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Banned Books Week occurs annually, typically at the end of September or beginning of October. This year, it is happening October 1st – October 7th and it started in 1982 as a response to many book challenges happening in libraries, schools, and even bookstores. The goal of Banned Books Week is to emphasize the importance of open access to information and our freedom to express ideas. During this week, the top challenged books from the previous year get highlighted, and this helps show the harms of censorship. In 2022, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom recorded 2,571 unique titles that were targeted for censorship (Gomez 2023). Books written by and about BIPOCs, as well as books pertaining to LGBT+ issues are among the top materials being challenged.

You’ll hear both “banned books” and “challenged books” used around in media, but what is the difference? Challenges are attempts to restrict or remove materials due to objections from a person or group. Banning is the actual removal of those materials. One of the top reasons books get challenged is because the challenger believes it is their duty to protect others, usually children, from difficult topics. Materials that are considered sexually explicit, contain offensive language, or not suited for a particular age group are among the top motivations for challenging books.

Let Freedom Read is this year’s theme for Banned Books Week. The American Library Association chose this theme because it “captures what’s at stake for our democracy: that the safety of our right to speak and think freely is directly in proportion to our right to read.” (Gomez 2023). There are many ways to get involved if you want to spread awareness about banned books or explore different ways you can make a difference. One easy way to join in is to use the hashtag #bannedbooksweek. Using this will help spread awareness and create a conversation amongst your peers about censorship and everyone’s right to openly access information. Another great way to participate is to visit your local library and check out a book that has been previously banned or is frequently challenged. Doing this helps to exercise your right to read as well as help defend against censorship.

Top Ten Most Banned and Challenged Books 2010 - 2019

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Captain Underpants (series) by Dav Pilkey

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Looking for Alaska by John Green

George by Alex Gino

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Internet Girls (series) by Lauren Myracle

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

References

Ediaz. (2019, July 30). Banned book FAQ. Advocacy, Legislation & Issues. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/banned-books-qa

Gomez, B. (2023a, April 24). ALA Releases Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2022 List. Banned books week. https://bannedbooksweek.org/ala-releases-top-10-most-challenged-books-of-2022-list/

Gomez, B. (2023, May 3). LET FREEDOM READ During Banned Books Week 2023!. Banned books week. https://bannedbooksweek.org/let-freedom-read-during-banned-books-week-2023/

Kpekoll. (2020, September 27). Top 100 most banned and challenged books: 2010-2019. Advocacy, Legislation & Issues. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/decade2019

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