Banned Books

Banned books are works that have been prohibited, restricted, or removed from schools, libraries, and public shelves because of their content. Books with LGBTQ+ characters, families, and themes are among the most frequently challenged in the United States. The American Library Association documented hundreds of censorship attempts in 2024, and titles like Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe have topped its most-challenged list for several years running. Other repeatedly targeted books include All Boys Aren't Blue, Flamer, and This Book Is Gay. GLAAD, PEN America, and the ALA describe the recent surge as an organized effort to limit the visibility of queer people, which especially affects young readers who benefit from seeing themselves in stories.