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This page includes information and resources related to the issue of book banning. For information specific to banned comics and graphic novels, such as the two Common Read selections Persepolis and The Prince and the Dressmaker, please navigate to the "Comics and Graphic Novels" page.
The top three historical reasons cited for challenging books and other library materials as reported to the American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom are:
What is the difference between a book challenge and a book ban?
According to the American Library Association, a challenge "is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others."
In other words, a challenge can result in a ban. Not every challenge results in a ban. And, sometimes, books are not completely removed from a particular library or school. Instead, books or other materials are moved from easily accessible shelves to a restricted section, are restricted to a specific age group, or have other requirements that impede free access to the book. This is still considered censorship, but different people may or may not consider this to be a "ban."
Book challenges have rapidly increased in recent years. According to the Office of Intellectual Freedom, a record 2,571 unique book titles were targeted for censorship in libraries in 2022, a 38% increase over the 1,858 unique titles targeted in 2021. These titles were targeted in 1,269 reported demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, which is the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago.
