Challenges against books have increased exponentially, with more than two decades worth of censorship attempts now occurring in a single year. In the fall of 2023, PEN America, an organization that aims to protect freedom of expression in the United States and worldwide, found 4,000 book titles banned across the United States. Of these titles, 67 percent were written for young audiences. Details about five different books challenged throughout the country are featured to the right.

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky 

Number of challenge attempts in the United States: 255 times.

Most frequent reasons for challenges: Sex-related content, profanity, drug/alcohol use and LGBTQ+ representation.

Ban fact: Fourth most frequently challenged title from 1990 to the present.

“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas 

Number of challenge attempts in the United States: 161 times.

Most frequent reasons for challenges: Equity Diversity Inclusion content, profanity, depiction of drug/alcohol use and sexually explicit content. 

Ban fact: Challenged 124 times in school libraries but only 12 times in public libraries. 

“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood

Number of challenge attempts in the United States: 143

Most frequent reasons for challenges: Discussion of misogyny, sexual violence, political implications and encouraged government rebellion. 

Ban fact: Out of the 143 times the book was challenged, 117 challenges were within the last four years. 

“Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult

Number of challenge attempts in the United States: 139 times.

Most frequent reasons for challenges: Depiction of violence, political viewpoints and sexually explicit content.  

Ban fact: Bans primarily targeted a single page containing a depiction of date rape and anatomically correct language. 

“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury 

Number of challenge attempts in the United States: 14 times.

Most frequent reasons for challenges: Profanity, depiction of violence, use of swear words and anti-religious beliefs.

Ban fact: The book was challenged in Texas because it depicts a scene where the Bible was burned and banned. 

Sources: Madison Markham, program coordinator for Freedom to Read at PEN America, Eric Stroshane, assistant director of member services for the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom  and  GBN librarian Anna Upson