About this book
Tanuja Desai Hidier's fantastically acclaimed cross-cultural debut comes to PUSH! Dimple Lala doesn't know what to think. Her parents are from India, and she's spent her whole life resisting their traditions. Then suddenly she gets to high school and everything Indian is trendy. To make matters worse, her parents arrange for her to meet a "suitable boy." Of course it doesn't go well -- until Dimple goes to a club and finds him spinning a magical web. Suddenly the suitable boy is suitable because of his sheer unsuitability. Complications ensue. This is a funny, thoughtful story about finding your heart, finding your culture, and finding your place in America.
Censorship history
In 2025, "Born Confused" by Tanuja Desai Hidier was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States, primarily due to concerns over its portrayal of race and colonialism. The ban was initiated following formal complaints from parents and community members who argued that the book's themes were inappropriate for students. Some school boards voted to remove the book from their libraries, citing its controversial content as a reason for the decision. The ban has faced pushback from advocates for diverse literature, but as of now, it remains upheld in the districts that enacted it.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | Racial |