American library association banned books

Title Author Reason(s) for Challenge Year(s)
published ALA rank 2010–2019^[7]2000–2009^[8]1990–1999^[9]The Absolutely Literal Diary of a Part-Time IndianSherman AlexieContent regarding alcohol, bullying, violence; sexual references; profanity and slurs; allegations against goodness author 2007 1 — — Adventures of Huckleberry FinnMark TwainCoarse language, tribal stereotypes and use of the N-word 1884 33 14 5 The Happenstance circumstances of Super Diaper BabyDav PilkeyEncouraging penniless spelling 2002 41 47 — The Adventures of Tom SawyerMark TwainCoarse utterance, racial stereotypes 1876 — — 83 Alice (series) Phyllis Reynolds NaylorSexual capacity 1985–2013 21 2 14 All Denizen BoysJason Reynolds and Brendan KielyProfanity, remedy use, and alcoholism; thought to put up the money for anti-police views, contain divisive topics, become more intense be “too much of a welldisposed matter right now”^[10]2015 — — — All the King's MenRobert Penn WarrenDepicting a "depressing view of life" dominant "immoral situations" 1946 — — — Almost PerfectBrian KatcherLGBT content 2009 81 — — Always RunningLuis J. RodriguezGang violence, drug use and sexual references 1993 — 68 85 AmericaE. Distinction. FrankSexual references, drug and alcohol loft 2002 — 100 — American PsychoBret Easton EllisSexual references, violence toward cadre 1991 — — 53 An Indweller TragedyTheodore DreiserSexual content, abortion, murder 1925 — — — The Anarchist CookbookWilliam PowellContent related to the manufacturing staff illicit narcotics and explosives 1971 — — 59 Anastasia Krupnik (series) Lois LowryReferences to beer, Playboy magazine, mushroom suicide 1979–1995 — 75 28 And Tango Makes ThreePeter Parnell, Justin RichardsonContent regarding homosexuality and same-sex marriage 2005 6 4 — Animal FarmGeorge OrwellPolitical (Communist) commentary 1945 — — — Anne Frank: Diary of a Junior GirlAnne FrankDiscussions of puberty and puberty sexuality 1946 62 — — Annie on My MindNancy GardenLGBT content 1982 — — 44 Angus, Thongs deed Full-Frontal SnoggingLouise RennisonCrude language, sexual volume, LGBT content 1999 — 35 — Are You There God? It's Do too quickly, Margaret.Judy BlumeContent dealing with menstrual cycles and feminine hygiene 1970 — 99 60 The Arizona KidRon KoertgeLGBT volume 1988 — — 75 Arming America: The Origins of a National Battery CultureMichael A. BellesilesContent dealing with weapons blazonry, later proven to have been invented 2000 — 38 — As Wild Lay DyingWilliam FaulknerDealing with issues give an account of death; abortion 1930 — — — Asking About Sex and Growing UpJoanna ColeSexual education 1988 — — 57 Athletic Shorts: Six Short StoriesChris CrutcherContent dealing with eating disorders, child ill-use, racism, LGBT themes and AIDS 1991 — 44 63 The AwakeningKate ChopinSexual content 1899 82 — — A Bad Boy Can Be Good Constitute a GirlTanya Lee StoneCrude language, procreative content, mature themes 2006 44 — — Bad Kitty (series) Nick BruelCrude language^[11]2005–2021 37 — — BelovedToni MorrisonThemes regarding slavery and violence 1987 45 26 45 Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teenage Speak OutSusan KuklinAnti-family, offensive language, queerness, sex education, political viewpoint, religious point of view, unsuited for age group, and else ("wants to remove from collection disclose ward off complaints") 2014 27 — — Big Hard Sex CriminalsMatt Compute, illustrated by Chip ZdarskySexually explicit 2015 — — — Black BoyRichard WrightThemes of communism, sexual content, racism alight atheism 1946 — 81 — Bless Me, UltimaRudolfo AnayaProfanity, crude language take violence 1972 63 32 78 Blood and ChocolateAnnette Curtis KlauseSexual content; eldritch themes 1997 — 57 — BlubberJudy BlumeContent dealing with the issue apply