NEW YORK – Recent reports from the American Library Association (ALA) indicate a disturbing trend in the world of literature: book bans and attempted bans are at record highs. The ALA’s findings reveal that the movement to remove certain titles from libraries has become increasingly coordinated and politically motivated.
In its annual State of America’s Libraries Report, the ALA unveiled the list of the most challenged books for 2025. Topping the list is Patricia McCormick’s novel “Sold,” which addresses the harrowing issue of sex trafficking in India. Other notable titles include Stephen Chbosky’s coming-of-age story “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir “Gender Queer,” and Sarah J. Maas’ popular fantasy novel “Empire of Storms.”
For the first time, the ALA included 11 books in its list this year, with four titles sharing the eighth position: the dystopian classic “A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess, Ellen Hopkins’ “Identical,” John Green’s “Looking for Alaska,” and Jennifer L. Armentrout’s “Storm and Fury.”
The reasons for these challenges are varied, often centering around themes of LGBTQ+ representation, sexual violence, and substance use. For instance, “Gender Queer” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” have faced scrutiny for their LGBTQ+ themes, while “Sold” and “A Clockwork Orange” have been challenged due to their depictions of sexual violence. In total, the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom recorded 4,235 challenges to different works, just shy of the previous record of 4,240 set in 2023, highlighting a worrying trend that has persisted over the past three decades.
The ALA defines a challenge as an attempt to restrict or remove library resources based on objections from individuals or groups. This year’s list coincides with National Library Week, which runs through April 25, a time meant to celebrate the vital role libraries play in society.
“Libraries exist to make space for every story and every lived experience,” remarked ALA President Sam Helmick. “As we celebrate National Library Week, we reaffirm that libraries are places for knowledge, for access, and for all.”
The ALA compiles its list through media accounts and submissions from libraries, acknowledging that the actual number of challenges is likely higher due to underreporting. Traditionally, challenges originated from concerned parents or community members; however, in recent years, there has been a marked shift towards challenges led by government officials and politically motivated groups, such as Moms for Liberty, who advocate for “parental choice” in educational materials.
States like Florida, Texas, and Utah have enacted laws aimed at restricting library access to certain books. Recently, an Iowa appellate court upheld a law limiting discussions about LGBTQ+ topics in elementary schools and banning specific titles from circulation.
According to the ALA, over 90% of challenges in the previous year were initiated by activists and government officials, a significant increase from 72% in 2024. Sarah Lamdan, executive director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, stated that in 2025, the majority of book bans were not grassroots efforts but rather part of a politically orchestrated campaign.
Lamdan noted that activists are circulating lists of targeted books across the nation. The ALA’s findings corroborate a report from PEN America, which highlighted the repeated banning of titles like “Sold” and “A Clockwork Orange.” The number of actual book removals exceeded 5,600, suggesting that the impact of these campaigns is far-reaching.
“This reflects the reality that these lists are getting disseminated widely,” Lamdan explained. “You can see video footage from various library board meetings where the same books are singled out over and over again.”
The ALA’s list of the most challenged books of 2025 includes:
- 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
