Book bans have become one of the most debated issues in education across the United States. Supporters say restricting certain titles helps keep age-inappropriate material out of schools, while critics argue that removing books limits students’ access to different ideas and viewpoints.
According to the American Library Association (ALA), there were 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in schools and libraries during 2023, a 65% increase from the previous year. Much of the recent activity has taken place in school districts, where parents, community groups, and lawmakers have pushed to remove books they believe contain explicit sexual content or topics they consider unsuitable for children.
Here are 15 states that have reported some of the highest numbers of book bans and challenges in recent years.
Texas
Texas has recorded more book bans than any other state in recent years. Between July 2021 and June 2022, more than 800 titles were removed or restricted in public schools, according to PEN America.
Many of the challenged books discuss race, LGBTQ+ identities, or American history. Some of the best-known titles include Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Several school districts, including Granbury ISD, have received national attention for large-scale book removals.
Florida
Florida has consistently ranked near the top in both book bans and formal challenges.
Many of the books removed from school libraries contain discussions of sexuality, gender identity, or race. Frequently challenged titles include The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and George (now published as Melissa) by Alex Gino.
State laws, including the Parental Rights in Education Act and later legislation covering instructional materials, have made it easier for parents to challenge books in public schools.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has also seen a sharp rise in book removals. PEN America documented 644 book bans in the state between July 2021 and June 2023.
Books dealing with racism, immigration, and police violence are commonly challenged. All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely is one example that has been removed or reviewed in several districts.
Tennessee
Tennessee regularly ranks among the states with the highest number of book challenges.
Books such as Beloved by Toni Morrison and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson have faced removal because of mature themes or sexual content. In 2022, the state passed the Age-Appropriate Materials Act, giving school districts clearer procedures for reviewing library materials after complaints from parents.
South Carolina
South Carolina has experienced a sharp increase in requests to remove books from schools and libraries.
One of the largest individual challenges came from Dorchester School District Two, where more than 150 books were questioned under district policies and state obscenity laws. Books including Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin and The Perks of Being a Wallflower have appeared on challenge lists.
The South Carolina Board of Education has also adopted statewide rules governing which books may remain in school libraries.
Georgia
Georgia has seen growing debates over books that discuss race, gender identity, and American history.
Among the titles challenged are The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, and Stamped by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds. Many objections have come from parents who believe certain books are not appropriate for younger students.
Virginia
Virginia has become another focal point in the national conversation about book restrictions.
Books discussing discrimination, sexuality, and social issues have been challenged in several school districts. Fun Home by Alison Bechdel, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, and Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Mist and Fury have all faced removal requests.
The American Library Association reported hundreds of challenged titles in the state over the past few years.
North Carolina
North Carolina has recorded dozens of book bans and more than 100 formal book challenges in recent years.
John Green’s Looking for Alaska remains one of the state’s most frequently challenged books because of its references to alcohol, drugs, and sexual content. The Color Purple by Alice Walker has also appeared on challenge lists in multiple school districts.
Ohio
Ohio has experienced a noticeable increase in challenges to school library books.
In 2023, dozens of complaints targeted more than 200 titles. Books including The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and Drama by Raina Telgemeier have been questioned over mature content and age suitability.
Missouri
Missouri reported more than 300 book bans during the 2022–2023 school year, according to PEN America.
The state has also introduced numerous education-related bills dealing with classroom materials and school libraries. Books such as Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison and This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki have been removed from some school collections.
Alabama
Alabama has seen growing efforts to remove books from public schools and libraries.
One of the most frequently challenged titles has been Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, which has been removed or reviewed in multiple districts because of its illustrations and discussion of gender identity.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma school districts have removed dozens of books in recent years.
Many of the challenged titles discuss race, civil rights, gender identity, or historical issues. Books including The Hate U Give, For Black Girls Like Me by Mariama J. Lockington, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley have all faced restrictions in parts of the state.
Kentucky
Kentucky has also experienced a rise in book challenges, particularly after the passage of Senate Bill 150.
Some districts, including Boyle County Schools, have removed more than 100 books while reviewing library collections. Frequently challenged titles include Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe and Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin.
Utah
Utah has adopted one of the country’s broadest statewide policies for removing books from public schools.
The Utah State Board of Education released a statewide list of books that cannot be carried in public school libraries after repeated findings that they contained sensitive material. Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series and What Girls Are Made Of by Elana K. Arnold are among the books affected.
Idaho
Idaho has become one of the newest states to see an increase in book restrictions after lawmakers approved legislation making it easier for libraries and schools to limit minors’ access to material considered harmful.
Books featuring sexual content or LGBTQ+ themes have drawn the greatest number of complaints, and several public libraries have adjusted their policies in response to the new law.
The debate over book bans shows no sign of slowing down. While some parents and lawmakers believe removing certain books protects children from material they consider inappropriate, others argue that restricting access limits educational opportunities and the freedom to explore different ideas. As schools and libraries continue reviewing their collections, the discussion over what belongs on library shelves remains one of the country’s most closely watched education issues.
