Banned Books

By Marietta Miles

As another Banned Book Week comes to an end, I wanted to take a look back at the most banned books of 2018 as compiled by the American Library Association. The American Library Association was founded in the 1800s to assist in the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services, librarians and to ensure access to information for all citizens. 

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982. In its 37-year history , over 11,000 books have been challenged. The ALA tracked 347 challenges to library, school and university materials and services in 2018. A total of 438 books were challenged or banned last year. Below you will find the books and the reasons they were banned.



George by Alex Gino

This title was banned, challenged, and relocated because it was believed to encourage children to clear browser history and change their bodies using hormones, and for mentioning “dirty magazines,” describing male anatomy, “creating confusion,” and including a transgender character.

 


A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss, illustrated by EG Keller

This book was banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ content, and for political and religious viewpoints.

Captain Underpants series written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey

This series was challenged because it was perceived as encouraging disruptive behavior, while Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot was challenged for including a same-sex couple.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

This much lauded book was banned and challenged because it was deemed “anti-cop,” and for profanity, drug use, and sexual references.

Drama written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier

This title was banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ characters and themes.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Certain school districts banned, challenged, and restricted this title for addressing teen suicide.

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki

Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and certain illustrations.

Skippyjon Jones series written and illustrated by Judy Schachner

The series was challenged for depicting stereotypes of Mexican culture.

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

This book was banned and challenged for sexual references, profanity, violence, gambling, and underage drinking, and for its religious viewpoint.

This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Kristyna Litten

Challenged and banned for including LGBTQIA+ content.

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

This book was challenged and banned for including LGBTQIA+ content.