Censorship in 2023
Recent Book Challenges
ALA's Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022
The American Library Association tracked 1,269 demands to censor books and resources in 2022. This is the highest attempt to ban books in over 20 years, and is almost twice as much as last year (729 attempts in 2021).
1. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe.
151 Challenges
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.
2. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson.
86 Challenges
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.
3. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.
73 Challenges
Challenged for: depiction of sexual abuse, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) content, claimed to be sexually explicit.
4. Flamer by Mike Curato
62 Challenges
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.
5. (tie) Looking for Alaska by John Green
55 Challenges
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.
5. (tie) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
55 Challenges
Challenged for: depiction of sexual abuse, LGBTQIA+ content, drug use, profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit.
7. Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison.
54 Challenges
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.
8. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.
52 Challenges
Challenged for: profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit.
9. Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez.
50 Challenges
Challenged for: depictions of abuse, claimed to be sexually explicit.
10. (tie) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews.
48 Challenges
Reasons: Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and degrading to women.
10. (tie) This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson.
48 Challenges
Challenged for: providing sexual education, LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.
Legislation of Concern
EveryLibrary is monitoring state legislation during the 2023-2024 session that would limit Americans' freedom to read and think for themselves. Of most concern are proposed laws that would allow for civil and criminal prosecution of librarians, educators, higher ed. faculty, and museum professionals.
Censorship By The Numbers
