NOTE: The Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2020 is included in the 2021 State of American Libraries report.
From the American Library Association:
In 2020, more than 273 books were challenged or banned. Demands to remove books addressing racism and racial justice or those that shared the stories of Black, Indigenous, or people of color grew in number. At the same time, books addressing themes and issues of concern for LGBTQIA+ people continued to dominate the list.
Source: State of American Libraries 2021
Below are the top 10 most challenged books of 2020:
1. “George,” by Alex Gino
Challenged, banned, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content, conflicting with a religious viewpoint, and not reflecting “the values of our community”2. “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You,” by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds
Banned and challenged because of the author’s public statements, and because of claims that the book contains “selective storytelling incidents” and does not encompass racism against all people3. “All American Boys,” by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
Banned and challenged for profanity, drug use, and alcoholism, and because it was thought to promote anti-police views, contain divisive topics, and be “too much of a sensitive matter right now”4. “Speak,” by Laurie Halse Anderson
Banned, challenged, and restricted because it was thought to contain a political viewpoint, it was claimed to be biased against male students, and for the novel’s inclusion of rape and profanity5. “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” by Sherman Alexie
Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and allegations of sexual misconduct by the author6. “Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice,” by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
Challenged for “divisive language” and because it was thought to promote anti-police views7. “To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee
Banned and challenged for racial slurs and their negative effect on students, featuring a “white savior” character, and its perception of the Black experience8. “Of Mice and Men,” by John Steinbeck
Banned and challenged for racial slurs and racist stereotypes, and their negative effect on students9. “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison
Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and depicts child sexual abuse10. “The Hate U Give,” by Angie Thomas
Challenged for profanity, and it was thought to promote an anti-police message
Source: State of American Libraries 2021
See Also: Previous Lists and Additional Resources
Update: New Video
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