Copyright 2023 PEN America. Magazine Subscribers (How to Find Your Reader Number), A Prize Recognizes the Riches of Jewish Literature, What Family Stories Can Teach Us About America, Octavia E. Butler Wins SFWA Infinity Award, Nora Roberts Objects to School District's Book Ban, Novel by Cedric the Entertainer Coming This Summer, Chain-Gang All-Stars Is Today Book Club Pick, Dolly Parton Talks New Kids Book on GMA, Matthew Perry Regrets Insulting Actor in His Book, Jessica Chastain Declines To Sign Fans Book. Anderson, and Ruchira Gupta. The Boys by Garth Ennis (Qatar)83. 26. When Melissa is shut down for wanting to play a female role in the class play, she decides its time to change things. The American Library Association documented 1,269 demands of book censorship in 2022. With book bans and legislative challenges to the freedom to read surging to record levels, even the top 10 most banned books list is bigger. "Gender Queer," by Maia Kobabe. The Index lists instances where students' access to books in school libraries and classrooms in the United States was restricted or diminished, for either limited or indefinite periods of time. Where The Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein (U.S.)35. 50. Here are the 50 most commonly banned books in America from the 2021-2022 school year, with data supplied by PEN America. In fact, 2022 saw the highest number of censorship reports since the association began compiling data about library censorship more than 20 years ago, the report reads. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. In Indonesia, the book was accused of blasphemy and thousands of copies were burned. Read banned books. This is the list of the most banned books in the first part of the 2022-2023 school year, according to the PEN America Index of School Book Bans. Her dreams come true, but it isnt the fantasy shes hoping for. Wheres Waldo? Check out these other banned books and comment on why you think they were blacklisted! Better to Stand and Die by Chang Lin and Shu Yang (Myanmar)79. Queer youth are often forced to look outside their own homes, and outside the education system, to find information on who they are, Kobabe wrote. Are you an artist at risk or know someone who is? Into the River by Ted Dawe (New Zealand)80. The 1962 science-fiction fantasy follows persnickety Meg Murry as she enters parallel universes in search of her father. The story takes a look at violence, religion, and life in the middle of the century for many Irish young men. In 1999, one small Wisconsin town officially made it one of its banned books after claiming that a scene in which a spider licks her lips could be taken in two ways, including sexual. Cant say that would have been our first thought. Her companions, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. These books have been challenged across the world for obscenity, sexual overtones, religious reasons, and more. PEN America defines a school book ban as any action taken against a book based on its content and as a result of parent or community challenges, administrative decisions, or in response to direct or threatened action by lawmakers or other governmental officials, that leads to a previously accessible book being either completely removed from availability to students, or where access to a book is restricted or diminished. 3 in 2021. Apicture book about racism and racial justice, inviting white children and parents to become curious about racism, accept that it's real, and cultivate justice. The issue? 10 Most Interesting List of Banned Books to Read (2022) - INQUIRER.net USA 10 were Sarah J. Maas A Court of Mist and Fury, Ellen Hopkins Crank, Jesse Andrews Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, and Juno Dawsons This Book Is Gay. Book Bans Are Back. Here's What's In Danger. - The Atlantic The story follows Melissa, who her teacher and classmates call George. In some instances, it has been removed from shelves for its portrayals of teen drinking, profanity and even a claim that its biased against male students. Multiple incidents of book-banning in EuropeItaly, Yugoslavia and Nazi territories, specificallyfor this historical novel. A majority of the most challenged books of 2022 were written by or about LGBTQ+ people or people of color, a new report from the American Library Association found. Copyright 2023 Kirkus Media LLC. The first volume was published in 1986 and the second in 1992. Maia Kobabe's autobiographical graphic novel "Gender Queer,", "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian", "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,", Challenges to books higher than ever in 2022, Banned books 'part of a widescale political attack', Authors of most banned books in the U.S. speak up. 1. Here are the top 13 most challenged books of 2022, per the American Library Association. Despite (and perhaps because of) these heartbreaking scenes, the book is worth a readespecially if youre starting a book