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banned books week

The 10 most challenged books of 2023

Book-banning efforts have been aimed primarily at books with LGBTQ+ content and those by or about people of color. Here are the top 10 books that were targeted.

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Over 30 celebrities join auction to put LGBTQ+ books in classrooms (exclusive)

Pride and Less Prejudice's auction features items donated by celebrities such as singer Janelle Monáe, actor Daniel Radcliffe, interior designer Bobby Berk, and many more.

These are the most challenged library books in America — yes, most are LGBTQ+

Gender Queer, All Boys Aren't Blue, and This Book Is Gay lead the American Library Association's list of the 10 most challenged books of 2023.

How to Fight Book Bans, According to the American Library Association's Queer President

“We need all hands on deck in this moment, and there’s something everyone can do,” Emily Drabinski says.

Book Bans Undermine the Rights of Young LGBTQ+ People

To mark Banned Book Week, PEN America offers thoughts about how banned books deny all youth the affirming and empathetic vision that literature sparks.

Book bans nearly triple in 2023-2024 school year: PEN America report

The increase includes books about women's sexual experiences, rape, and abuse, in addition to continued attacks on material with LGBTQ+ or racial themes.

Children’s Book Added to Book Ban List Because Author’s Last Name Is ‘Gay’

The library’s executive director confirmed the book was listed because of the word “gay.”

Republicans and Democrats Clash on Book Bans in Congressional Hearing

Republican House members and conservative groups contended that removing books from school libraries doesn't amount to banning them, while Democrats pushed back.

Scholastic Separates LGBTQ+ Titles at Book Fairs in Response to Book Bans

The publisher's action is drawing criticism from teachers, librarians, and advocacy groups.

30+ Celebrities Fight Book Bans By Supporting LGBTQ+ Nonprofit's Online Auction

You have until October 8 to score items from Sally Field, Daniel Radcliffe, Neil Patrick Harris, and other big names.

Celebrity Auction Will Get LGBTQ-Inclusive Books Into Schools

Pride and Less Prejudice's virtual action this weekend aims to raise $10,000 to send 800 LGBTQ-inclusive books to elementary schools across the U.S. and Canada.

Georgia Senate passes bill banning American Library Association from state libraries

The bill’s sponsors blamed the group’s new “Marxist lesbian” president for the legislation.

Freedoms for LGBTQ+ Americans Are on the Ballot: Make A Plan to Vote

Voters must choose lawmakers who will work to protect their privacy, private health decisions, and decisions personally affecting them and their families. 

The New J.K. Rowling Podcast and Her History of Transphobia

Rowling has continued to make anti-transgender comments and promote stories on her Twitter account that discredit trans-inclusive advocacy.

Book ban attempts surge to record highs in 2023

The number of titles targeted rose 65 percent over 2022, according to the American Library Association.

It's now illegal for Minnesota  libraries to ban LGBTQ+ books under this new law

The North Star State has officially banned book bans.

Iowa’s Book Ban the Target of Lawsuit by Bestselling Authors and Penguin Random House

The list of plaintiffs now included Iowa teachers, students, the Iowa State Education Association, and four bestselling authors including John Green and Jodi Picoult

Activist Files Complaints in Florida Over Bible Being ‘Too Woke’

Chaz Stevens is using Florida GOP's "stop WOKE act" to prove the Bible's inclusion of topics like racism and LGBTQ+ issues makes it inappropriate for classrooms.

WATCH: Utah Gov. Says Failure to Defend Marriage Bans Courts Anarchy

In a news conference, Gov. Gary Herbert expresses displeasure with officials in other states who won't defend bans on same-sex marriage, and he comes close to saying being gay is a choice.