Get ready to dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the power of words and the controversial topic of book bans! The freedom to read is under threat, and it's time to shine a light on this issue.
Banned Books Week, an annual event from October 5th to 11th, has kicked off with a powerful theme: "Censorship Is so 1984. Read for Your Rights." Inspired by George Orwell's dystopian masterpiece, this week aims to draw attention to the increasing censorship of literature in our society.
But here's where it gets controversial... despite a growing number of book bans, polls reveal that most Americans stand against them. A recent survey by the American Library Association found an overwhelming 71% of respondents opposed to book ban efforts. So, why are these bans happening, and what books are being targeted?
Each year, thousands of books face challenges, and it's time to uncover the top banned titles. Banned Books Week, initiated in 1982 by the American Library Association, serves as a reminder of the importance of literary freedom and the need to protect it.
So, what are the top 10 most banned books in the US? According to PEN America, the list for the 2024-2025 school year includes:
- "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess
- "Breathless" by Jennifer Niven (tied with #3)
- "Sold" by Patricia McCormick (tied with #2)
- "Last Night at the Telegraph Club" by Malinda Lo
- "A Court of Mist and Fury" by Sarah J. Maas
- "Crank" by Ellen Hopkins (tied with #7, #8, and #9)
- "Forever..." by Judy Blume (tied with #6, #8, and #9)
- "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky (tied with #6, #7, and #9)
- "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire (tied with #6, #7, and #8)
- "All Boys Aren't Blue" by George M. Johnson
And this is the part most people miss... these books aren't just challenged once and forgotten. The American Library Association reports a staggering 2,452 unique book titles challenged in 2024, while PEN America's count is even higher at 3,752. These organizations track bans differently, with PEN focusing on the number of challenges and the ALA on unique titles.
But how do they gather this information? PEN America analyzes news stories, school district websites, and correspondence with librarians, authors, and teachers. The American Library Association follows a similar approach, examining news stories and reports from library professionals.
However, there are limitations to these reports. Unreported book challenges and bans may go unnoticed, and with the rapid pace of bans, it's a challenging task to keep up.
Additionally, PEN America's snapshot approach means previously banned books might not make their list, providing an incomplete picture of the issue.
So, what do you think? Are book bans a necessary measure to protect young readers, or do they infringe on our freedom to access information? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a conversation about this important topic!
