40% more books were challenged in the US in 2022 than in 2021, for a total of 2571 titles, according to the American Library Association (ALA). Most of the challenged books have LGBTQIA themes or racial themes.
Here are titles and a brief description of the five most banned books plus whether they are available in my public library. Most of them are.
Gender Queer, by Maia Kobabe. This memoir told in the form of a graphic novel, traces Kobabe’s life as a nonbinary person. In the past two years, Gender Queer has been banned more than any other book in the US. According to the ALA, Gender Queer has been challenged for “LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.” Not available at my public library.
All Boys Aren’t Blue, by George M. Johnson. Another memoir, this one explores Johnson’s youth as a Black and queer person, including his sexual experiences. According to the ALA, All Boys Aren’t Blue has been challenged for “LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.” Available at my public library.
The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison. Now more than 50 years old, this novel traces a Black girl who longs to have blue eyes. According to the ALA, The Bluest Eye has been challenged for its “depiction of sexual abuse, EDI content, claimed to be sexually explicit.” Available at my public library.
Flamer, by Mike Curato. This young adult graphic novel focuses on a 14-year-old Filipino boy at a Boy Scout camp where he accepts that he is gay. According to the ALA, Flamer has been challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit. Not available at my public library.
Looking For Alaska, by John Green, tied for fifth place. This novel concerns a high school student in a boarding school who is captivated by a girl named Alaska. According to the ALA, Looking for Alaska has been challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit. Available at my public library.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky, tied for fifth place. This novel, set in the 1990s, follows a shy high school freshman. According to the ALA, The Perks of Being a Wallflower has been challenged for its depiction of sexual abuse, LGBTQIA+ content, drug use, profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit. Available at my public library.
English Writing Teacher 