club. Summaries provided via NYPLs catalog, which draws from multiple sources. More information about PEN Americas definition of school book bans can be found here. No spam, only the goods. Its a beautiful and tender coming-of-age story that offers readers a glimpse of love and creativity, yes, but also racism and trauma. In this book, a Wall Street stiff expresses his true self through torture and murder, rape, cannibalism, and necrophilia. Published in 2012, this irreverent book about dying is still one of the most banned books in 2022. "Im a former high school teacher, and I think about the kids who are losing access to stories that they need," she said. When her dream comes true, it turns out to be more nightmare than fantasy. Books that have been challenged or banned are displayed and given away during a Let Utah Read event at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soulher life., The powerful, poignant, bestselling National Book Award Finalist gives voice to a young girl robbed of her childhood yet determined to find the strength to triumph., A new 25th anniversary edition of the instant classic that inspired the major motion picture and Sundance Film Festival winner Precious: Based on the Novel PUSH by Sapphire, whose power and ferocity influenced a generation of writers., The seductive and stunning #1 New York Timesbestselling sequel to Sarah J. Maass spellbindingA Court of Thorns and Roses., The bestselling young adult non-fiction book on sexuality and gender! When we talk about inclusion and being seen, we mean included and seen in all the intersectionalities of our lives, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, ability, socioeconomic status, and more, the former childrens librarian wrote. byLupita Nyong'o;illustrated by Vashti Harrison. The unfortunate reason for the widespread restriction of this Scholastic novel is all too clear: Its a childrens book about a transgender girl. But no, her diary hasnt been removed from libraries because of the terror undergirding this heartbreaking account. In The Handmaids Tale, one of the women tells her story. From July 2021 to June 2022, PEN America found 2,532 instances of individual books being banned, affecting 1,648 unique book titles. Schools have deemed some of the 14-year-olds plain descriptions of her anatomy pornographic. Even worse: One Alabama textbook committee asked for it to be added to the banned books list because it was a real downer. And yes, its certainly a sad book because of Anne Franks fate, but its also moving, hopeful and funnyand definitely worth a read. The country believes the film is also more pornography than a movie.Need a new book for your little one? In her honor, her titles Beloved and The Bluest Eye (frequent targets of book bans) will be available on SimplyE, NYPLs free virtual e-reader, without holds until October 31. You may find that significant others and close friends, Our fathers hold a special place in our hearts. Aldous Huxleys 1931 dystopian book was first banned in Ireland for anti-religion, anti-family and blasphemous content, according to Carnegie Mellon Universitys Banned Books Project. All Boys. He lacks successful role models or mentors. Learn more about Friends of the NewsHour. Other books that have been targeted largely by conservatives for topics such as race, gender and sexuality include George M. Johnsons All Boys Arent Blue and Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye.. This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman (U.S.)62. Animal Farm by George Orwell (U.S.)57. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly doubles the 729 book challenges reported in 2021. The 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. Gender Queer, Kobabes graphic memoir about growing up nonbinary and asexual was the most banned book of the year; challenges focused on its LGBTQ+ and sexual content. The 50 most banned books in America Queen of Sheba and Biblical Scholarship by Bernard Leeman (Saudi Arabia)84. Add to that a few sexually explicit scenes, and youve got a few jittery school boards purging the shelves of this YA book. Maia Kobabes memoir Gender Queer, which made its first appearance on the American Library Associations list of top 10 banned books in 2021, was included in 151 different challenges last year. A Study In Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (U.S.)97. It is banned in the state of Queensland and only sold to adults in other parts of the country.Grab your next read and head to one of these 7 literary cities perfect for book lovers! What books are being banned. 1,100+ Banned Books Across 26 States: Report Shows 'Shocking' Censorship The Things They Carried by Tim OBrien (U.S.)51. What makes Go Ask Alice (1971) one of the most controversial books of all time? Starrs careful balancing act crumbles when a police officer kills her unarmed friend. This book is for YOU., From the acclaimed Nobel Prize winnera powerful examination of our obsession with beauty and conformity that asks questions about race, class, and gender with characteristic subtly and grace., #1 New York Timesbestsellermilk and honey is a collection of poetry and prose about survival. Ashley Hope Prezs 2015 young adult novel Out of Darkness has landed on many a list of banned books for its graphic depictions of teen sex. