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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September 26, 2024
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banned books week
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.
September 26, 2024
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.
April 8, 2024
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.
October 6, 2023
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.
September 23, 2022
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.
September 23, 2024
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.”
October 9, 2023
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.
October 21, 2023
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.
October 18, 2023
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.
October 5, 2023
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.
September 23, 2022
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.
March 2, 2024
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.
September 20, 2022
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.
February 22, 2023
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.
March 14, 2024
It's now illegal for Minnesota libraries to ban LGBTQ+ books under this new law
The North Star State has officially banned book bans.
May 24, 2024
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
December 3, 2023
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.
April 25, 2022
MSNBC’S Ali Velshi on How Banned Books Save Lives
While some states ramp up bans, Velshi says we can counter by getting involved on school boards, associations and city councils
October 2, 2023