Banned Books of the Year – 2018

Curious about what made it onto the top banned books this year?

Keep on reading!

Because Banned Books Week is one that should be on everyone’s calendar.

Why should we care about banned books?

Because often the stories that folks are trying to ban are often the exact ones we need to educate our children and expand their horizons to better understand, appreciate and approach the world around them.

Banned Books of 2018

The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked347 challenges to library, school and university materials and services in 2018.

Of the 483 books challenged or banned in 2018, the Top 11 Most Challenged Books are:

1. George by Alex Gino
   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
2. A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss, illustrated by EG Keller
   Banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ content, and for political and religious viewpoints
3. Captain Underpants series written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey
   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
4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
   Banned and challenged because it was deemed “anti-cop,” and for profanity, drug use, and sexual references
5. Drama written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
   Banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ characters and themes
6. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
   Banned, challenged, and restricted for addressing teen suicide
7. This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki
   Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and certain illustrations
8. Skippyjon Jones series written and illustrated by Judy Schachner
   Challenged for depicting stereotypes of Mexican culture
9. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
   Banned and challenged for sexual references, profanity, violence, gambling, and underage drinking, and for its religious viewpoint
10. This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Kristyna Litten
    Challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content
11. Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan
    Challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content

Like this list of banned books for 2018? Find more insightful book lists on Mommy Evolution!