ALA List of Most Banned Books 2020

 According to the ALA State of America's Libraries Report for 2021 (which you can read here) , 273 books were subjected to censorship attempts in 2020.    The top reasons for the challenges (attempt to ban) and bans were racial issues (in particular Black Lives Matter) and LGBTIQA+ issues as well as anti-racism and anti-police reasons.  73% were books (including graphic novels), 14% programs, 7% other, 3% social media, 2% displays, and 1% films.  Parents were responsible for 50% of the challenges and bans with patrons being 20%, board/admin for 11%, religious and political  groups for 9%, librarians and teachers 5%, elected officials 4%, and thankfully students 1%.  The majority of the challenges take place in public libraries followed by schools and school libraries.  (4)

 

The top ten Banned and challenged books are below.  Note the reason are usually because of the effect of x upon students.  (For example, the effect of racial slurs on a student’s mental health).  The majority of books this year deal with race.  The majority of the books on the list last year dealt with LGBTQIA+ issues.

1.     1.     George  by Alex Gino.  This is not a change from 2019.  Primary reasons was LGBTQIA+ material.

2.     Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You  by Kendi X. Ibram and Jason Reynolds.  This is the first appearance of this book.  Banned because of the author’s statements, selective viewpoint, and for not addressing all types of racism. (I have read the adult version of this book, and you should read it too).

3.     All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brenden Kelly.  Profanity, drugs, drinking, anti-police and deals with issues that are too sensitive to deal with.  This book was not in the top ten in 2019.

4.     Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.  This book returns to the top ten.  Due to rape and profanity.  Also people thought the book was anti-male and the author’s political viewpoint.

5.     The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.  This book also returns to the top ten.  Profanity, sex as well as the allegations of sexual harassment against the author.

6.     Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazard.  Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin.  First time in top ten.  Considered anti-police and included divisive language.

7.     To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  Returns to top ten.  Reasons include: white savior character and racial slurs.

8.     OF Mice and Men  by John Steinbeck.  Returns to top ten.  Reasons include racial slurs and stereotypes.

9.     The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.  Returns to the top ten.  Reasons include: rape and abuse.

10.  The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Returns to the top ten.  Reasons include: profanity and anti-police.