This book has been repeatedly banned since the 1950s in multiple countries for a variety of reasons. Most common reasons cited are profanity, offensive language, and not representing traditional values.

For years this has been required reading in schools. I remember reading it my sophomore year of high school as well. A tale of found family and hardship. They try to stick together through everything but it becomes too much.
This book touches on larger issues as well, showing us the prejudices and behaviors of a different time.