list of banned books 2022 usa

2. It has been challenged frequently since its release, and was part of school book bans 12 times over the 2021-2022 school year because of its depiction of teen suicide, sexual assault, and drug and alcohol use. George by Alex Gino (U.S.)53. There is a particularly brutal rape scene in the book. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual,Gender Queer is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identitywhat it means and how to think about itfor advocates, friends, and humans everywhere. The Maldives is a place with one race, one language, one religion. No spam, only the goods. While we know this book has topped the American Library Associations list of most challenged or censored books in America, it has also been banned in schools in the United Arab Emirates for being un-Islamic. This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. A parent in Prosper said this novel, which tells the story of 9/11 and its aftermath from the dueling perspectives of an American boy and an Afghan girl, should be removed from schools because it "depicts American soldiers as callous, evil and terrorists" and because the author mentions the racial or ethnic identities of every character. This novel, which includes LGBTQ storylines and explicit language, is one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in the Fort Worth suburb of Keller. Due to the fact that it portrays a same-sex crush, it was on ban lists 11 times in the 2021-2022 school year. Also in April, the ALA published its It was subjected to 12 separate book bans in schools since 2021. This graphic novel, which the School Library Journal praised for its message "that periods need not be a dirty secret, is one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in Keller. Several of the most banned picture books are nonfiction, including histories of civil rights and gay pride. Contact Infos Utiles And it will be up to Zoe to finally take action and make sure the power of the winsome threesome prevails., Kristina Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. Its subject matter contains elements of child molestation, sexual assault, drunkenness, racism and incest, all of which got it banned on 22 separate occasions throughout multiple school districts in the past school year. It is also believed that removing this book from shelves is a convenient whitewashing of tragic historical events. With some titles restricted in multiple places, the total count of book bans is more than 2,500. September 20, 2022 / 4:09 PM U4PPP Lieu dit "Rotstuden" 67320 WEYER Tl. ", A Katy mom asked to ban this graphic novel about a Black seventh grader at a mostly white school. The Devils Discus by Rayne Kruger (Thailand)68. And Rory understands why she worships the mother who walked out on her. In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak (U.S.)74. According to the American Libary Association, Melissa has been the most challenged book in the U.S. for the past three years in a row. Due to what parents considered "sexually explicit" content, the book was yanked from classrooms and school libraries 11 times over the past school year. Click here to buy A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo. First published on November 10, 2022 / 7:38 PM. Whether youre able to spend this Fathers Day with yours or not, we hope to help. Many felt Annes description of her anatomy was pornographic.. The issue? Some parents have taken it a step further, filling out paperwork to formally challenge the appropriateness of library books and forcing school administrators to review them. This is a definitive novel about the horrors of the Holocaust easy to see why its on the list of banned books 2022. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews (U.S.)73. 03 80 90 73 12, Accueil | Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. | White (U.S.)59. "Gender Queer," the most frequently-banned book, according to PEN America, is written by Maia Kobabe and is described by its publisher as a "useful and touching guide on gender identity.". A Black high school student who suffers a dangerous encounter with white police officers writes to the late Martin Luther King, Jr., asking him what he would do. This novel, about a lesbian romance set in 1954 between a Chinese American teen and a white classmate, is one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in Keller. If youre looking for a new travel book, check out 18 of the best travel books. The book was accused of being "anti-family" and "sexually explicit" and has regularly been on banned book lists since its release. Critical race theory is most often taught at the college or law school levels andacknowledges racial disparitieshave persisted in U.S. history and are reinforced in U.S. law and institutions. Outside of the content of the book itself, there was further controversy after Anthony Broadwater, the man who was convicted and imprisoned for Sebold's rape for 16 years, was exonerated. This book, although it is very well loved, has been said to be unsuitable for young readers because of issues with racism and sexuality. Kobabe (right) is seen here being interviewed by Kathleen Breitenbach (left) at an event at the Politics and Prose bookstore in Washington, D.C. Kobabe wrote the memoir about a journey through gender identity and sexuality. 