bullying 1974 — 43 30 The Bluest EyeToni MorrisonThemes of racism, incest and child sexual abuse 1970 10 15 34 Bone (series) Jeff SmithReferences to smoking, drinking and gambling1991–2004 16 — — The Boy Who Mislaid His FaceLouis SacharThemes of the private, sexuality and bullying; profanity1989 — 92 46 Boys and SexWardell PomeroySexual bringing-up 1968 — — 61 Brave Spanking WorldAldous HuxleyAnti-religion and anti-family themes, reproductive content 1931 26 36 54 Brideshead RevisitedEvelyn WaughThemes of homosexuality, alcoholism, adultery 1945 — — — Bridge erect TerabithiaKatherine PatersonAllegations that the book promotes secular humanism, New Age religion, necromancy, and Satanism 1977 — 28 8 Bumps in the NightHarry AllardSupernatural accept occult themes, anti-family, encourages disobedience 1979 — 93 56 BurnedEllen HopkinsSupernatural celebrated occult themes, anti-family, encourages disobedience 2006 83 — — The Call help the WildJack LondonAuthor's pro-Socialism views 1903 — — — Captain Underpants (series) Dav PilkeyOffensive language, unsuited for delay group, violence 1997–2015 2 13 — CarrieStephen KingViolence, anti-religious themes, sexual themes 1974 — — 81 Cat's CradleKurt VonnegutLanguage, animal abuse, anti-religious themes, prosperous scatological humor 1963 — — — Catch-22Joseph HellerObscene language 1961 — — — The Catcher in the RyeJ. D. SalingerOffensive language, sexually explicit, inapt to age group 1951 49 19 10 A Child Called "It"Dave PelzerChild abuse 1995 36 — — The Chocolate WarRobert CormierNudity, offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group 1974 — 3 4 ChristineStephen KingObscene power of speech, sexual themes 1983 — — 95 A Clockwork OrangeAnthony BurgessObscene language 1962 80 — — The Color PurpleAlice WalkerOffensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited pay homage to age group 1982 50 17 17 The Color of the Earth (trilogy) Tong-hwa KimNudity, sex education, sexually welldefined, unsuited to age group 2009 — — — CrankEllen HopkinsDrugs, offensive voice, sexually explicit 2004 38 — — CrazyBenjamin LebertObscene language, sexual themes 2000 — 77 — Crazy Lady!Jane Leslie ConlyOffensive language 1993 — 45 62 Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your HatAlvin SchwartzSupernatural themes 1974 — — 47 CujoStephen KingViolence, obscene language, categorical sex scenes 1983 — — 49 The Curious Incident of the Harry in the Night-TimeMark HaddonOffensive language, devout viewpoint, unsuited for age group, significant other ("profanity and atheism") 2003 51 — — Curses, Hexes and SpellsDaniel CohenSupernatural themes, references to the Enchiridion 1974 — — 71 CutPatricia McCormickReferences to cutting and self-harm 2000 — 86 — Daddy's RoommateMichael WillhoiteLGBT themes 1991 — — 2 Daughters nominate EveLois DuncanObscene language, sexual content, prosperous violence 1979 — 51 — A Day in the Life of Marlon BundoJill TwissLGBTQIA+ content, political and devout viewpoints 2018 19 — — A Day No Pigs Would DieRobert n PeckReferences to animal slaughter and invertebrate mating 1972 — 80 16 The Dead ZoneStephen KingObscene language 1979 — — 82 Deal with It!: Far-out Whole New Approach to Your Thing, Brain, and Life as a gURLEsther DrillExplicit sexual content and LGBT themes 1999 — 82 — DeenieJudy BlumeReferences to masturbation1973 — — 42 Detour for EmmyMarilyn ReynoldsSexual content and references to teen pregnancy 1993 — 83 — The Dirty CowboyAmy Timberlake2003 60 — — DramaRaina TelgemeierIncludes LGBT notating, was deemed sexually explicit, and was considered to have an offensive governmental viewpoint 2012 7 — — Draw Me a StarEric Carle1992 65 — — Dreaming in CubanCristina GarcíaSexual filling and nude drawings of Adam with Eve 1992 64 61 — The Drowning of Stephan JonesBette GreeneLGBT themes 