ALA documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly doubles the 729 book challenges reported in 2021. Of the record 2,571 unique titles targeted for censorship, the most challenged and reasons cited for censoring the books are listed below.
#1 with 151 challenges
by Maia Kobabe
Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
#2 with 86 challenges
by George M. Johnson
Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
#3 with 73 challenges
by Tony Morrison
Challenged for depiction of sexual abuse, EDI (Equity Diversity Inclusion) content, claimed to be sexually explicit
#4 with 62 challenges
by Mike Curato
Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
#5 (tie) with 55 challenges
by John Green
Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
#5 (tie) with 55 challenges
by Stephen Chbosky
Challenged for depiction of sexual abuse, LGBTQIA+ content, drug use, profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit
#7 with 54 challenges
by Jonathan Evison
Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
#8 with 52 challenges
by Sherman Alexie
Challenged for profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit
#9 with 50 challenges
by Ashley Hope Pérez
Challenged for depictions of abuse, claimed to be sexually explicit
#10 (tie) with 48 challenges
by Jesse Andrews
Challenged for profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit
#10 (tie) with 48 challenges
by Juno Dawson
Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, providing sexual education, claimed to be sexually explicit
#10 (tie) with 48 challenges
by Ellen Hopkins
Challenged for drug use, claimed to be sexually explicit
#10 (tie) with 48 challenges
by Sarah J. Maas
Challenged for claimed to be sexually explicit