2 banned book of the 2021-2022 school year. It was removed from schools 29 different times. Their Eyes Were Watching God: A Novel by Zora Neale Hurston (U.S.)61. This book, which translates to, my struggle, was banned to limit Hitlers influence. Librarians Challenged, Books Banned: What Can Be Read in Public Libraries, and Who Decides ", According to a Houston parent, reading this novel about a Black boy killed by police might cause white children who attend the Spring Branch Independent School District to feel ashamed based on color of their skin.. In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnsons All Boys Arent Blue explores his childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia., A dangerous forbidden romance rocks a Texan oil town in 1937, when segregation was a matter of life and death., From the acclaimed Nobel Prize winnera powerful examination of our obsession with beauty and conformity that asks questions about race, class, and gender with characteristic subtly and grace., Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. (U.S.)49. ", A parent in Prosper, a Dallas suburb, said this illustrated children's book, which touches on the racism that Olympian Wilma Rudolph experienced growing up in Tennessee in the 1940s, should be removed from school libraries because "it opines prejudice based on race. The 10 Most-Banned Books in America Each one is a moving paean to self discovery, inclusivity, and the strength we find in embracing difference. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot., This is the funniest book youll ever read about death. The book was published in 2009, and has regularly shown up on banned lists in school districts since then. "The Handmaid's Tale" and "1984" are both on the American Library Association's Top 100 Most Banned and Challenged Books: 2010-2019 online list. But 2007's "l8r, g8r" was banned due to sexual content and profanity. Many books 41% that were banned included LGBTQ themes, protagonists or prominent secondary characters. The book was banned by some states for profanity and nudity. We read books to learn new skills, understand our world better, and get lost in the incredible stories of authors from all walks of life. One of the most banned books of the year, Alex Gino's groundbreaking middle-grade book follows a young trans girl who discovers her true identity. PEN America statesthat "the banning of a single book title could mean anywhere from one to hundreds of copies are pulled from libraries or classrooms in a school district." Johnson's young adult non-fiction "memoir-manifesto" about growing up a queer Black man in New Jersey and Virginia. Bad Samaritans by Ha-Joon Chang (South Korea)85. Several titles were targeted in multiple districts. They shared their frustrations and eventually decided to write a book together. The most banned books were primarily young The 2022 book ban list includes titles that have been restricted in previous years. The second in a series of young adult fantasy novels, this is one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in Keller. In the 2021-2022 school year, it was pulled from classroom or school library bookshelves 11 times. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine LEngle (U.S.)65. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar ChavezHidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space RaceI Am Martin Luther King Jr.I Am Rosa ParksPeter PanThe Handmaids TaleThe Hate U GiveThe Story of RapThe Story of Ruby BridgesWhat Were the Negro Leagues?More items Here are 50 books Texas parents want banned from school libraries Records requests uncovered dozens of attempts to remove library books from schools, nearly all A Birdville mom wanted this book, a graphic novel featuring LGBTQ characters, removed from libraries because, she said, it "has a recurring theme of oral sex. Since its publication in 2003Kite Runner has become a beloved, one-of-a-kind classic of contemporary literature, touching millions of readers, and launching the career of one of Americas most treasured writers., Through their instant messages, three inseparable friends have shared the ups and downs of high school. Parents have accused the book of containing "homoerotic content" because a character recalls a same-sex encounter from his youth, and it was ultimately part of 17 different book bans during the 2021-2022 school year. NBC News sent public records requests to nearly 100 school districts in the Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin regions a small sampling of the states 1,250 public school systems and found 86 formal requests to remove books from libraries last year, the vast majority coming during the final four months of the year. IE 11 is not supported. Khalil was unarmed., For Mike Muoz, life has been a whole lot of waiting for something to happen. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi (U.S.)66. "This movement to ban books is deeply undemocratic, in that it often seeks to impose restrictions on all students and families based on the preferences of those calling for the bans and notwithstanding polls that consistently show thatAmericans of all political persuasions oppose book bans," PEN America said, citing a CBS News poll that found more than 8 in 10 Americans don't think books should be banned from schools for discussing race and criticizing U.S. history, for depicting slavery in the past, or, more broadly for political ideas they disagree with. In Scotland, politics and religion were inextricably linked, which is also partly the subject of his treatise.. She loves both high-brow and low-brow pop culture, and finding great deals online. This informative nonfiction book talks about being gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, intersex, asexual, queer, or even just being curious. This illustrated memoir by a nonbinary author, which includes sexually explicit cartoon images, triggered attempted bans and even threats of criminal charges in several Texas school districts. Are you an artist at risk or know someone who is? All rights reserved. It includes stories, interviews, and more from kids, teens, and adults across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The library asked the Religious Education Department to review the book and eventually removed it from its shelves. 