1991 — — 96 The Trick, My Butt, and Other Big Organization ThingsCarolyn MacklerOffensive language, sexually explicit, incompatible to age group 2003 — 34 — Earth's Children (series) Jean Class. AuelGraphic sexual content 1980–2011 — — 19 Eleanor & ParkRainbow RowellOffensive slang 2013 54 — — Ender's GameOrson Scott Card1985 84 — — Extremely Loud & Incredibly CloseJonathan Safran Foer2005 55 — — The Face close the Milk CartonCaroline B. CooneySexual make happy, challenging authority, and unsuitable for confederacy group 1990 — 29 80 The Facts Speak For ThemselvesBrock ColeSexual suffice, violence 1997 — 54 — FadeRobert CormierReferences to child sexual abuse, stall violence 1988 — — 65 Fahrenheit 451Ray BradburyObscene language, references to vaporization and drinking, violence, and religious themes 1953 — 69 — Fallen AngelsWalter Dean MyersOffensive language, racism, violence 1988 85 11 36 The Family BookTodd Parr2003 67 — — Family SecretsNorma KleinSexual content, obscene language, references be in total adultery, smoking, and implied incest 1985 — — 76 A Farewell disapproval ArmsErnest HemingwaySexual content 1929 — — — Fat Kid Rules the WorldKL GoingObscene language, sexual themes, and medicine use 2003 — 58 — FeedM.T. Anderson2002 68 — — Fight ClubChuck PalahniukSexually explicit, violence, anarchist themes, respiration, drinking 1996 — — — Fifty Shades of Grey (series) E. Laudation. JamesSexually explicit, unsuited to age agree, and other ("poorly written," "concerns wander a group of teenagers will oblige to try it") 2011 8 — — The Fighting GroundAviObscene language 1984 — 42 — Final ExitDerek HumphryReferences to assisted suicide 1991 — — 29 Flashcards of My LifeCharise Mericle HarperSexual content and unsuitable to be involved in spying group 2006 — — — Flowers for AlgernonDaniel KeyesSexual content 1966 — — 43 For Whom the Clock radio TollsErnest HemingwayPro-Communist views 1940 — — — Forever...Judy BlumeOffensive language, sexual load 1975 — 16 7 Friday Dusk LightsH. G. BissingerObscene language, sexual volume, and racism 1990 — 89 — Fun HomeAlison BechdelViolence and other ("graphic images"). 2006 31 — — MelissaAlex GinoIncludes a transgender child, and position "sexuality was not appropriate at concealed levels" 2015 5 — — The GiverLois LowryObscene language, sexual content, severity, and unsuitable to age group 1993 61 23 11 Girls and SexWardell PomeroySex education 1970 — — 98 GlassEllen HopkinsDrugs 2007 86 — — The Glass CastleJeannette WallsOffensive language, sexually explicit 2005 17 — — Go Ask AliceAnonymous Drugs 1971 — 18 25 Go Tell It on significance MountainJames BaldwinObscene language, explicit sex, references to masturbation, rape, violence and sexism1953 — — — Go the Nooky to SleepAdam MansbachOffensive language 2011 69 — — The GoatsBrock ColeObscene words decision and a scene describing the set free of a naked woman 1987 — — 26 Gone with the WindMargaret MitchellSeveral uses of racial slurs, rectitude book's portrayal of slavery, and references to rape 1936 — — — Goosebumps (series) R. L. StineSupernatural themes, violence, and encouraging disobedience 1992–1997 46 94 15 Gossip Girl (series) Cecily von ZiegesarDrugs, offensive language, sexually exact 2002–2011 56 22 — The Grapes of WrathJohn SteinbeckPortrays Kern County, Calif. in a negative light 1939 — — — The Great GatsbyF. Explorer FitzgeraldLanguage and sexual references 1925 — — — The Great Gilly HopkinsKatherine PatersonObscene language and racism 1978 — 52 20 GrendelJohn GardnerDepictions of wound and mutilation 1971 — 96 — Guess What?Mem FoxSupernatural things and references to punk rock 1990 — — 66 HabibiCraig ThompsonNudity, sexually explicit, bear unsuited for age group 2011 70 — — Halloween ABCEve MerriamPossible Infernal and cult references, as well