Today, the American Library Association (ALA) kicked off National Library Week with the release of the State of America’s Libraries Report, which tells the story of how libraries are innovating and adapting to improve the well-being of their communities in the midst of censorship challenges. It also includes the highly anticipated list of the most challenged books of 2022.
Expanding on the theme of National Library Week 2023—“There’s More to the Story”—the report chronicles how libraries of all types provided access to broadband and phones to patrons in need; offered unique science instruction using digital beehives; helped communities experiencing food insecurity; aided in small business efforts; brought libraries services to incarcerated individuals; and so much more.
The report’s findings on the rising tide of book censorship in the U.S. are alarming. Libraries in every state faced 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.
Book bans on the rise
The report’s most challenged book list reflects 2022’s increase in censorship. Multiple books received the same number of challenges, resulting in the expansion of the list from its usual 10 titles to 13. The most challenged books of 2022—and the reasons behind their challenges—are:
- 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 - The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Reasons: depiction of sexual abuse, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI content - Flamer by Mike Curato
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit - (TIE) Looking for Alaska by John Green
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content - (TIE) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, depiction of sexual abuse, drugs, profanity - Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity - Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit - (TIE) A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit - (TIE) Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs - (TIE) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity - (TIE) This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit
“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.
Join the fight
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.”
In response to the uptick in book challenges and other efforts to suppress access to information, ALA has designated every Monday of National Library Week moving forward as Right to Read Day, a day of action that encourages communities to fight back against censorship and to protect and celebrate the right to read freely. This year’s National Library Week also marks the one-year anniversary of the launch of Unite Against Book Bans, a nationwide initiative that empowers readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship. More information is available at uniteagainstbookbans.org.
