered in the college system and their records are in good standing.

Database access and e-content is available to all students, faculty, and staff using the following credentials:

Username: STCC ID number

Password: Last name in capital letters.

Additional Resources and Accessibility

If you prefer to listen to your books, or if the print or eBook versions of this book are checked out at STCC, you have additional checkout options through Massachusetts public libraries. CW/MARS and Boston Public Library eCards will give you access to eBook and Audiobook versions of this book. You can also download the Libby app to listen to audiobooks on your smartphone. These resources are outside of STCC Library, please consult your local public library for any questions regarding these outside resources.

Check public libraries in Western Massachusetts via CW/MARS:

Residents of Massachusetts can sign up for a Boston Public Library eCard, to access their digital materials such as eBooks and downloadable audiobooks. Follow the instructions on the BPL's website: