Frequently Challenged & Banned Books
ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) receives reports from libraries, schools, and the media on attempts to ban books in communities across the country. We compile lists of challenged books to inform the public about censorship efforts affecting libraries and schools.
TOP 10 BANNED BOOKS 2023
ALA documented 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2023—a 65% surge over 2022 numbers—as well as 1,247 demands to censor library books, materials, and resources., here are the top 10 most challenged/banned books.
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images.
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, profanity, & considered to be sexually explicit.
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson Reasons: For providing sexual education and LGBTQIA+ content.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Reasons: 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: Depicts child sexual abuse & was considered sexually explicit.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews Reasons: Considered sexually explicit & degrading to women.
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, & LGBTQIA+ content.
Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human 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 & rape.