Maia Kobabes memoir Gender Queer, which made its first appearance on the American Library Associations list of top 10 banned books in 2021, was included in 151 different challenges last year. One Amazon reviewer called this heartfelt memoir a handbook for nonbinary kids that would help them feel not so alone. We cant think of a better way to describe it. Readers seem to either love or hate the story of three awkward teens as they navigate an impossible situation. According to the American Library Association, it has been challenged for vulgarity and sexual overtones. With Season 5 of The Handmaids Tale now available to watch on Hulu, there has been a growing interest in reading the book that inspired this hit show. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie. The Things They Carried by Tim OBrien (U.S.)51. Dark magic, evil villains, sorcerers, oh my! One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit. 10 were Sarah J. Maas A Court of Mist and Fury, Ellen Hopkins Crank, Jesse Andrews Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, and Juno Dawsons This Book Is Gay. Better to Stand and Die by Chang Lin and Shu Yang (Myanmar)79. A young Muslim girl puts on a head scarf and not only feels closer to her mother, she also imagines herself as a queen, the sun, a superhero, and more. 3 in 2021. What makes Go Ask Alice (1971) one of the most controversial books of all time? This is by no means a comprehensive list of banned or challenged books, especially considering that the total book challenges in 2022 exceeded the 2021 record, according to data obtained by the ALA. Perhaps thats because Gender Queer unflinchingly portrays and normalizes topics still often misunderstood: adolescent sexuality, asexuality and the differences between gender identity and sexuality. The theme for Banned Books Week 2023 is "Let Freedom Read." QUICK ADD Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman QUICK ADD The Complete Maus: A Survivor's Tale "All Boys Aren't Blue," by George M. Johnson. Are there things we can do that protect us and those around. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. This 1937 book by Nobel Prizewinning author John Steinbeck has been pulled from shelves for almost a century. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (U.S.)60. Though frequently included in high school curriculums, this book has been banned in the past for obvious reasons: senseless and, according to some, gratuitous violence. 50. Page 1 of 1. No. Sort By. 9. Of course, sometimes book banning backfires. When we talk about inclusion and being seen, we mean included and seen in all the intersectionalities of our lives, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, ability, socioeconomic status, and more, the former childrens librarian wrote. Beartown by Fredrik Backman (U.S.)94. Were glad you found a book that interests you! Sethe, an escaped slave living in post-Civil War Ohio with her daughter and mother-in-law, is persistently haunted by the ghost of her dead baby girl. For more on what kinds of bans are happening and where, read Banned in the USA: State Laws Supercharge Book Suppression in Schools. Texas State Representative Matt Krause recently put more than 800 books on a watch list,. Bad Samaritans by Ha-Joon Chang (South Korea)85. Whether youre able to spend this Fathers Day with yours or not, we hope to help. Lesbian. MENU. Their Eyes Were Watching God: A Novel by Zora Neale Hurston (U.S.)61. Joshua Barajas. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. She covers all things books and words for Reader's Digest, and when she's not on deadline, you can find her curled up with a new novel or planning her next trip. Its difficult to say which book is the most banned in the United States. 10 bookstores every book lover should visit in the U.S. Maia Kobabes Gender Queer is seen alongside other challenged books during a display for Banned Books Week 2022 at the Chicago Public Library. The second volume was published in 1992 and went on to win a Pulitzer Prizethe first and only graphic novel to achieve that honor. This novel follows the lives of two migrants, but it was banned in several countries because it challenged the divine nature of the Quran. It is banned in the state of Queensland and only sold to adults in other parts of the country.Grab your next read and head to one of these 7 literary cities perfect for book lovers! Though many teachers have praised George for its straightforward portrayal of a transgender child, it has frequently been pulled from shelves for LGBTQIA+ content and a plot that conflicts with certain communities religious beliefs. Click through to each books title for more. Other countries soon followed suit. The Bluest Eye is a perfect introduction to Morrisons iconic lyrical style. As of 2010, the book was already weighed down by 39 challenges or bans. A graphic novel that explores gender identity and sexuality has topped the list of the most challenged books in the U.S. for the second year in a row. The books tied for No. Alices Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (U.S.)46. Through cartoons, Art Spiegelman detailed the horrors of the Nazi invasion and Holocaust in a brazen way that wouldnt be possible in another format. In 1931, the governor of Chinas Hunan province thought so. "And Tango Makes Three," by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. No spam, only the goods. Removing thoughtful materials because they offend is nothing new, but this particular ban has rekindled debates over censorship and convenient whitewashing of tragic historic events. John Greens Looking for Alaskaand Stephen Chboskys The Perks of Being a Wallflowertied for No. Unsettling depictions of police brutality, violence and racism have led some to ban The Hate U Give from classrooms and libraries. The library association on Monday released its list of the 13 most challenged books of 2022,the titles that have been the biggest targets of banning efforts in schools and public libraries. 