ALA raises alarm after 2023's top challenged books target mostly LGBTQ, people of color
More books than ever are being targeted for censorship.
In fact, according to the American Library Association, the number of unique titles targeted for censorship across school and public libraries surged 65 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, the highest levels ever documented.
The number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92 percent in 2023 over the previous year, according to the ALA, which accounted for about 46 percent of all book challenges in 2023.
But it isn't just the number of books and frequency of complaints that has the group, and others, on edge.
“In looking at the titles of the most challenged books from last year, it’s obvious that the pressure groups are targeting books about LGBTQIA+ people and people of color,” ALA President Emily Drabinski said. “At ALA, we are fighting for the freedom to choose what you want to read. Shining a light on the harmful workings of these pressure groups is one of the actions we must take to protect our right to read.”
Poll: More NJ adults concerned about school book banning than inappropriate content
The ALA announced its list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books on Monday, kicking off National Library Week.
Of that list, 7 of 10, or 70 percent, were targeted due to LGBTQ content.
Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023
The ALA compiles its list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books based on information from reports filed by library professionals and community members, as well as news stories published throughout the United States. The ALA says that because most book challenges are not reported in the press or to the ALA, the list is only a snapshot of the challenges that exist.
The group says it documented 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2023, with pressure being brought to public libraries as well as school libraries.
The most-challenged books of 2023, according to the ALA, 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)
“This Book is Gay,” by Juno Dawson (Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit)
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky (Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity)
“Flamer,” by Mike Curato (Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit)
“The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison (Reasons: Rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion) content)
(TIE) “Tricks,” by Ellen Hopkins (Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, LGBTQIA+ content)
(TIE) “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” by Jesse Andrews (Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity)
“Let's Talk About It,” by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan (Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, sex education, LGBTQIA+ content)
“Sold,” by Patricia McCormick (Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, rape)
The Top 10 Books are featured in the Unite Against Book Bans’ Book Résumé resource.
The project, which launched in February and was created in collaboration with the publishing industry and library workers, aims to support librarians, educators, parents, students and other community advocates when they defend books from censorship. It offers a "resume" for each book that summarizes the book’s significance and educational value, including a synopsis, reviews from professional journals, awards, accolades and more, according to the ALA. It also includes information about how a title has been successfully retained in school districts and libraries after a demand to censor the book, when possible.
“These are books that contain the ideas, the opinions, and the voices that censors want to silence – stories by and about LGBTQ+ persons and people of color,” said ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom Director Deborah Caldwell-Stone.
“Each challenge, each demand to censor these books is an attack on our freedom to read, our right to live the life we choose, and an attack on libraries as community institutions that reflect the rich diversity of our nation. When we tolerate censorship, we risk losing all of this. During National Library Week, we should all take action to protect and preserve libraries and our rights," Caldwell-Stone said.
Banned Books Week 2024
On Monday, the ALA also announced the theme for Banned Books Week 2024, “Freed Between the Lines.” It says the theme "honors the ways in which books bring us freedom and that access to information is worth preserving." Banned Books Week is set for Sept. 2 to 28.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: American Library Association releases 2023 most challenged books list
