Book Bans and Attempted Bans Reach New Highs in 2025

Controversial titles like 'Sold' and 'Gender Queer' top the list of most challenged books in US libraries

Apr. 20, 2026 at 11:25am

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According to the American Library Association, book bans and attempted bans in the United States reached record highs in 2025, with coordinated efforts by conservative activists and government officials driving the majority of challenges. The ALA's annual list of the most challenged books was topped by Patricia McCormick's novel 'Sold' about sex trafficking, as well as other titles dealing with LGBTQ+ themes and mature content.

Why it matters

The rise in book bans reflects a growing trend of politicization and censorship around literature, with a shift away from individual community challenges to concerted campaigns by activist groups and government officials. This raises concerns about intellectual freedom, access to information, and the ability of libraries to serve diverse communities.

The details

The ALA recorded challenges to 4,235 different works in 2025, just shy of the all-time high of 4,240 in 2023. Titles targeted included Patricia McCormick's 'Sold,' Stephen Chbosky's 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower,' Maia Kobabe's 'Gender Queer,' and several books by authors like Sarah J. Maas. Objections centered on LGBTQ+ themes, sexual content, and depictions of alcohol and drug use. Over 90% of the challenges came from activists and government officials, rather than individual community members.

  • The ALA released its annual list of most challenged books on April 20, 2026.
  • The data covers book challenges recorded throughout 2025.

The players

American Library Association (ALA)

The national organization that tracks and reports on book challenges and bans in libraries across the United States.

Patricia McCormick

Author of the 2006 novel 'Sold,' which topped the ALA's list of most challenged books in 2025.

Maia Kobabe

Author of the graphic memoir 'Gender Queer,' which was among the most challenged books in 2025.

Moms for Liberty

A conservative activist group that has advocated for 'parental choice' in determining what books are available in schools and libraries.

Sarah Lamdan

Executive director of the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom, who noted the shift towards politically-driven book bans in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Libraries exist to make space for every story and every lived experience. As we celebrate National Library Week, we reaffirm that libraries are places for knowledge, for access, and for all.”

— Sam Helmick, ALA President

“In 2025, book bans were not sparked by concerned parents, and they were not the result of local grassroots efforts. They were part of a well-funded, politically-driven campaign.”

— Sarah Lamdan, Executive Director, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom

What’s next

The ALA plans to continue monitoring and reporting on book challenges and bans, while advocating for the protection of intellectual freedom and access to diverse literature in libraries across the country.

The takeaway

The record-breaking number of book bans and challenges in 2025 highlights the growing politicization of literature and the erosion of intellectual freedom. This trend raises serious concerns about the ability of libraries to serve their communities and provide access to a wide range of perspectives and experiences.