I came across this article today on Katie Couric Media. I found it quite interesting. It also discusses the correlation between banned books and attacks on LGBTQ+ communities. I have listed the top ten below, but check out this article, it is quite eye opening. These Are the Most Challenged Books in America
Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023
- 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
- This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity
- Flamer by Mike Curato
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
- The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Reasons: Rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI content
7/8. Tricks by Ellen Hopkins (tie)
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, LGBTQIA+ content
7/8. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews (tie)
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity
9. Let’s Talk About It by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, sex education, LGBTQIA+ content
10. Sold by Patricia McCormick
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, rape
Carla Loves To Read 
May 3, 2024 at 11:02 am
I don’t care for books that are sexually explicit do I would read any of these.
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May 3, 2024 at 1:54 pm
I wouldn’t either, Robbie, but I don’t want to dictate my feelings onto others.
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May 4, 2024 at 12:29 am
🙏🤗
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May 1, 2024 at 5:14 pm
This is happening so much in my state (Texas). It’s disheartening. Unfortunately, with a Republican Governor and Senator who have their heads buried in the sand, no much will change until we vote them out. Thanks for bringing more awareness to challenged books, Carla!
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May 1, 2024 at 9:57 pm
It is very sad indeed, Dedra.
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May 1, 2024 at 11:25 am
How disheartening😞 Thanks for featuring, Carla💜
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May 1, 2024 at 3:41 pm
It sure is, Jo.
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May 1, 2024 at 3:27 am
With all the crap on TV and they band books! This makes me so angry.
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May 1, 2024 at 6:16 am
I agree, Diane. Movies and TV seem to get by with no issues. Grrrr
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April 30, 2024 at 5:33 pm
I am a big fan of the method, if it’s not for you…move on! That works for books, television, social media & more.
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April 30, 2024 at 6:56 pm
Yes, I don’t get why it is different for books.
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April 30, 2024 at 2:44 pm
The only one I’ve read is Perks of Being a Wallflower, which was excellent. The others, just by the titles or content (or past history of challenges) don’t surprise me that they’ve been “banned.” (“Banned” in this case means removed from classroom and or library, but not off the sales market). Usually the correct term is “challenged.” Good topic!
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April 30, 2024 at 2:59 pm
Yes, I like that term better as they are still for sale. I recently read an article about some states passing laws that librarians could be fined and prosecuted for allowing sexually explicit materials on bookshelves. Who decides? Scary.
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April 30, 2024 at 4:58 pm
Very scary, but as a librarian I have to say there are two sides to every story. The ALA is very agenda-driven and extremely far to the left. There is a breed of young librarian who likes to promote the very far left agenda in an area where it will not fly. I know some call that censorship going at it with a lighter touch can win a lot more approval. I live in a Trump-loving area, but not one book has been challenged beyond simply filling out the right form and asking for a review. There are books in the YA and even the kids sections that deal with just about anything. Yes, some parents ARE too unempowered to challenge, or simply don’t care, OR who even have the moral fortitude to say to their child, “let’s not get this one today” and move on. There, stepping off my soap box! LOL [I hope this doesn’t offend you] I’m politically way out of step with this area, but even I have been able to talk to a few folks–one even in a MAGA hat! lol
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April 30, 2024 at 5:20 pm
Not offended at all, Lisa. I know you are a librarian and on the front lines, so it is always good to hear from someone in the field. I am just getting my info from the news and we know they also have their agendas.
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April 30, 2024 at 8:13 pm
I’m not on the front lines–I work for a huge law firm! lol I do research for lawyers. I used to be at a private university and before that law firms. I’ve spent just under 90 days as a librarian in a public library. But the truth is the ALA is alienating people. THAT side of the story often gets burried.
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May 1, 2024 at 5:56 am
I thought you worked in a library at the university. Sorry, learn something new every day.
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May 1, 2024 at 11:56 am
I used to!! That ended with big job cuts after COVID. I’ve been back in law for a year now after a bunch of miserable make-do jobs
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April 30, 2024 at 1:30 pm
Ugh this is so worrying. People should be allowed to read what they want to read. Especially innocent books like these. .
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May 1, 2024 at 6:12 am
I totally agree, Maureen.
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April 30, 2024 at 12:29 pm
This is such a worrying trend especially as it seems to be targeted at specific groups of people. I don’t think that it’s so bad here in the UK but things tend to cross the Atlantic quite quickly so I’m sure we’ll get there sadly.
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April 30, 2024 at 2:25 pm
Unfortunately the right wing conservatives seem to have been given way too much power. I hope it doesn’t hit the UK.
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April 30, 2024 at 10:14 am
I get so sad every time I hear about people having to fight for books to not be banned. People love to tell others what to do and it’s frustrating that it also applies to books and reading… Like you said in one of the comments, if it’s not for you—move on!
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April 30, 2024 at 10:39 am
It is so wrong, Dini. These people who challenge anything they don’t agree with are censors of the worst kind.
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April 30, 2024 at 10:45 am
Couldn’t agree more, Carla! I forgot to say it in my original comment but great post 🙂
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April 30, 2024 at 11:34 am
Thanks, Dini.
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April 30, 2024 at 9:33 am
I read Gender Queer. It had sexually explicit parts but the focus wasn’t on that. I thought it was a beautiful graphic novel about acceptance.
People (aka Moms of Liberty) need to get their heads out of their asses when it comes to trying to bann these books. Just because they find it offensive doesn’t mean that everyone will.
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April 30, 2024 at 9:52 am
I agree, Jolie. If a book is not something I want to read, I just pass on it. It’s not my business what others want to read. When my kids were young, they always shared what they were reading with me and if I thought it was inappropriate, I would tell them they had to wait until they were older, but never said never.
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April 30, 2024 at 9:57 am
That is exactly what I have done with my kids, my parents did with my, and, surprisingly, what my grandparents did with my mother. Nothing good ever comes out of banning something outright and in these cases, it has made me want to read the rest on the list even more…lol.
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April 30, 2024 at 9:01 am
What an interesting correlation! Thanks for sharing about it.
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April 30, 2024 at 9:19 am
You’re welcome. I also found it interesting, Jodie.
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