Research Guides: Banned Books Week: 2023

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- 24 Most Controversial Books of All Time
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Banned Books Week 2023

Join us October 1 – 7 for the 2023 celebration of the right to read!

2022 Top 13 Most Challenged Books

The American Library Association (ALA) documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly doubles the 729 book challenges reported in 2021. Of the record 2,571 unique titles targeted for censorship, the most challenged and reasons cited for censoring the books are listed below.

1. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

2. All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

3. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Reasons: Depiction of sexual abuse, EDI content, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

4. Flamer by Mike Curato

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

5. (tie) Looking for Alaska by John Green

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

5. (tie) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Reasons: Depiction of sexual abuse, LGBTQIA+ content, drug use, profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

7. Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

8. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Reasons: profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

9. Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez

Reasons: Depictions of abuse, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

10. (tie) A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Reasons: claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

10. (tie) Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Reasons: drug use, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

10. (tie) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Reasons: profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

10. (tie) This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, providing sexual education, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

2023 Top Ten Banned Books

ALA documented 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2023—a 65% surge over 2022 numbers—as well as 1,247 demands to censor library books, materials, and resources. Pressure groups focused on public libraries in addition to targeting school libraries. The number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92% over the previous year, accounting for about 46% of all book challenges in 2023.Of the record 4,240 unique titles targeted for censorship, the most challenged and reasons cited for censoring the books are listed below.

1. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

2. All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

3. This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Reasons: claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity (available at SKYCTC Library)

5. Flamer by Mike Curato

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit (available at SKYCTC Library)

6. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Reasons: rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI content (available at SKYCTC Library)

7/8. (tie) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Reasons: claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity (available at SKYCTC Library)

7/8. (tie) Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Reasons: claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, LGBTQIA+ content

(Available soon at SKYCTC Library)

9. Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan

Reasons: claimed to be sexually explicit, sex education, LGBTQIA+ content

(Available soon at SKYCTC Library)

10. Sold by Patricia McCormick

Reasons: claimed to be sexually explicit, rape

(Available soon at SKYCTC Library)

Banned Books Week 2023: Let Freedom Read

Banned Books Week 2023 will be held October 1 – 7.

The theme of this year’s event is "Let Freedom Read.”

When we ban books, we're closing off readers to people, places, and perspectives. But when we stand up for stories, we unleash the power that lies inside every book. We liberate the array of voices that need to be heard and the scenes that need to be seen. Let freedom read!