ALA documented 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2023—a 65% surge over 2022 numbers—as well as 1,247 demands to censor library books, materials, and resources. Pressure groups focused on public libraries in addition to targeting school libraries. The number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92% over the previous year, accounting for about 46% of all book challenges in 2023.
Of the record 4,240 unique titles targeted for censorship, the most challenged and reasons cited for censoring the books are listed below.
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a book may be resolved in favor of retaining the book in the collection, or it can result in a book being restricted or withdrawn from the library.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 106 challenges
by Maia Kobabe
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
#2 with 82 challenges
by George M. Johnson
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
#3 with 71 challenges
by Juno Dawson
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit
#4 with 68 challenges
by Stephen Chbosky
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity
#5 with 67 challenges
by Mike Curato
Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
#6 with 62 challenges
by Tony Morrison
Challenged for: rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) content
#7/8 (tie) with 56 challenges
by Jesse Andrews
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity
#7/8 (tie) with 56 challenges
by Ellen Hopkins
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, LGBTQIA+ content
#9 with 55 challenges
by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, sex education, LGBTQIA+ content
#10 with 53 challenges
by Patricia McCormick
Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, rape
