Have you been thinking that it’s getting hard out there for books that are just trying to sit on shelf, minding their own business? You’re not wrong. In April the American Library Association released their report on banned and challenge books of 2022.
Libraries in every state faced another year of unprecedented attempts to ban books. In 2022, ALA tracked the highest number of censorship reports since the association began compiling data about library censorship more than 20 years ago. ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 2,571 unique titles targeted for censorship, a 38% increase from the 1,858 unique titles targeted in 2021. Most of the targeted books were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color.
So, why a Banned Books Week?
“By releasing the list of Top 10 Most Challenged Books each year, ALA recognizes all of the brave authors whose work challenges readers with stories that disrupt the status quo and offer fresh perspectives on tough issues,” said ALA President Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada. “The list also illustrates how frequently stories by or about LGBTQ+ persons, people of color, and lived experiences are being targeted by censors. Closing our eyes to the reality portrayed in these stories will not make life’s challenges disappear. Books give us courage and help us understand each other.
It’s time to take action on behalf of authors, library staff, and the communities they serve. ALA calls on readers everywhere to show your commitment to the freedom to read by doing something to protect it.”
You can learn more here.
Below are the most Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022:
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe – Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson – Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison – Reasons: depiction of sexual abuse, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI content
Flamer by Mike Curato – Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
(TIE) Looking for Alaska by John Green – Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content
(TIE) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, depiction of sexual abuse, drugs, profanity
Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison – Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie – Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity
Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez – Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit
(TIE) A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas – Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit
(TIE) Crank by Ellen Hopkins – Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs
(TIE) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews – Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity
(TIE) This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson – Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit
Shop of all the books here! (This is an affiliate link to my Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores throughout the United States. If you use this link to purchase the book, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
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