Banned Books Week (September 23-29, 2018)

Several of these most challenged books were also on the 2016 list of most challenged books.

What is Banned Books Week?

Banned Books Week's purpose is to bring together communities of book readers and lovers of all levels to support the freedom to seek and express ideas, even if some consider them unpopular or distasteful.  

Launched in the 1980s, this event was used as a peaceful protest against books labeled as "challenged" or "censored." The American Booksellers Association, along with other organizations, brings awareness to these banned novels and sparks conversations around the issue The books featured during Banned Books Week are books that have all been targeted with removal or restricted in libraries and schools. It draws national attention to the harms of censorship.

Top 10 Challenged Books

1. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
2. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie 
3. Drama by Raina Telgemeier
4. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
5. George  by Alex Gino
6. Sex is a Funny Word by Cory Silverburg and illustrated by Fiona Smyth
7. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 
8. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 
9. And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, illustrated by Henry Cold 
10. I am Jazz ​by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas