In 2024, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 821 attempts to censor library materials and services. In those cases, 2,452 unique titles were challenged. Last year, ALA tracked 1,247 attempts with 4,240 unique titles challenged. Though the number of reports decreased in 2024, the number of documented attempts to censor books continues to far exceed the numbers prior to 2020. Learn more on ALA’s Book Ban Data page.
Because many book challenges are not reported to the ALA or covered by the press, the Top Most Challenged Books lists and data compiled by ALA represent only a snapshot of book challenges. A challenge to a book may be resolved in favor of retaining the book in the collection, or it can result in a book being restricted or withdrawn from the library.
Looking for the most challenged books from previous years? Check out the Top 10 Most Challenged Books Archive for lists and data going back to 2001, , as well as the 100 most challenged books of past decades.
#1 with 39 challenges
by George M. Johnson
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
#2 with 38 challenges
by Maia Kobabe
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
#3 (tie) with 35 challenges
by Tony Morrison
Challenged for: depiction of sexual assault, depiction of incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) content
#3 (tie) with 35 challenges
by Stephen Chbosky
claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, depiction of sexual assault, depiction of drug use, profanity
#6 (tie) with 30 challenges
by John Green
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit
#6 (tie) with 30 challenges
by Jesse Andrews
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity
#8 (tie) with 28 challenges
by Ellen Hopkins
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, depiction of drug abuse
