‘They’re trying to narrow the worldview of young people’: how book bans are on the rise in the US
Summary
Book bans in the United States have increased sharply since 2021, especially targeting books with LGBTQ+ themes and stories about people of color. This has led to many popular and important books being removed or challenged in schools and libraries across the country.Key Facts
- Maia Kobabe’s book Gender Queer has been the most challenged book for three years in a row.
- Between 2018 and 2023, over 23,000 book bans were recorded by PEN America.
- Books about LGBTQ+ people and people of color are the main targets of censorship.
- The American Library Association reported 4,235 different book titles were challenged in 2025 alone.
- In 2025, 90% of book challenges came from activists and government officials.
- Books like Sold by Patricia McCormick and Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo faced strong backlash.
- Authors believe the bans try to limit young people’s understanding of different identities and experiences.
- The rise in bans began after 2021, linked to political and cultural movements.
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