American Library Association (ALA) Releases List of Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022

From the American Library Association:

The American Library Association condemns censorship and works to defend each person’s right to read under the First Amendment and ensure free access to information. Every year, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books in order to inform the public about censorship in libraries and schools. The lists are based on information from reports filed by library professionals and community members and from news stories published throughout the United States.

Because many book challenges are not reported to the ALA or covered by the press, the Top Most Challenged Books lists and 2022 data compiled by ALA represent only a snapshot of book challenges. A challenge to a book may be resolved in favor of retaining the book in the collection, or it can result in a book being restricted or withdrawn from the library.

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.

“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.”

Below are the most Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022:

1. “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe
   Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit

2. “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George M. Johnson
   Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit

3. “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison
   Reasons: depiction of sexual abuse, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI content

4. “Flamer,” by Mike Curato
   Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit

5. (TIE) “Looking for Alaska,” by John Green
   Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content

        5. (TIE) “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky
             Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, depiction of sexual       abuse, drugs, profanity

        7.  “Lawn Boy,” by Jonathan Evison
             Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit

        8.  “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” by Sherman Alexie
             Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity

        9.  “Out of Darkness,” by Ashley Hope Perez
             Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit

       10. (TIE) “A Court of Mist and Fury,” by Sarah J. Maas
              Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit

       10. (TIE) “Crank,” by Ellen Hopkins
             Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs

       10. (TIE) “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” by Jesse Andrews
             Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity

       10. (TIE) “This Book is Gay,” by Juno Dawson
             Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit

ALA documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly doubles the 729 book challenges reported in 2021. Of the record 2,571 unique titles targeted for censorship, the most challenged and reasons cited for censoring the books are listed below.

Direct to Complete List, Infographics, and Other Resources

Direct to Complete News Release

Media Reports

‘Gender Queer’ Tops Library Group’s List of Challenged Books (via AP)

The American Library Association announced that Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir “Gender Queer” was the most “challenged” book of 2022, the second consecutive year it has topped the list.

The ALA defines a challenge as a “formal, written complaint filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness.”

Other books facing similar trials include George M. Johnson’s “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” Mike Curato’s “Flamer,” Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” John Green’s “Looking for Alaska,” Jonathan Evison’s “Lawn Boy” and Juno Dawson’s “This Book Is Gay.”

“All the challenges are openly saying that young people should not be exposed to LGBTQ materials,” said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, who directs the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom.

The Most Banned and Challenged Books of 2022 (via PBS NewsHour)

In Monday’s report, ALA President Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada underscored how libraries are central to the communities they reside in.

“When we talk about inclusion and being seen, we mean included and seen in all the intersectionalities of our lives, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, ability, socioeconomic status, and more,” the former children’s librarian wrote. “When we talk about inclusion in libraries, we take all of these into account and take the wholeness and humanness of our communities into account, which is why we are the trusted institutions in our communities.”

Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Data Files, Libraries, News, Reports