Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023
The American Library Association documented 821 attempts to censor materials and services at libraries, schools, and universities in 2024. The most common reasons for challenges were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and dealing with topics of race, racism, inclusivity, equity, and social justice. Of the 2,452 unique titles that were challenged or banned in 2024, here are the top 10 most frequently targeted.
- Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
- All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
- This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity
- Flamer by Mike Curato
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
- The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Reasons: Depiction of rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI content
- (TIE) Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, depiction of rape, LGBTQIA+ content
- (TIE) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity
- Let’s Talk About It by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, sex education, LGBTQIA+ content
- Sold by Patricia McCormick
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, depiction of rape.
Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2022
The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 1,269 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2022. Of the 2,571 unique titles that were targeted, here are the most challenged along with the reasons cited for censorship attempts.
- Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was claimed to be sexually explicit
- All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was claimed to be sexually explicit
- The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Reasons: Banned and challenged for depiction of sexual abuse, EDI content, and because it was claimed to be sexually explicit
- Flamer by Mike Curato
Reasons:Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was claimed to be sexually explicit
- Looking for Alaska by John Green (tie)
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was claimed to be sexually explicit
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (tie)
Reasons: Banned and challenged for depiction of sexual abuse, LGBTQIA+ content, drug use, profanity, and because it was claimed to be sexually explicit
- Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was claimed to be sexually explicit
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity and because it was claimed to be sexually explicit
- Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez
Reasons: Banned and challenged for depictions of abuse and because it was claimed to be sexually explicit
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas (tie)
Reasons: Banned and challenged because it was claimed to be sexually explicit
- Crank by Ellen Hopkins (tie)
Reasons: Banned and challenged for drug use and because it was claimed to be sexually explicit
- Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews (tie)
Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity and because it was claimed to be sexually explicit
- This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson (tie)
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, providing sexual education, and because it was claimed to be sexually explicit.
"Top 10 Most Challenged Books Lists", American Library Association, March 26, 2013.
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10/archive
Document ID: 8417fa9e-ceff-4512-aca9-9fbc81b8bd81
