"Books usually are challenged with the best intentions—to protect others, frequently children, from difficult ideas and information."
The following were noted as the top three reasons cited for challenging materials as reported to the Office of Intellectual Freedom:
(1) the material was considered to be "sexually explicit",
(2) the material contained "offensive language", and
(3) the materials was "unsuited to any age group"
"The ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) receives reports from libraries, schools, and the media on attempts to ban books in communities across the country. We compile lists of challenged books in order to inform the public about censorship efforts that affect libraries and schools." - ALA, Frequently Challenged Books
Interested in past years? View the Top Ten Most Challenged Books List Archive.
A compilation of top ten lists is available on the ALA Top Ten website. It is important to note that "surveys indicate that 82-97% of book challenges – documented requests to remove materials from schools or libraries – remain unreported and receive no media" (ALA 2021, Top Ten).
Explore the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023 in Archer Library's juvenile, recreational, and main collections.
#3 • This Book Is Gay
#4 • The Perks of Being a Wallflower
#5 • Flamer
#6 • The Bluest Eye
#7/8 (Tie) • Tricks
#10 • Sold