PEN America Sounds the Alarm: Growing Trend of Systematic Book Bans in School Libraries

PEN America recently released its list of the most-banned books for the 2024-2025 school year. The report shines a light on a troubling trend: book bans in U.S. schools have surged exponentially. In the last academic year alone, there were 6,870 bans—a slight decline from the 10,046 bans recorded the previous year, but still a far cry from the 3,000 average in the years before.

So, what qualifies as a book ban? PEN America describes it as any action that restricts a book’s availability due to its content. This can happen through community challenges, administrative decisions, or government actions.

At the top of the list for the most-banned books is A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. Following it are Sold by Patricia McCormick and Breathless by Jennifer Niven. These selections illustrate the ongoing conflicts over literature in educational spaces, raising concerns about censorship and the role of books in shaping young minds.

This trend doesn’t affect just a few titles. In 2023-2024, notable authors such as Stephen King (206 challenges), Ellen Hopkins (167), and Sarah J. Maas (162) faced numerous challenges. Many parents and educators continue to react strongly on social media, sparking Public discussions regarding freedom of expression versus parental rights.

Recent data highlights the states leading in book bans: Florida (2,304 instances), Texas (1,781), and Tennessee (1,622). According to PEN America, such widespread bans are unprecedented. “Never before in American history have so many books been systematically removed from school libraries,” the report notes.

The federal government is also part of this complex landscape. Since 2020, executive orders have led to the removal of hundreds of books from Department of Defense schools, citing a lack of alignment with new diversity and inclusion directives. In response, the Department of Education called the narrative around book bans a “hoax,” attempting to clarify that removing “age-inappropriate” materials could violate civil rights laws.

Books featuring LGBTQ+ themes are often among the most contested. Titles like And Tango Makes Three, which tells the story of two male penguins raising a chick, have been labeled “sexually explicit.” Such characterizations raise questions about societal attitudes toward diverse identities.

As discussions around book bans progress, experts emphasize the importance of free expression in education. According to Dr. Amanda H. K. Chen, a professor of education at Stanford, “Books serve as mirrors and windows; they reflect our realities and allow us to engage with others.” The ongoing dialogue about censorship highlights the challenge of balancing community standards with individual rights, making it crucial to stay informed and engaged.

For more detailed insights, visit the PEN America website.

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