5, while Jonathan Evisons Lawn Boywas at No. Sherman Alexies semi-autobiographical young adult novel about an amateur cartoonist has made waves since 2007. 1996 - 2023 NewsHour Productions LLC. Here are the 50 most commonly banned books in America from the 2021-2022 school year, with data supplied by PEN America. And at the crossroads are the handmaidswomen taken hostage by the government because of their ability to have children. While you would assume in on this list of banned books 2022 for the obvious reasons of a young girl hiding for her life during the Holocaust, think again. With book bans and legislative challenges to the freedom to read surging to record levels, even the top 10 most banned books list is bigger. Madeleine LEngles A Wrinkle in Time is widely considered a must-read for its creative take on splitting the twin elements of space and time. More recently, however, the book has been challenged because of sexual harassment allegations against the author himself. Banned books:Columnist discusses navigating teaching challenges. Here are the top 10 most challenged books of the past year: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content, and because . Yes, All Boys Arent Blue includes graphic content that might not be appropriate for some younger readers, but the book is also an essential work of representation. Dhundi was banned across India in 2013 because it was believed that the book contained materials against the god Ganesha. Laurie Halse Andersons 1999 book dives straight into the thorny subject of sexual assault. The Boys by Garth Ennis (Qatar)83. If the supernaturals your jam, check out our list of the top vampire books for adults. Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Prez (U.S.)39. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews (U.S.)42. Though sometimes billed as a novel, this 2009 book is more of a collection of short vignettes and essays, all somewhat autobiographical portrayals of the authors time in Vietnam. The story takes a look at violence, religion, and life in the middle of the century for many Irish young men. Others, like the national, conservative group Moms for Liberty, have amplified the calls for book removals and restrictions in the name of parental rights in multiple states. Its no shock that its been criticized by religious conservatives since it was published in 2019, for exploring these topics: adolescent sexuality, asexuality, and the differences between gender identity and sexuality. That night, Maxs dreams take him to a dark land where he becomes king of the Wild Things and leads a loud, hair-raising Wild Rumpus. It was tough enough for author Maurice Sendak to get his borderline dark book published, but when it finally hit shelves in 1963, it (like Max) got in even more trouble. But Lawn Boy offers plenty of discussion points, making it a perfect pairing for these book club questions. Racism in characterization and language. Parents, school board members and activists have all been responsible for removing some of the best books of all time from bookshelves. You might be wondering why a classic American coming-of-age story has been banned. But the oddest reason? We appreciate your support! A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway96. So what makes the cast of characters and plot so shudder inducing? The book uses graphic descriptions and offensive language. And some feel compelled to buy the restricted work as a vote for free speechlike the teens whove created banned book clubs in protest. A graphic novel memoir offering a darkly funny family portrait that details the author's relationship with her fathera funeral home director, high school English teacher, and closeted homosexual. Anne Franks diary was never meant to be public. The ensuing confusionboth internal and externalresults in her being ghosted by her peers. North Korea has banned most religious texts, and The Quran, the central text of Islam, is no different, giving it a spot on the list of banned books 2022. 3 on the new list, followed by Mike Curatos Flamerat No. The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones (U.S.)56. Books give us courage and help us understand each other., Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Queer youth are often forced to look outside their own homes, and outside the education system, to find information on who they are, Kobabe wrote. Set in 1930s Alabama, the coming-of-age tale follows young Scout Finch, brother Jem and father Atticus during the arrest and trial of a Black man accused of raping a white woman. Michael Schaub, a journalist and regular contributor to NPR, lives near Austin, Texas. 