Banned Books Week

Book Ban Data

Read for your Rights with a book from any of the challenged books lists and read more about banned and challenged books on the ALA Banned Book FAQ.

The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom documented 2,452 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2024 as well as 821 demands to censor library books, materials, and resources. The data shows that the majority of book censorship attempts are now originating from organized movements. Pressure groups and government entities that include elected officials, board members, and administrators initiated 72% of demands to censor books in school and public libraries. The most challenged and reasons cited for censoring the books are listed below:

1. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
   Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
   HQ76.27.A37 J644 2020
2. Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe
   Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
   HQ77.8.K628 A3 2020
3. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
   Challenged for depiction of sexual abuse, EDI content, claimed to be sexually explicit
   PS3563.O8749 B55 2000
4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
   Challenged for depiction of sexual abuse, LGBTQIA+ content, drug use, profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit
   xChbosky
5. This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
   Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, providing sexual education, claimed to be sexually explicit
   HQ76.26.D39 2021
6. Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
   Challenged for claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, LGBTQIA+ content
7. Looking for Alaska by John Green
   Challenged for claimed to be sexually explicit
   xGreen
8. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
   Challenged for profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit
   PS3601.N373 M38 2015
9. Crank by Ellen Hopkins
   Challenged for claimed to be sexually explicit, depiction of drug use
   xHopkins
10. Sold by Patricia McCormick
    Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, rape
    xMcCormick
11. Flamer by Mike Curato
    Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
    xCu