(8 Apr 2024) The American Library Association (ALA) launched National Library Week with today’s release of its highly anticipated annual list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023 and the State of America’s Libraries Report, which highlights the ways libraries and library workers have taken action to address community needs with innovative and critical services, as well as the challenges brought on by censorship attempts.
The number of unique titles targeted for censorship surged 65 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching the highest levels ever documented by ALA.
“In looking at the titles of the most challenged books from last year, it’s obvious that the pressure groups are targeting books about LGBTQIA+ people and people of color,” said ALA President Emily Drabinski. “At ALA, we are fighting for the freedom to choose what you want to read. Shining a light on the harmful workings of these pressure groups is one of the actions we must take to protect our right to read.”
Below are the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023:
- “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: Rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI content
- (TIE) “Tricks,” by Ellen Hopkins / Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, 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, rape
Top 10 artwork is available for download at: https://bit.ly/ALA-Top10
Source: ALA
