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 13 BANNED BOOKS 2022
ALA tracked 1,269 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2022. Of the 2,571 unique titles that were challenged or banned in 2022, here are the top 13 most challenged.
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.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Reasons: Depicts child sexual abuse & was considered sexually explicit.
Flamer by Mike Curato Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.
Looking for Alaska by John Green Reasons: Sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Reasons: Sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity
Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Reasons: Profanity, sexual references, and use of a derogatory term.
Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez Reasons: Depictions of abuse & considered to be sexually explicit.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas Reason: Sexually explicit
Crank by Ellen Hopkins Reasons: Sexually explicit, drugs
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews Reasons: Considered sexually explicit & degrading to women.
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson Reasons: For providing sexual education and LGBTQIA+ content.