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual,Gender Queer is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identitywhat it means and how to think about itfor advocates, friends, and humans everywhere., Award-winning author and artist Mike Curato draws on his own experiences in Flamer, his debut graphic novel, telling a difficult story with humor, compassion, and love., Five troubled teenagers fall into prostitution as they search for freedom, safety, community, family, and love in this #1 New York Times bestselling novel from Ellen Hopkins., The stunning graphic novel adaptation A must-read and collectors item for fans of the patron saint of feminist dystopian fiction (New York Times)., Kristina Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. Of course, the crude humor and lack of empathy regarding death have gotten Jesse Andrewss debut novel banned more than a few times. The second volume was published in 1992 and went on to win a Pulitzer Prizethe first and only graphic novel to achieve that honor. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell (South Africa)98. But even before that, the authors of Stamped had begun leaving a deep imprint on libraries nonfiction collections. The ensuing confusionboth internal and externalresults in her being ghosted by her peers. Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin (U.S.)45. The Devils Discus by Rayne Kruger (Thailand)68. And Tango Makes Three has a spot on this list of banned books 2022 because its about two penguins who create a nontraditional family. This book is for anyone whos ever dared to wonder. Perhaps thats because Gender Queer unflinchingly portrays and normalizes topics still often misunderstood: adolescent sexuality, asexuality and the differences between gender identity and sexuality. Lady Chatterleys Lover by D. H. Lawrence (U.K.)100. Letters From Burma by Aung San Suu Kyi (Burma). James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (U.S.)72. PUBLISHERS: if you wish to share your Banned Books or other socially inclusive books and resources, please email Sommer at [email protected]. The fall 2022 banned book list is a searchable index of each documented book ban in the first half of the school year. "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" for $13.37at Amazon, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" for $15.80at Bookshop. Frequently Challenged Young Adult Books - Advocacy, Legislation & Issues Their stance hasnt affected the popularity of the book (or its movie adaptation)its widely considered one of the greatest books of all time. Subscribe to Here's the Deal, our politics newsletter. CHICAGO - Eight months into 2022, the number of attempts to ban or restrict library resources in schools, universities and public libraries, is on track to exceed record counts from 2021, according to preliminary data released today by the American Library Association (ALA) in advance of Banned Books Week (Sept. 18-24). Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry These groups use social media and other channels to initiate a mass challenge that can empty the shelves of a library, she added. The books tragic ending begs the reader to answer: Would you rather be happy or free? It was also the No. While readers were searching for Waldo after the book was originally published in 1987, they spotted something: a partially topless woman sunbathing in a beach scene. The book uses graphic descriptions and offensive language. John Greens Looking for Alaskaand Stephen Chboskys The Perks of Being a Wallflowertied for No. Farina by Nacho Carretero (Spain)86. 41 percent explicitly address LGBTQ+ themes or have protagonists or prominent secondary characters who are LGBTQ+ (this includes a specific subset of titles for transgender characters or stories145 titles, or 9 percent); 40 percent contain protagonists or prominent secondary characters of color; 21 percent directly address issues of race and racism; 22 percent contain sexual content of varying kinds, including novels with some level of description of sexual experiences of teenagers, stories about teen pregnancy, sexual assault and abortion as well as informational books about puberty, sex, or relationships. Of course, the debate over Steinbecks prized work is similar to the ones around the likes of To Kill a Mockingbird. Newcomers to the list . This award-winning nonfiction collection features interviews with transgender teens. The top 10 list is a little different than in years past; instead of 10, there are 13 most challenged books because several books tied for being the most targeted. And we would never share your info with anyone. Defend free expression, support persecuted writers, and promote literary culture. Please check your inbox to confirm. PEN Americas Index of School Book Bans provides a comprehensive list of books banned in the 2021-2022 school year. With some titles restricted in multiple places, the total count of book bans is more than 2,500. Set in a seemingly utopian community where everyone has a clear role and family group, The Giver turns dark when a boy named Jonas realizes the high cost of living without pain, war or blatant hatred. 