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Censorship in schools and libraries is on the rise, and it’s not just limited to the most recent controversies. Books that tackle tough topics—race, gender, sexuality, and history—are often the first to be targeted. From beloved classics to contemporary works, these texts are often silenced for their challenging content.
Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Memoir about the author’s journey as a nonbinary and asexual person. It explores themes of identity, gender, and sexuality, with a focus on the challenges of self-discovery, coming out, and navigating societal expectations. The book is celebrated for its honest portrayal of nonbinary experiences
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson is a memoir that recounts the author’s experiences growing up as a Black, queer person. Through a series of personal essays, Johnson reflects on themes of identity, sexuality, family, and the challenges of navigating life as a young Black man in America. The book highlights the intersectionality of race, queerness, and masculinity, while offering an empowering and candid narrative of resilience and self-acceptance.
This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson
A candid and uncensored exploration of sexuality and what it’s like to grow up LGBTQ.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
A coming of age novel about Charlie, a freshman in high school who is a wallflower, shy and introspective, and very intelligent. He deals with the usual teen problems, but also with the suicide of his best friend
Flamer by Mike Curato
Flamer by Mike Curato is a graphic novel that follows the story of Aiden, a 14-year-old boy navigating his feelings of confusion and isolation as he comes to terms with his sexuality. Set at a summer camp, Aiden faces bullying, body image issues, and the struggle of hiding his true self from friends and family. The novel explores themes of self-acceptance, identity, and the challenges of growing up queer in a world that often feels unwelcoming.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Shunned by the town’s prosperous black families, as well as its white families, 11 year-old Pecola lives with her alcoholic father and embittered, overworked mother in a shabby two-room storefront that reeks of the hopeless destitution that overwhelms their lives. In awe of her clean well-groomed schoolmates, and certain of her own intense ugliness, Pecola tries to make herself disappear as she wishes fervently, desperately for the blue eyes of a white girl.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
A darkly comedic novel about Greg Gaines, a high school senior who spends most of his time making low-budget parody films with his friend Earl. Greg’s life takes an unexpected turn when he’s forced by his mother to spend time with Rachel, a classmate who has been diagnosed with leukemia. As Greg navigates his awkward relationship with Rachel, he struggles with his own fears, insecurities, and the complexities of friendship.
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
Tricks is a young adult verse novel by Ellen Hopkins, released in August 2009. It tells the converging narratives of five troubled teenage protagonists.
Let’s Talk About It by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan
A teen’s guide to sex, relationships and being a human.
Sold by Patricia McCormick
Thirteen-year-old Lakshmi leaves her poor mountain home in Nepal thinking that she is to work in the city as a maid only to find that she has been SoldPM into the sex slave trade in India and that there is no hope of escape.
Echoes of Censorship: Yearly Lists
Take Action
The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom provides confidential support during censorship challenges to library materials, services, and programs. Anyone can report censorship.
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