Summary
PEN America reported an increase in books being banned from U.S. school libraries in the 2024-2025 school year. The organization counted 6,870 bans during this period, noting a rise from previous years. Florida, Texas, and Tennessee had the highest numbers of book bans.
Key Facts
- PEN America found 6,870 book bans in U.S. public school districts in the 2024-2025 school year.
- The number of bans decreased from 10,046 in the 2023-24 school year but increased compared to 2021-2023.
- A book ban, as defined by PEN America, is when a book is completely removed or access is restricted due to challenges from parents, communities, or officials.
- A Clockwork Orange was the most-banned book in the 2023-2024 school year.
- Florida, Texas, and Tennessee had the highest numbers of book bans in 2024-2025.
- New federal orders, signed by President Trump, have led to removals of certain books from military base schools.
- Books representing LGBTQ+ identities are often classified as "sexually explicit" in these bans.
