In its yearly compilation of the most targeted titles, the American Library Association revealed that over 50% of the books that faced challenges in 2023 featured LGBTQ themes or characters.
National Library Week, an annual event co-sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide in April, commenced with the announcement of the top 10 most challenged titles of 2023 by the prominent librarian group. Notably, seven out of the 10 books included on the list faced challenges due to their LGBTQ content.
According to ALA President Emily Drabinski, the titles of the most challenged books from last year indicate a clear targeting of books about LGBTQIA+ people and people of color by pressure groups. Drabinski emphasizes that ALA is committed to fighting for the freedom to choose what one wants to read. Shedding light on the harmful actions of these pressure groups is seen as a necessary step in protecting our right to read.
According to a report released in March, the United States has experienced a significant increase in book bans and attempted bans since 2021. In fact, the number of books targeted for censorship rose by 65% in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching a record high since the ALA began collecting this data over 20 years ago.
In the previous year, the ALA recorded a total of 4,240 works that were targeted for censorship in schools and public libraries. Fast forward to 2022, and there were 2,571 books that faced the same threat.
What were the 10 most challenged books?
Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer” has once again claimed the top spot on the ALA’s list, marking its third consecutive year as the leading title. This 2019 novel takes the form of a captivating graphic memoir, delving into Kobabe’s personal odyssey of self-discovery. Within its pages, Kobabe fearlessly examines various facets of gender identity and sexuality, offering readers a thought-provoking and deeply personal narrative.
Kobabe’s memoir has gained attention from Republican lawmakers who believe that certain books are unsuitable for children and should be removed from school libraries. The novel became the target of a lawsuit in Virginia where it was argued that the title was obscene for children and should only be available to minors. However, the lawsuit was dismissed by a judge in August 2022.
Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye,” a Nobel laureate’s work, has faced numerous attempts at banning since its publication in 1970. The book has been targeted due to its portrayal of racism and sexual abuse.
In 2023, the list of the 10 most challenged titles consists of the following:
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- “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe for LGBTQ content and claimed to be sexually explicit
- “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George M. Johnson for LGBTQ content and claimed to be sexually explicit
- “This Book is Gay,” by Juno Dawson for LGBTQ content, sex education, and claimed to be sexually explicit
- “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky for LGBTQ content, rape, drugs, profanity, and claimed to be sexually explicit
- “Flamer,” by Mike Curato for LGBTQ content and claimed to be sexually explicit
- “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison for DEI content, rape, incest, and claimed to be sexually explicit
- “Tricks,” by Ellen Hopkins for drugs, rape, LGBTQ content, and claimed to be sexually explicit
- “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” by Jesse Andrews for profanity and claimed to be sexually explicit
- “Let’s Talk About It,” by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan for themes of sex education, LGBTQ content and claimed to be sexually explicit
- “Sold,” by Patricia McCormick for rape and claimed to be sexually explicit
‘Attacks on our freedom’: Book bans increasing in US public schools and libraries
Data is only a ‘snapshot of book censorship’
According to the ALA, the data it provides offers a limited view of book censorship, as it only captures a “snapshot of book censorship throughout the year.” The data is sourced from book challenges reported to the association by librarians and from news stories published nationwide.
According to the ALA, numerous challenges often go unreported or receive minimal media coverage. However, certain book bans have gained national attention in recent times. This can be attributed to the collective endeavors of Republican lawmakers and conservative organizations like Moms for Liberty.
According to PEN America, the recent surge in book challenges has been fueled by new state laws that dictate the permissible books in schools and the protocols schools must adhere to when introducing new books into their collections. This has significantly amplified the issue of book censorship.
According to Deborah Caldwell-Stone, the Director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, these books are filled with the very ideas, opinions, and voices that censors are determined to suppress. They encompass stories written by and about individuals from the LGBTQ+ community and people of color.
Caldwell-Stone emphasized that every attempt to ban these books is not just an assault on our freedom to read, but also an attack on our ability to live the lives we desire. She further emphasized that libraries are important community establishments that showcase the diverse tapestry of our nation. By tolerating censorship, we put all of this at risk. In light of National Library Week, she urged everyone to take a stand in safeguarding libraries and our rights.
