You’d think in 2026, we’d be over the whole "burning books" vibe, but honestly, the numbers say we’re leaning into it harder than ever. If you’ve walked into a school library lately, you might notice some gaps on the shelves. It’s not just about "controversial" stuff anymore; it’s basically a full-scale tug-of-war over what kids are allowed to think about.
The data is pretty wild. According to the latest reports from PEN America and the American Library Association (ALA), we aren't just seeing a few angry parents at school board meetings. We’re seeing thousands of titles pulled. In the 2024-2025 school year alone, PEN America recorded over 6,800 instances of book bans. That’s a massive jump from where we were just five years ago.
The Most Banned Books in the US Right Now
So, what are people actually trying to hide? It’s a mix of the usual suspects and some new titles that have become lightning rods for political drama.
Top of the list? All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson. It’s a "memoir-manifesto" about growing up Black and queer. People call it "sexually explicit," but if you ask the author, it’s just the truth of their life. Then there’s Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe. This one has been at the center of the storm for years now because of its graphic novel format.
But it’s not all new stuff. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison—a literal classic—is still getting yanked. Why? Usually because it depicts sexual assault and racism in ways that make some adults deeply uncomfortable.
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The Heavy Hitters of 2025-2026
If you look at the "most wanted" list of banned books, these titles keep popping up:
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess (Suddenly seeing a massive spike in bans)
- Sold by Patricia McCormick (A heart-wrenching story about human trafficking)
- Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult (About a school shooting—ironic, right?)
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas (BookTok’s favorite "romantasy" is now a prime target)
Honestly, even Stephen King made the list this year. He had 87 different titles banned a total of 206 times. When "The King of Horror" is getting censored for being too intense for high schoolers, you know the vibe has shifted.
Why Is This Happening So Fast?
It used to be that a parent would complain about a book, a committee would review it, and maybe—just maybe—it would get moved to a higher shelf. Now? It’s coordinated.
The ALA notes that about 72% of book challenges are coming from organized pressure groups and government officials, not just individual parents. These groups use "rating sites" to find keywords and then demand mass removals. It’s efficient. It’s fast. And it’s happening mostly in states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee.
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Florida alone accounted for over 2,300 bans last year. They’ve got laws now that make it way easier to pull a book if even one person complains. It’s created this "chilling effect" where librarians are basically "weeding" their collections before anyone even asks, just to stay out of trouble.
The "Sexually Explicit" Label
"Sexually explicit" has become the catch-all phrase for almost anything people don't like. Sometimes it’s a scene of sexual violence (which is usually meant to be a warning, not a thrill). Other times, it’s just two guys holding hands in a picture book like And Tango Makes Three.
The conflation of LGBTQ+ identity with "obscenity" is a huge part of why the most banned books in the US almost always feature queer characters. It's a strategy to erase those stories under the guise of "protecting the children."
The Counter-Movement: "Freedom to Read"
It’s not all one-sided, though. As of early 2026, about eight states—including California, Illinois, and Maryland—have passed "Freedom to Read" laws. These basically say: "You can't ban a book just because you don't like the author's politics or background."
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These laws require a formal process. They put the power back in the hands of trained librarians instead of political activists. It’s a weird map to look at: one half of the country is clearing out shelves, and the other half is passing laws to lock the cabinet doors.
What You Can Actually Do
If you’re looking at this and thinking, "Okay, but what now?" there are real steps you can take. You don't have to just sit there and watch the library empty out.
- Check the Lists: Look up the ALA’s "Top 10 Most Challenged Books" list every year. It’s basically a high-quality reading list.
- Show Up: Most school board meetings are empty. If you show up and support your local librarian, it carries more weight than you’d think.
- The "Books Unbanned" Program: Libraries like the San Diego Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library offer free digital cards to teens living in states where books are restricted. If you know a kid who can't get the book they need, send them that link.
- Support the Authors: Banned authors often lose income when their books are pulled from school systems. Buy their books. Give them as gifts.
The reality is that book banning isn't about the paper and ink. It's about who gets to tell their story and who has to stay quiet. Keeping the most banned books in the US in circulation is the only way to make sure those stories don't disappear for good.
Next Steps for Readers:
Start by visiting the Unite Against Book Bans website to see if there are active challenges in your specific zip code. You can also download "Book Résumés" from the ALA, which provide the educational justification for challenged titles—perfect for when you need to speak up at a community meeting. If you're a parent, talk to your school librarian about their "collection development policy" so you understand how they choose books in the first place.