Banned Books

Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024

The American Library Association documented 821 attempts to censor materials and services at libraries, schools, and universities in 2024. The most common reason for challenges were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBRQIA+ characters or themes; and dealing with topics of race, racism, inclusivity, equity, and social justice.

Of the 2,452 unique titles that were challenged or banned in 2024, here are the top 10 most frequently challenged

All the Boys Ain't Blue: REASONS: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit

bit.ly/allboysBR

Gender Queer: REASONS: Banned, challenged, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images

bit.ly/genderBR

(TIE) The Bluest Eye: REASONS: rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI content

bit.ly/bluestBR

(TIE) The Perks of Being a Wallflower: REASONS: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity

bit.ly/wallflowerBR

Tricks: REASONS: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, LGBTQIA+ content

bit.ly/tricksBR

(TIE) Looking for Alaska: REASONS: Claimed to be sexually explicit

bit.ly/alaskaBR

(TIE) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl: REASONS: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity

bit.ly/earlBR

(TIE) Crank: Claimed to be sexually explicit, depiction of drug use

bit.ly/crankBR

(TIE) Sold: REASONS: Claimed to be sexually explicit, rape

bit.ly/soldBR

Flamer: REASONS: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit

bit.ly/flamerBR