Frequently Asked Questions

A book ban occurs when a book is removed from a library, school curriculum, or bookstore due to objections about its content. Bans can be formal (through official policy changes) or informal (through pressure on educators and librarians to remove materials).

Book challenges are attempts to remove or restrict materials based on objections from individuals or groups. When a challenge is successful, it becomes a ban.

Book bans typically originate from parents, advocacy groups, school board members, or legislators who object to content they find inappropriate. Common reasons cited include:

• Sexual content or themes
• LGBTQ+ characters or storylines
• Discussions of race, racism, or slavery
• Religious viewpoints
• Political content
• Violence or mature themes

Research shows that the majority of recently banned books feature diverse characters or address themes important to marginalized communities.

The legality of book bans depends on the context. While the First Amendment protects freedom of speech, it doesn't guarantee access to specific books in schools or libraries.

However, the Supreme Court ruled in Board of Education v. Pico (1982) that school officials cannot remove books from libraries simply because they disagree with their ideas. Books can only be removed for legitimate educational reasons, not to suppress particular viewpoints.

Many recent book bans are being challenged in court on First Amendment grounds.

Yes. The American Library Association reported record-breaking numbers of book challenges in recent years. In 2022-2023, there were more attempts to ban books than at any point since the ALA began tracking over 20 years ago.

This surge is driven by organized efforts from advocacy groups, new state legislation restricting certain topics in schools, and increased political polarization around education.

The most frequently challenged books change year to year, but recent lists consistently include titles like:

• Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
• All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson
• The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
• Beloved by Toni Morrison
• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

You can explore our full database to see banned books by location, year, and reason.

Use our Browse page to search our complete database. You can:

• Search by title, author, or keyword
• Filter by state, year, or reason for banning
• Sort results by date, title, or number of bans
• View detailed information about each book and its ban history

Yes! Our Ban Map provides an interactive visualization of book bans across the United States. You can click on any state to see which books have been banned there and get details about specific incidents.

Our database is compiled from multiple authoritative sources, including:

• American Library Association (ALA) reports
• PEN America's book ban tracking
• News reports and local journalism
• School board meeting minutes and official records
• Community submissions (verified before inclusion)

We update our database regularly and strive for accuracy in all our reporting.

Each book page includes links to purchase the book from various retailers. We believe that if a book has been banned, that's often a sign it contains important ideas worth exploring.

Note: Some links may be affiliate links that help support the site at no extra cost to you. See our Terms of Service for details.

If you know of a book ban that isn't in our database, we want to hear about it! Use our Contact page to submit information about the ban, including:

• The book title and author
• Location (school, district, library)
• Date of the ban or challenge
• Any news articles or official documentation

All submissions are reviewed and verified before being added to our database.

There are many ways to support the freedom to read:

• Attend school board meetings and speak up
• Support your local library and librarians
• Contact your elected representatives
• Donate to organizations fighting censorship
• Read and share banned books
• Educate others about the importance of intellectual freedom

Visit our Resources page for detailed guides and toolkits.

Several national organizations are dedicated to fighting censorship:

• American Library Association (ALA) - Tracks challenges and provides resources for librarians
• PEN America - Defends free expression and tracks book bans nationwide
• National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) - Advocates for freedom of thought and expression
• ACLU - Provides legal support for First Amendment cases
• EveryLibrary - Supports library funding and fights book bans

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read, typically held in late September. It was launched in 1982 in response to a surge in book challenges and is sponsored by the ALA and other literary organizations.

During Banned Books Week, libraries, schools, and bookstores across the country hold events highlighting challenged books and promoting intellectual freedom. It's a great time to read a banned book and show your support for the freedom to read.

Learn more on our Banned Books Week resource page.

Local action is often the most effective. Here's how to get started:

• Know your school board - Attend meetings, review agendas, and understand how book selection policies work in your district
• Support your library - Volunteer, donate, or join a Friends of the Library group
• Run for office - School board and library board positions are often decided by small numbers of votes
• Build coalitions - Connect with parents, teachers, and community members who share your values

We're a volunteer-driven project and always appreciate support:

• Share our resources on social media
• Report book bans we may have missed
• Link to our site from your blog or organization
• Spread the word about banned books in your community

Have other ideas or want to volunteer? Get in touch!