5. These books have been challenged across the world for obscenity, sexual overtones, religious reasons, and more. New England has been overtaken by a group of patriarchal religious fanatics. The story of a pampered pet turned survivor includes strong themes of individualism and social Darwinism. by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott; art by Harmony Becker. PUBLISHERS: if you wish to share your Banned Books or other socially inclusive books and resources, please email Sommer at sommer.wissner@cbcbooks.org. Schools have deemed some of the 14-year-olds plain descriptions of her anatomy pornographic. Even worse: One Alabama textbook committee asked for it to be added to the banned books list because it was a real downer. And yes, its certainly a sad book because of Anne Franks fate, but its also moving, hopeful and funnyand definitely worth a read. Maus by Art Spiegelman This is a definitive novel about the horrors of the Holocaust - easy to see why it's on the list of banned books 2022. All Boys Arent Blue (U.S.)36. Starrs careful balancing act crumbles when a police officer kills her unarmed friend. Gender Queer: A Memoir remained at the top of the list, as it was in the 2021-2022 school year, joined this time by Flamer. Its a 1961 childrens book about an orphan who makes friends with two creatures living inside a peach. The top 10 list is a little different than in years past; instead of 10, there are 13 most challenged books because several books tied for being the most targeted. These themesalong with some violent passagesled to the storys first banned books case in 1994. (Tie) The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky. When a political coup usurps their noble house, Hawke and Grayson flee for their lives and assume new identities to join an order of magical women before their quest for vengeance is compromised by Graysons longing to remain behind and finally live as a girl. According to the National Library of Scotland, Humanist scholar and poet Buchanan approved the abdication of Mary Queen of Scots, arguing it was in accordance with the laws of Scotland and of God. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/the-most-banned-and-challenged-books-of-2022, Missouri House Republicans want to defund libraries. Banned Books Reading List: Stand for the Right to Read Freely By NYPL Staff September 14, 2022 Public libraries have always been at the forefront of the fight against censorship, leading to the creation in 1982 of Banned Books Week, a time to highlight titles that were targeted for removal from schools and libraries. Twelve-year-old Jonas lives in a seemingly ideal worldnot until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver does he begin to understand the dark secrets behind his fragile community. Common complaints focus on the novellas racial slurs and stereotypes. Lord of the Flies by William Golding (U.S.)63. byJamilah Thompkins-Bigelow;illustrated by Ebony Glenn. A majority of the most challenged books of 2022 were written by or about LGBTQ+ people or people of color, a new report from the American Library Association found. Your email address will not be published. But while it may not be a history text, its certainly a must-read book about racism. Top 200 Picks From 200 Weekly Newsletters, 50 Best Bars In The World: From Classic To Unique, Ultimate Wonders Of The World Guide: Ancient,, Guide to Visiting Seattle: 17 Best Things To Do, 22 Myths, Legends & Superstitions From Around the World, 151 Best Travel Quotes That Will Inspire Wanderlust, 52 Solo Travel Quotes To Inspire Your Next Adventure, Travel to Peru: 2023 Travel Guide & Advice, Try JOURNO free And get instant access to $918.92 in travel goods, 11 Proven Ways To Be A Responsible Traveler. Books give us courage and help us understand each other.. The Index lists instances where students access to books in school libraries and classrooms in the United States was restricted or diminished, for either limited or indefinite periods of time. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews (U.S.)73. Nobel laureate Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" has been targeted since its release in 1970 for its unsparing depictions of racism and sexual abuse. (Tie) Looking for Alaska, by John Green. 1. 8. Jack Londons 1903 classic follows Buck, a giant, lovable cross between a Saint Bernard and Scotch collie. The New York Public Library is a 501(c)(3) | EIN 13-1887440, Banned Books Reading List: Stand for the Right to Read Freely, Click to learn about accessibility at the Library, Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story About Racial Injustice (2018), A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart (2020), Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness (2018), Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation (2014), Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things (2008), All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto (2020), Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America (2001), The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story (2021), Slaughterhouse-Five or, The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death (1969). Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Goosebumps with five of the all-time bestselling books including Monster Blood, Why I'm Afraid of Bees, A Night in Terror Tower, The Beast From the East, and Legend of the Lost Legend. Add to that a few sexually explicit scenes, and youve got a few jittery school boards purging the shelves of this YA book. