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Copley Library: Banned Books!

Banned Books Defined

Text graphic that reads "FREQUENTLY CHALLENGED BOOKS" with a short stack of three colorful books on the right.

WHAT IS A CHALLENGED OR BANNED BOOK?

According to the American Library Association (ALA), a challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. As such, they are a threat to freedom of speech and choice.

The ALA promotes the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one's opinions, even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular, and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those viewpoints to all who wish to read them.

As of July 2022, book banning in the U.S. hit its highest level in 40 years. Books about race, gender, diversity, and inclusion are being targeted and removed from schools and libraries in every state.

Banned & Challenged Book Resources

Ms. B's Banned & Challenged Book Class Presentation

Top 10 (13) Challenged Books 2022!

Infographic: Top Ten Most Chalenged Books of 2021:The American Library Association tracked 729 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2021. Of the 1,597 individual books that were challenged or banned in 2021, here are the top 10 most challenged: 1. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe. Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images. 2. Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison. Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit. 3. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson. Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, profanity, and because it was considered to be sexually explicit. 4. Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez. Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted for depictions of abuse and because it was considered to be sexually explicit. 5. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, violence, and it was thought to promote an anti-police message and indoctrination of a social agenda. 6. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and use of a derogatory term. 7. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews. Reasons: Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and degrading to women. 8. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Reasons: Banned and challenged because it depicts child sexual abuse and was considered sexually explicit. 9. This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson. Reasons: Banned, challenged, relocated, and restricted for providing sexual education and LGBTQIA+ content. 10. Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin. Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.

Censorship by the Numbers infographic depicting who initiates challenges, where challenges take place, what types of materials or services are challenged, and the spike in the number of challenges taking place.

Censorship by the Numbers inforgraphic depicting various locations. Text reads: "WHERE DO CHALLENGES TAKE PLACE? 48% Public libraries, 41% School libraries, 10% Schools, 1% Academic/Other. Statistics based on 1,264 cases with known locations. ala.org/bbooks

Pie chart breaking down who initiates challenges. Reads: In 2022, 90% of reported challenge attempts targeted multiple titles, the work of a well-organized movement that distributes book lists used to initiate mass challenges that can empty the shelves of a library. WHO INITIATES CHALLENGES? 30% parents; 28% Patrons; 17% Political/religious groups; 15% Board/administration; 3% Librarians/teachers; 3% Elected officials; 4% Other (Includes non-custodial relatives, nonresidents, community members without library cards, etc.). ala.org/bbooks/

Line graph entitled Number of Unique Titles Challenged by Year. Shows a clear spike in challenges over the last two years.. Censorship on the Rise: The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly doubled the number reported in 2021. The number of unique titles targeted marked a 38% increase over 2021.