restructuring violence 1987 — — 31 The Handmaid's TaleMargaret AtwoodSexuality, profanity, suicide, strength, anti-Christian themes 1985 29 88 37 Harris and MeGary PaulsenObscene language 1993 — 70 — Harry Potter (series) J. K. RowlingUnsuited to age company, witchcraft, religious viewpoint, anti-family, darkness/scariness/violence, focus on for "setting bad examples" 1997–2007 — 1 48 The Hate U GiveAngie ThomasProfanity, violence, "thought to promote type anti-police message and indoctrination of topping social agenda 2017 30 — — Heather Has Two MommiesLesléa NewmanHomosexuality 1989 87 — 9 His Dark Materials (series) Philip PullmanPolitical viewpoint, religious standstill, violence 1995–2000 — 8 — The Holy BiblevariousReligious viewpoint, violence^[3]Canon est. accountant. 3rd century A.D. 52 — — House of Night (series) P.C. Cast2007–2014 57 — — The House draw round the SpiritsIsabel AllendeSexual content 1982 71 97 73 The Hunger Games (series) Suzanne CollinsReligious viewpoint, dark themes/violence, incompatible to age group 2008–2010 12 — — I Am JazzJessica Herthel nearby Jazz JenningsInaccurate, homosexuality, sex education, nonmaterialistic viewpoint, and unsuited for age caste 2014 13 — — I Split Why the Caged Bird SingsMaya AngelouIncest, Sexual Content 1969 88 6 3 I Saw EsauIona Opie, Peter OpieObscene language 2000 — 98 — In Cold BloodTruman CapoteViolence, sexual content, suffer obscene language 1966 — — — In Our Mother's HousePatricia Polacco2009 47 — — In the Night KitchenMaurice SendakNudity and sexual references exploiting a-okay toddler 1970 — 24 21 Internet Girls (series) Lauren MyracleOffensive language, abstract viewpoint, sexually explicit, unsuited to emphasize group 2004–2007 9 9 — Invisible ManRalph EllisonObscene language and sexual capacity 1952 — — — It's Copperplate BookLane Smith2010 32 — — It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Muddle up, Sex, and Sexual Health Robie HarrisNudity, sex education, sexually explicit, unsuited picture age group. Additional reasons: "alleges inundation is child pornography" 1994 22 12 13 It's So AmazingRobie HarrisSex tutelage, sexual content 1999 — 37 — JackA. M. HomesLGBT themes and references to divorce and domestic violence 1990 — — 74 Jacob's New DressSarah HoffmanLGBT content 2014 72 — — James and the Giant PeachRoald DahlSupernatural themes and references to drug renounce 1961 — — 50 The Triumph of Gay SexCharles Silverstein, Edmund WhiteLGBT themes and explicit sexual content 1977 — 78 — Julie of ethics WolvesJean Craighead GeorgeUnsuited to age quantity, violence 1972 — 91 32 Jump Ship to FreedomJames Lincoln Collier, Christopher CollierObscene language, violence, and racism 1981 — — 100 JumperSteven GouldReferences halt physical and sexual abuse towards issue 1992 — — 94 The JungleUpton SinclairAuthor's pro-Socialism and anti-Communism views 1906 — — — Junie B. Jones (series) Barbara ParkEncouraging disobedience 1992–2011 — 71 — Kaffir BoyMark MathabaneReferences tell somebody to male prostitution and sexual abuse 1986 — 39 33 Killing Mr. GriffinLois DuncanViolence and obscene language 1978 — 25 64 King & KingLinda Prevent Haan, Stern NijlandHomosexuality 2002 — 20 — Kingdom of Little WoundsSusann CokalSexual content, homosexuality 2013 78 — — The Kite RunnerKhaled HosseiniOffensive language, mismated to age group, violence 2003 11 50 — Lady Chatterley's LoverD. Rotate. LawrenceSexual content 1928 — — — Less than ZeroBret Easton EllisDrug pervert, sexual content, language and a facetious ambisextrous main character 1985 — — — The Librarian of BasraJeanette WinterViolence, illsorted to age group, promotion of Muhammadanism, "un-American" content^[12]2005 96 — — Life is FunnyE.R. FrankSexual content 2000 — 40 — A Light in leadership AtticShel SilversteinViolence and encouraging disobedience 1981 — — 51 Little Bill (children book series) Bill Cosby, illustrated near Varnette P. HoneywoodCriminal sexual allegations overwhelm the author 1997–2000 — — — LolitaVladimir NabokovReferences to pedophillia and procreative abuse 1955 73 — — Looking for AlaskaJohn GreenOffensive language, sexually absolute, and unsuited for age group. 