2 men found drugged after leaving NYC gay bars were killed, medical examiner says, More U.S. schools see an uptick in book banning, Pittsburgh woman missing for 31 years found alive in Puerto Rico, House where JonBent Ramsey was found dead on sale for nearly $7 million, Americans of all political persuasions oppose book bans. It worked. | It was part of book bans eight times during the 2021-2022 school year. The Boys by Garth Ennis (Qatar)83. This book, a collection of interviews with transgender or gender-neutral young adults, was flagged for removal by a parent in Birdville who claimed that the book, which includes descriptions of sexual abuse of minors, encourages sexual activity among young children. "Jack of Hearts (And Other Parts)" is a book about a sexually active queer teen who starts a sex column at his school. Racism in characterization and language. The book was the subject of many parental complaints stemming from sexually explicit content, violence, and portrayal of racism experienced by the main characters. The story is often controversial in conservative schools. It's also notable for being one of the books that spurred Virginia state legislator Tim Anderson to sue Barnes & Noblein hopes of stopping sales of the book. Books that include themes of sexuality, like "Gender Queer," are often deemed "obscene" and "pornographic" by people who want to ban them, PEN America said in its report. Get updates on events, literary awards, free expression issues, and global news. She finds a unique solution in this story about love, acceptance, and family. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) anytime if you are in the United States. Below is a list of 25 LGBTQ+ books that have been banned or are currently facing bans across the U.S. ", In asking to ban this book about the plight of a Black working-class family as they prepare for Hurricane Katrina, a parent in Katy wrote, "I object to the explicit description of the teenage girl having sex with the boys in her social group. Theologian Douglas Wilson chronicles how the worlds 5 most powerful cities Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, London, and New York have shaped the worlds history. It was banned on five separate occasions during the past school year. Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison. The story was based on Anderson's own life. I couldn't hide my excitement to be there and told my son before attending that this is like the Oscars for writers.1/6 @PENamerica, Copyright 2023 PEN America. A Leander parent suggested replacing children's books that mention gender identity or sexuality, including this one, with "classics," such as "White Fang," "The Indian in the Cupboard,""The Swiss Family Robinson" and Shakespeare. This novel follows the lives of two migrants, but it was banned in several countries because it challenged the divine nature of the Quran. This is by no means a comprehensive list of banned or challenged books, especially considering that the total book challenges in 2022 exceeded the 2021 record, according to data obtained by the ALA. Mentions lgales Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman (Japan)77. A Katy mom asked administrators to remove this book, about a 17-year-old gay student who has a lot of sex and isnt ashamed of it, after reading explicit passages aloud at a school board meeting: We cannot unread this type of content," she said, "and I would like to protect my kids hearts and minds from this., A parent in San Antonio asked the Northside Independent School District to ban this work historical fiction, set during the Nazis siege of Leningrad, because it includes pornographic imagery that is "not suited for the majority" of readers, the parent wrote, adding, " unless you're into that.". Based on some sexual content and mental-health issues, as well as the depiction of a pregnant teenager, there were 11 separate school bans of the graphic novel in the past school year. Here's Jazz Jennings taking on the role of Grand Marshal at the 2016 Pride March in New York City. When he is teased for wearing girl things, his sister learns to embrace the shine together. ", This coming-of-age novel about a gay teenager came under fire in Birdville when a parent complained that it has explicit descriptions of "masterbation and genitalia.". Due to depictions of violent sexual content, the book was banned on seven different occasions in the 2021-2022 school year. During the 2021-2022 school year, more than 1,600 books were banned from school libraries. We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson (U.S.)91. And we would never share your info with anyone. WebBanned Books List | 2022 By RTFB Pod "Read the books they don't want you to read, that's where the good stuff is" -LeVar Burton All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto George M. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The semi-autobiographical novel is about a boy facing hardship and learning to overcome it. The Most Banned Picture Books of the 2021-2022 School Year By: Lisa Tolin February 14, 2023 PEN America counted school book bans in the 2021-2022 school year PEN America countedschool book bansin the 2021-2022 school year and found an alarming 1,648 titles banned somewhere in the United States the most comprehensive count of book bans to date. Click here to buy Weird Girl and What's His Name. I Am Jazz by Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthel (U.S.)90. A film based on the novel was released in 2014. Raina Telgemeier stands here in front of a display of her books. Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife and son, Biden had cancerous skin lesion removed last month, doctor says, White supremacist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes kicked out of CPAC, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Biden team readies new advisory panel ahead of expected reelection bid, House Democrats unhappy with White House handling of D.C.'s new criminal code, Vast majority of U.S. homes are unaffordable to the average buyer. This series was banned for "referring to magic and witchcraft, for containing actual curses and spells, and for characters that use 'nefarious means' to attain goals," according to the ALA. As soon as Jazz Jennings could speak, she told her parents that she was a girl, despite having been assigned male at birth. A modern YA novel that blends sci-fi (hello, alien abductions) and romance. And the number of bans are only increasing yearly. Here, author Adam Silvera speaks onstage at the Audie Awards Gala in March 2020. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. PEN America counted school book bans in the 2021-2022 school year and found an alarming 1,648 titles banned somewhere in the United States the most comprehensive count of book bans to date. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (U.S.)41. This list has been updated on 09/24/2022. Please enter valid email address to continue. "Looking for Alaska" is considered his most controversial it has been banned 11 times in schools since 2021. After his father's suicide and with his girlfriend out of town, Aaron Soto finds himself growing closer and closer to his new friend, Thomas. WebBanned Books Week 2022 is September 18-24. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (U.S.)71. Its no shock that its been criticized by religious conservatives since it was published in 2019, for exploring these topics: adolescent sexuality, asexuality, and the differences between gender identity and sexuality. Some states ban books that include themes about race by using the term "critical race theory" in their legislation. This picture book follows a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. In December, more than 600 authors, publishers, and bookstore owners signed a statement condemning what they called an "organized political attack" that "threatens the education of America's children" taking place via bans in at least 10 states. Check out 10 fantastic childrens books about travel. 25 LGBTQ+ Books That Are Banned In Schools in 2022. opens up conversations between young people and their caregivers in a way that allows adults to convey their values and beliefs while providing information about boundaries, safety, and joy. One Day of Life by Manlio Argueta (El Salvador)32. In asking to ban this nonfiction book about resisting racism, an Eanes parent suggested replacing it with copies of the Bible. My Fathers Daughter by Hannah Pool (Eritrea)31. In these challenging times, our schedules are out of whack and we are itching to explore. in cart. Last year, dozens of Republican state lawmakers introduced bills that would ban content they deemed offensive in schools. She is seen here speaking at the Drum Major for Justice Luncheon in 2020. It was the fourth most-banned book in the United States in 2020, and removed from classrooms and libraries in schools six separate times between 2021-2022. PEN America. "And Tango Makes Three," by These themes caused the book to go through five bans over the course of the previous school year. / CBS NEWS. A top target in recent years has been Alex Gino's middle-grade novel about a transgender girl, Melissa (formerly published as George). The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle (U.S.)88. Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison (U.S.)43. The most banned book of the 2021-2022 school year was "Gender Queer: A Memoir" by Maia Kobabe. Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Prez (U.S.)39. PEN American says 1,648 unique book titles were banned in that period. At the @PENamerica literary awards, she introduced herself to me as Molly, a translator of French novels. Published January 26, 2022 12:35PM (EST) Display of banned books or censored books at Books Inc independent bookstore in Alameda, California, October 16, 2021. Gay. Each interview shows the wide breadth of the trans experience, how different it can be depending on a number of factors including geography and family. She became a spokesperson for trans children and co-wrote a book entitled "I Am Jazz" about her experience. Ralisation Bexter. Stone stated she began writing the 2017 book as a response to the deaths of Jordan Davis and Michael Brown. How To Be An Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi (U.S.)89. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (Canada & U.S.)92. This book came out in 2005, and was subject to five bans during the 2021-2022 school year. This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson (U.S.)44. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (U.S.)40. The book was banned six different times from 2021-2022. "We Are the Ants" was subjected to five book bans in the 2021-2022 school year, despite having been on multiple "best of" lists. 2021 U2PPP U4PPP - Hosseini is seen here at the premiere of the 2007 film adaptation of "The Kite Runner.". PEN America said there is evidence that the effort to ban books is continuing in the 20222023 school year at least 139 additional bans have taken effect since July 2022. Beartown by Fredrik Backman (U.S.)94. Their romance is the heart of this National Book Award-winning coming-of-age story from Malinda Lo. 1984 is one of the most banned books of all time, therefore its on our list of banned books 2022. Charlottes Web by E.B. ", This acclaimed novel about an unlikely friendship between a wealthy Afghan boy and the son of his father's servant was flagged for removal by a mom in Birdville who complained that it "depicts the rape and sexual exploitation of minors.". It's a beautiful, humorous, and powerful reflection on the LGBTQ+ community. One Florida school board member went so far as to call the police as a result of George M. Johnson's book and file a report. A girl from Nepal is sold into sexual slavery. The book is no longer being distributed, and Sebold (seen here autographing a book) is rewriting the memoir. Due to its sexual content, the book found itself subject to seven book bans over the past school year. Her dreams come true, but it isnt the fantasy shes hoping for. by Marjane Satrapi. The books below are a perfect way to celebrate! Your email address will not be published. The story was loosely based on Hopkins' own daughter, who also developed an addiction to crystal meth.