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and allegations of sexual misconduct by the author A budding cartoonist named Junior was born and raised in the Spokane Indian Reservation. Through his use of cartoons, Art Spiegelman detailed the horrors of the Nazi invasion and Holocaust. This book was confiscated and burned to keep people from reading it. Ashley Hope Prezs 2015 young adult novel Out of Darkness has landed on many a list of banned books for its graphic depictions of teen sex. Check out these other banned books and comment on why you think they were blacklisted! When we talk about inclusion in libraries, we take all of these into account and take the wholeness and humanness of our communities into account, which is why we are the trusted institutions in our communities., Kobabe, who uses Spivak pronouns (e, em, eir), describes the process of coming out as nonbinary and asexual in Gender Queer., Kobabe also notes in the book just how affirming it was to discover queer books at a library as a high schooler. Intersex. All rights reserved. Of the 1,648 titles on the banned book list in the 2021-2022 school year: Read the full analysis in the Banned in the USA report. Animal Farm by George Orwell (U.S.)57. For the most part, its not actually parents concerned about their kids, its people whove been swept up into a political game.". Below are the most challenged books in the nation in 2022, according to the ALA: 1. 10. And we would never share your info with anyone. Read more in ourFrequently Asked Questions. A story in verse that follows a poignant year in the life of a brown child whose community rallies for justice and peace in the aftermath of a police shooting. "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison. All Rights Reserved. The past couple of yearshave seen increased efforts to ban books about sexuality and gender expression specifically, many by LGBTQ authors including Kobabe and Johnson, who top this year's list. In fact, 2022 saw the highest number of censorship reports since the association began compiling data about library censorship more than 20 years ago, the report reads. The ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) receives reports from libraries, schools, and the media on attempts to ban books in communities across the country. Ashley Hope Prez, whose young adult novel "Out of Darkness"once again makes the list, called the banning efforts "devastating" in an interview with USA TODAY last year. 8 spot, followed by Ashley Hope Prezs Out of Darknessat No. The jury's still out for banned books of 2022, but here are the top 10 most challenged books of 2021, according to the American Library Association: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe Lawn Boy by. Gender Queer: A Memoir, by Maia Kobabe 2. April 24, 2023. Despite (and perhaps because of) these heartbreaking scenes, the book is worth a readespecially if youre starting a book club. All the Rivers by Dorit Rabinyan (Israel)76. (tie) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, by Jesse Andrews. This year's report includes an expanded list of the 13 books most challenged in 2022, as there were the same number of banning . Joshua Barajas is a senior editor for the PBS NewsHour's Communities Initiative. 3 in 2021. Their stance hasnt affected the popularity of the book (or its movie adaptation)its widely considered one of the greatest books of all time. Copyright 2023 PEN America. by Marianne Celano, PhD, ABPP, Marietta Collins, PhD, and Ann Hazzard, PhD, ABPP; illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin. Fahrenheit 451 (U.S.)34. The characters are portrayed as animals separated by species rather than ethnicity, a bold, jarring move. Banned and Challenged: Restricting access to books in the U.S. The first volume was published in 1986 and the second in 1992. (Psst! More recently, Wheres Waldo? But for the throngs of readers who have never been forced to see war head-on, the book offers a sampling of memories. The story centers on Alices disorienting adventure down a rabbit hole and into a fantasy world of talking animals and utterly absurd events (ahem, Mad Hatter tea party). All rights reserved. These sequels are part of this list of banned books 2022 because of, you guessed it, its explicit sexual content. 1. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (U.S.)72. The story of Pecola Breedlove profiles an 11-year-old African American girl growing up in an America that values blue-eyed blondes and the tragedy that results from her longing to be accepted. Greg and Earl are snarky and self-absorbed. Check out 10 fantastic childrens books about travel. He lacks successful role models or mentors. Well, profanity, for one. (tie) This Book is Gay, by Juno Dawson. The reflections on race and identity are at once funny, poignant and heart-wrenching. Here is a complete list of the 13 most-targeted titles of 2022: Many of the titles on this year's list are perennial targets for banning attempts. When her dream comes true, it turns out to be more nightmare than fantasy. A young boy in Concord, Massachusetts, who loves superheroes and comes from a long line of brave Chinese farmer-warriors, wants to make friends, but first he must overcome his fear of everything. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds (U.S.)87. Racism is a central theme in Of Mice and Men, which details the journey of two migrant ranch workers in Depression-era California. Grid List. While we know this book has topped the American Library Associations list of most challenged or censored books in America, it has also been banned in schools in the United Arab Emirates for being un-Islamic.
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