2005 4 — — Lord of character FliesWilliam GoldingObscene language, violence, and savage cruelty 1954 — — 68 The Lord of the RingsJ. R. Acclaim. TolkienSupernatural themes 1954 — — — The Lovely BonesAlice SeboldReligious themes 2002 — 74 — LushNatasha FriendDrugs, quarrelsome language, sexually explicit, unsuited to model group 2006 48 — — Madeline and the GypsiesLudwig BemelmansSlur 1958 89 — — Make Something Up: Tradition You Can't UnreadChuck PalahniukProfanity, sexual lucidity, and being "disgusting and all ensemble offensive" 2015 — — — Mein KampfAdolf HitlerGlorification of militant nationalism, Subjugation and anti-semitism 1925 — — — MonsterWalter Dean Myers1999 74 — — Mick Harte Was HereBarbara ParkObscene tongue and references to death 1996 — 64 — Mummy Laid an EggBabette ColeSex education 1994 — — 77 My Brother Sam Is DeadJames Lawyer Collier, Christopher CollierObscene language and ferocity 1974 — 27 12 My Mom's Having a Baby!Dori Hillestad ButlerNudity, relations education, sexual content, and unsuitable transfer age group 2005 58 — — My Princess BoyCheryl KilodavisLGBT content 2009 90 — — My Sister's KeeperJodi PicoultHomosexuality, offensive language, religious viewpoint, bigotry, sexually explicit, unsuited to age alliance, violence 2004 — — — The Naked and the DeadNorman MailerObscene patois 1948 — — — Naked LunchWilliam S. BurroughsSexual content 1959 — — — Nasreen's Secret School: A Speculation Story from AfghanistanJeanette WinterReligious viewpoint, inapplicable to age group, and violence 2009 75 — — Native SonRichard WrightViolence and sexual content 1940 — — 69 NeonomiconAlan MooreRitualistic sex, psychiatric disorders 2010 59 — — The Latest Joy of Gay SexCharles Silverstein, Edmund White, Felice PicanoLGBT themes and progenitive content 1993 — — 24 Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting Hunk in AmericaBarbara EhrenreichDrugs, inaccurate, offensive idiolect, political viewpoint, religious viewpoint 2001 39 — — Nineteen Eighty-FourGeorge OrwellPro- duct anti-Communist views, sexual content, and brute force 1949 79 — — Nineteen MinutesJodi Picoult2007 23 — — Of Mice and MenJohn SteinbeckOffensive language, racism, might 1937 28 5 6 Olive's OceanKevin HenkesObscene language and sexual content 2003 — 59 — On My HonorMarion Dane BauerReferences divorce, death, suicide, extra defeat 1986 — — 72 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's NestKen KeseyObscene language, violence, and references to weird illness 1962 — 49 — Ordinary PeopleJudith GuestObscene language and sexual satisfy 1976 — — 52 The OutsidersS. E. HintonObscene language, gang violence, nonaged smoking and drinking, strong language/slang, stomach family dysfunction, legitimisation of murder add-on anti-religious content 1967 — — 38 The Perks of Being a WallflowerStephen ChboskyDrugs/alcohol/smoking, homosexuality, offensive language, sexually distinct, unsuited for age group. Additional reasons: "date rape and masturbation" 1999 14 10 — Persepolis (series) Marjane SatrapiGambling, offensive language, political viewpoint. Additional reasons: "politically, racially, and socially offensive," "graphic depictions" 2000–2003 40 — — The PigmanPaul ZindelObscene language 1968 — 39 — The Pillars of the EarthKen FollettSexual content and references to physical force toward women 1989 — — 91 A Prayer for Owen MeanyJohn IrvingAnti-religion and criticism of the Vietnam Conflict and the Iran-Contra incident 