This is Why They Hate Us

Name: This is Why They Hate Us
Author: Aaron H. Aceves

Aaron H. Aceves · 2025

Literary fiction

Banned in 1 country

About this book

Seventeen-year-old Enrique "Quique" Luna decides to get over his crush on Saleem Kanazi before the end of summer by pursuing other romantic prospects, but he ends up discovering heartfelt truths about friendship, family, and himself.

Censorship history

This is Why They Hate Us was banned or restricted in United States in 2025 for its LGBTQ+ themes and positive depiction of queer identity, as well as sexual content and race / colonialism. This case is part of a global pattern in which LGBTQ+ representation in literature faces disproportionate legal and institutional pressure.