The 1980s and 1990s were a fantastic time for children to live without the Internet and social media. However, some of the most well-liked children's books at this time did not pass the test of time.

People's ideas of what is and is not acceptable have evolved. Readers at the time would not have given some ideas and topics second thought. However, it would have gained negative reactions or at least mixed reviews in the modern day.

Here are five children's books popular in the 1980s and 1990s that are deemed "problematic" today. 

The Indian In The Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

This book was first published in 1980 and has been a beloved children's book for many years. This book is about Omni, who receives an Indian toy from his best friend for his birthday. In this imaginative and whimsical tale, Omni learns that an old medicine cabinet can bring his toys to life. Little Bear, the plastic Indian toy, becomes a human and eventually becomes friends with Omni.

Although many people still like this timeless book, there are a few instances in which the plot falls short of modern expectations. Although Omni dispels a number of prevalent Native American prejudices, it also reinforces many others. At first, Little Bear treats Omri like a deity. Throughout the story, he becomes increasingly aggressive. Although the book is still enjoyable, some parts will make readers uncomfortable.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

After the passing of his parents, Harry Potter is sent to live with his aunt and uncle as a kid, doing chores or being locked in the cupboard under the stairs. The unexpected appearance of Hagrid, a half-giant, on his 11th birthday changes his life by telling him he has been admitted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and that he is, in fact, a wizard.

The popularity of the "Harry Potter" series is undeniable until now, even surpassing its previous peak. However, the series has long been on the list of prohibited literature, and lately, there has been even more severe controversy around Harry's narrative. In the 1990s, "Harry Potter" was accused of inciting young people to engage in witchcraft. 

Readers nowadays regard many aspects of "Harry Potter" as "problematic." For example, Goblins, who hoard riches and oversee the wizarding bank, are supposed to harbor antisemitic motifs. The fact that wizards are oppressing house elves is also problematic for obvious reasons. The dispute has also been heightened by J.K. Rowling's remarks against legislation fighting for the rights of transgender people.

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Charlie & The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is a well-loved classic adapted into two movies. The book is about the quirky chocolate maker Willy Wonka, who makes children's dreams come true.

When the book was first released in 1964, there were many concerns about the Oompa Loompas. Roald Dahl initially portrayed them as little African men whom Willy Wonka found and brought back to his factory to work for him. Due to criticisms, Dahl revised the story, changing them to monsters from Loompaland. The book was republished in 1972.

However, the republished version still has issues. The minstrel references to the Oompa Loompa's dancing and singing persist even after the workers' skin tone and nationality are changed. The repeated depictions of the "fat" Augustus Gloop also upset readers. 

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Maurice Sendak's picture book, which has been around for 50 years, is one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed children's books ever written, winning the Caldecott Medal. In this book, wild and mischievous Max is sent to bed without dinner by his mother, which prompts him to imagine traveling far away to a land of Wild Things and becoming its king.

Parents in our time who have read the book voiced concerns over the severe punishment that the main character, Max, receives at the start of the story. Max's mother punishes him for scaring his family in a wolf costume by sending him to bed without food, a punishment no longer considered appropriate in modern times. Although Max receives a hot lunch at the end of the novel, some people still find the punishment unsettling.

The Baby-Sitter's Club by Ann M. Martin

"The Baby-Sitter's Club" book series spans numerous installments between 1986 and 2000. The series follows various characters per book, starting with Kristy Thomas, who has a babysitter business, in "Kristy's Great Idea." Although the book is a heartwarming account of misadventures, working together, and supporting one another, the ages of the characters at the start of the series raise concern.

In Ann M. Martin's novels, Kristy starts working as a babysitter at the age of 12, an age that would have been acceptable in the 1980s but not today. In essence, Kristy and her friends are kids watching kids, causing discomfort to readers.

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