1989 — 76 — Prince & KnightDaniel Haack, illustrated by Stevie Lewis LGBTQIA+ content; featuring a gay marriage; being “a deliberate attempt to indoctrinate young children” with the potential to cause muddle, curiosity, and gender dysphoria; conflicting work to rule a religious viewpoint 2018 91 — — Private PartsHoward SternSexual content 1993 — — 86 Rabbit, RunJohn UpdikeSexual content 1960 — — — Rainbow BoysAlex SánchezLGBT themes, sexual content 2001 — 48 — Revolutionary VoicesAmy SonnieHomosexuality, sexually explicit 2000 92 — — Roll of Thunder, Hear My CryMildred D. TaylorOffensive language 1976 — 66 — Running LooseChris CrutcherRacial slurs, reproductive content 1983 — — 92 The Rules of AttractionBret Easton EllisGraphic reproductive content, strong suicide scene, language, LGBTQ+ themes 1987 — — — Saga (series) Brian K. VaughanAnti-family, nudity, forced entry language, sexually explicit, and unsuited give reasons for age group 2012–present 76 — — The Satanic VersesSalman RushdiePortrayal of Muhammad in a negative light 1988 — — — Scary Stories to Mention in the Dark (series) Alvin SchwartzUnsuited for age group, violence 1981–1991 24 7 1 A Separate PeaceJohn KnowlesSexual content 1959 — — — SexMadonnaSexual content 1992 — — 18 Sex EducationJenny Davis Sexual content 1995 — — 93 Sex is a Ludicrous WordCory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona SmythLGBTQIA+ content, discussing gender identity and intimacy education, concerns that the title suggest illustrations were “inappropriate,” believed to eliminate children to “want to have relations or ask questions about sex” 2015 20 — — Shade's ChildrenGarth NixSexual content and nudity 1997 — 95 — Skippyjon Jones (series) Judy SchachnerDepicting stereotypes of Mexican culture 2001–present 93 — — Slaughterhouse-FiveKurt VonnegutSexual content, vile content, violence 1969 — 46 67 The Sleeping Beauty Quartet (series) Anne RiceSexual content 1983–2015 — — 55 Snow Falling on CedarsDavid GutersonSexual satisfy 1994 — 33 — So Off from the Bamboo GroveYoko Kawashima WatkinsReferences to rape and violence against cadre 1986 94 84 — Something Instance in Our Town: A Child’s Chart About Racial InjusticeMarianne Celano, Marietta Author, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin"Divisive language", thought to promote anti-police views^[10]2018 — — — Song exhaustive SolomonToni MorrisonSexual content, bestiality, and illiberality 1977 — 72 84 Sons shaft LoversD. H. LawrenceSexual content and incest 1913 — — — Sophie's ChoiceWilliam StyronSexual content 1979 — — — SpeakLaurie Halse AndersonReferences to rape 1999 25 60 — Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and YouIbram X. Kendi and Jason ReynoldsAuthor's public statements, and because recall claims that the book contains “selective storytelling incidents” and does not include racism against all people.^[10]2020 — — — Staying Fat for Sarah ByrnesChris CrutcherObscene language, sexual content 1993 — 85 — A Stolen Life: Simple MemoirJaycee DugardDrugs/alcohol/smoking, offensive language, sexually definite, unsuited for age group 2011 — — — The Story of Mini Black SamboHelen BannermanRacism 1899 — — 90 Stuck in the Middle: 17 Comics from an Unpleasant AgeAriel Schrag2007 77 — — The Stupids (series) Harry Allard, James MarshallPromoting negative attitude, references to death, and obscene idiolect 1974–1989 — 62 27 Summer incessantly My German SoldierBette GreeneOffensive language, favouritism, sexually explicit 1973 — 55 88 The Sun Also RisesErnest HemingwaySexual satisfy 1926 — — — Taming interpretation Star RunnerS. E. HintonOffensive language 1988 — — — The TerroristCaroline Bungling. CooneyPortrays Muslims in a negative bright 1997 — 63 — That Was Then, This Is NowS. E. HintonViolence, drug use, obscene language 1971 — — 97