Posted on April 8, 2019 at 10:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek
Let’s kick off National Library Week with last year’s most frequently challenged books!
The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom reported that of the 483 books challenged or banned in 2018, the following eleven (there was a tie at the bottom) received the brunt of the bashing:
1. George, by Alex Gino.
The ALA said it was banned, challenged, and relocated because it was believed to encourage children to clear browser history and change their bodies using hormones, and for mentioning “dirty magazines,” describing male anatomy, “creating confusion,” and including a transgender character.
2. A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, written by by Jill Twiss and illustrated by EG Keller.
The ALA said it was banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ content, and for political and religious viewpoints
3. Captain Underpants series, written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey.
The ALA said the series was challenged because it was perceived as encouraging disruptive behavior, while Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot was challenged for including a same-sex couple.
4. The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas.
The ALA said it was banned and challenged because it was deemed “anti-cop,” and for profanity, drug use, and sexual references.
5. Drama, written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier.
The ALA said it was banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ characters and themes.
6. Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher.
The ALA said it was banned, challenged, and restricted for addressing teen suicide.
7. This One Summer, written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki.
The ALA said it was banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and certain illustrations.
8. Skippyjon Jones series, written and illustrated by Judy Schachner.
The ALA said it was challenged for depicting stereotypes of Mexican culture.
9. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie.
The ALA said it was banned and challenged for sexual references, profanity, violence, gambling, and underage drinking, and for its religious viewpoint.
10. (tie) This Day in June, written by Gayle E. Pitman and illustrated by Kristyna Litten.
The ALA said it was challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content.
10. (tie) Two Boys Kissing, by David Levithan.
The ALA said it was challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content.
You can see previous years' most challenged book lists on the ALA's website.
Categories: Today in Books