1. Some schools have challenged the fantastical story for language, plus tobacco and alcohol references. Cart | Hello, | Login. After Max is sent to bed for misbehaving, he sails to the land of the wild things where he becomes their king. The most banned books were primarily young adult or adult titles, but picture books for the youngest . Go Ask Alice by Anonymous (U.S.)67. 8 spot, followed by Ashley Hope Prezs Out of Darknessat No. In 2022, multiple books received the same number of . Join the free Readers Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers. When the dog is stolen from his home to be sold as a sled dog, he must fight tooth and nail to survive. Lesbian. Unlike previous years, the new list features 13 titles, instead of the usual 10. In a 2021 column for the Washington Post, e wrote that the book Gender Queer is generally meant for readers in high school and above, but added that the primary readers in mind were for eir own parents and extended family who didnt understand what it meant to question and explore your own gender identity. The latest data comes amid the growing, organized calls for book bans and restrictions from a conservative political movement whose goals include removing books addressing race, history, gender identity, sexuality, and reproductive health from Americas public libraries and school libraries that do not meet their approval, said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALAs Office for Intellectual Freedom, in the report. Subscribe to Heres the Deal, our politics Intersex. The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones (U.S.)56. Khaled Hosseinis 2003 debut novel whisks readers away to Afghanistan, where the son of a rich man and the son of his servant forge an unlikely friendship. Overall, more than 2,500 unique titles were targeted in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans and restrictions since the associations Office for Intellectual Freedom began keeping track of this data more than 20 years ago. In 1994, the book was banned in Alaska and Pennsylvania schools for graphic descriptions and offensive language. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (U.S.)40. Dark magic, evil villains, sorcerers, oh my! 3. 3 on the new list, followed by Mike Curatos Flamerat No. Heres why, As LGBTQ book challenges rise, some Louisiana librarians are scared to go to work, Coalition of librarians, teachers and publishers forms to fight book bans, Book bans have reached levels not seen in decades but nationwide activism to oppose them is growing, too, Librarians in Louisiana at odds with conservative activists working to ban books, George M. Johnsons All Boys Arent Blue, faced harassment from conservative activists. These sequels are part of this list of banned books 2022 because of, you guessed it, its explicit sexual content. The insect community is preparing to attend the wedding of two apparently identical worms and wondering which will wear the tux and which the gown before deciding it does not matter. TheAmerican Library Association(ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked729challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2021. The Most Banned Picture Books of 2022 - PEN America According to the National Library of Scotland, Humanist scholar and poet Buchanan approved the abdication of Mary Queen of Scots, arguing it was in accordance with the laws of Scotland and of God. Over 1,600 books were banned in U.S. school districts in one year - and (Tie) The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky. Beartown by Fredrik Backman (U.S.)94. Its hard to describe this one, its a doomsday book that emphasizes the idea of a giant catastrophe. Banned Book List: 1,648 Books in 2021-2022 - PEN America The characters are portrayed as animals separated by species rather than ethnicity, a bold, jarring move. The first volume was published in 1986 and the second in 1992. Were glad you found a book that interests you! White (U.S.)59. When we talk about inclusion in libraries, we take all of these into account and take the wholeness and humanness of our communities into account, which is why we are the trusted institutions in our communities., Kobabe, who uses Spivak pronouns (e, em, eir), describes the process of coming out as nonbinary and asexual in Gender Queer., Kobabe also notes in the book just how affirming it was to discover queer books at a library as a high schooler.