Banned Books Week by the Numbers
In 2020 in the U.S., 273 books were the target of censorship efforts
- 43% of the challenges were in public libraries
- 38% were in schools
- 15% were in school libraries
- 2% were in academia
Who Launched the Challenges?
- 50% were initiated by parents
- 20% were initiated by patrons
- 11% were initiated by boards/administrations
- 9% were initiated by political/religious groups
- 5% were initiated by librarians/teachers
- 4% were initiated by elected officials
- 1% were initiated by students
In 2020, reasons for censorship attempts included, but were not limited to:
- LGBTQIA+ content or characters
- Racist Content (slurs, negative depictions, "white savior" characters)
- Anti-police
- Objectionable Content (including rape, suicide, drug/alcohol use, the occult, sex, and violence)
- Divisive topics/political viewpoints
Statistics compiled by the Office for Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association
2020s Most Challenged Books
Each Banned Books Week, the ALA releases a list of the prior year's ten most challenged or banned books. Titles in AAPLDs Adult and Young Adult collections include:
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds- challenged or banned because of the author's public statements, and claims that the book does not address racism against all people.
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely- challenged or banned because of content, including profanity, drug use, alcoholism, anti-police views and divisive topics.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson- challenged or banned because of its content, including rape and profanity, political viewpoint, alleged anti-male bias.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie- challenged or banned because of profanity, sexual references and alleged sexual misconduct by the author.
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee- challenged or banned for racial slurs, a "white savior" character, and negative depictions of the Black experience.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck- challenged or banned for racial slurs and stereotypes
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison- challenged or banned because of depictions of child sexual abuse.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas- Banned or challenged because of profanity and an anti-police message.