In recent years, the controversy over book bans has reached unprecedented levels, revealing a significant shift in the dynamics of censorship in libraries across the United States. This development is highlighted in the latest report from the American Library Association (ALA), which underscores a growing trend of politicized and organized efforts to challenge literary works.
The ALA’s annual State of America’s Libraries Report, released on Monday, includes a list of the books most frequently challenged in 2025. Leading this list is Patricia McCormick’s novel “Sold,” which explores the harrowing theme of sex trafficking in India. Other notable books facing challenges include Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir “Gender Queer,” and Sarah J. Maas’ “Empire of Storms.”
This year, the ALA expanded its usual list of ten books to eleven, with a four-way tie for eighth place. The additional titles are Anthony Burgess’ “A Clockwork Orange,” Ellen Hopkins’ “Identical,” John Green’s “Looking for Alaska,” and Jennifer L. Armentrout’s “Storm and Fury.”
The reasons for these challenges vary, encompassing themes such as LGBTQ+ representation in “Gender Queer” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” depictions of sexual violence in “Sold” and “A Clockwork Orange,” and portrayals of substance use in “Looking for Alaska.” The ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom reported challenges to 4,235 different works, just shy of the record 4,240 in 2023.
The ALA defines a challenge as any attempt to remove or restrict access to library resources based on objections from individuals or groups. This report comes during National Library Week, celebrated through April 25, emphasizing the importance of libraries as inclusive spaces.
“Libraries exist to make space for every story and every lived experience,” stated ALA President Sam Helmick. “As we celebrate National Library Week, we reaffirm that libraries are places for knowledge, for access, and for all.”
Data for the ALA’s report is gathered from media accounts and direct submissions from libraries, although the association admits the actual number of incidents is likely higher due to underreporting.
Historically, book challenges were often initiated by parents or local community members. However, the ALA has observed a notable shift towards involvement by government officials and conservative groups, such as Moms for Liberty, advocating for “parental choice” in library and school resources.
States like Florida, Texas, and Utah have been at the forefront of efforts to ban books or pass restrictive laws. In Iowa, a recent appellate court decision supports legislation limiting discussions on LGBTQ+ topics in certain grades and banning specific books. According to the ALA, over 90% of challenges in 2025 were driven by activists and government officials, a rise from 72% in 2024.
“In 2025, book bans were not sparked by concerned parents, and they were not the result of local grassroots efforts,” said Sarah Lamdan, executive director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. “They were part of a well-funded, politically-driven campaign.”
Lamdan also noted that activists circulate lists of targeted books nationwide, resulting in a widespread pattern of challenges. The ALA found that actual book removals exceeded 5,600, surpassing the number of books challenged, echoing concerns raised in a PEN America report.
The ALA’s list of the most challenged books of 2025
1. “Sold” by Patricia McCormick
2. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky
3. “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe
4. “Empire of Storms” by Sarah J. Maas
5. (tie) “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo
5. (tie) “Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins
7. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas
8. (tie) “A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess
8. (tie) “Identical” by Ellen Hopkins
8. (tie) “Looking for Alaska” by John Green
8. (tie) “Storm and Fury” by Jennifer L. Armentrout
