NEW YORK (AP) — The American Library Association (ALA) reports that book bans and challenges continue to reach unprecedented levels, with increasing coordination and political influence behind the efforts.
As part of its State of America’s Libraries Report, the ALA released its annual list of the most frequently challenged books in U.S. libraries. Topping the 2025 list is Patricia McCormick’s novel “Sold,” which explores sex trafficking in India. Other notable entries include Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir “Gender Queer,” and Sarah J. Maas’ fantasy novel “Empire of Storms.”
This year’s list expands to 11 titles, with four books tied for the eighth spot: Anthony Burgess’ “A Clockwork Orange,” Ellen Hopkins’ “Identical,” John Green’s “Looking for Alaska,” and Jennifer L. Armentrout’s “Storm and Fury.”
Common objections to these books include LGBTQ+ themes found in “Gender Queer” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” depictions of sexual violence in “Sold” and “A Clockwork Orange,” and portrayals of alcohol and cigarette use in “Looking for Alaska.” The ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom recorded 4,235 challenges, nearly matching the 4,240 recorded in 2023, marking the highest numbers since the association began its records over three decades ago.
The ALA defines a challenge as “an attempt to have a library resource removed, or access to it restricted, based on the objections of a person or group.” The release of this list coincides with National Library Week, which concludes on April 25.
“Libraries exist to make space for every story and every lived experience,” said ALA President Sam Helmick in a statement. “As we celebrate National Library Week, we reaffirm that libraries are places for knowledge, for access, and for all.”
The ALA compiles its data from media reports and submissions by libraries, acknowledging that the true number of challenges is likely higher due to unreported incidents.
While challenges historically stemmed from local community members, recent trends show increased involvement from government officials and conservative groups like Moms for Liberty, who advocate for “parental choice” in library and school materials. States such as Florida, Texas, and Utah have enacted or proposed legislation to ban specific books. In Iowa, a recent appellate court ruling allows the state to restrict discussions on LGBTQ+ topics in elementary schools and remove certain books.
According to the ALA, more than 90% of 2025’s challenges involved activists and officials, a rise from 72% in 2024. “In 2025, book bans were not sparked by concerned parents, and they were not the result of local grassroots efforts,” stated Sarah Lamdan, Executive Director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. “They were part of a well-funded, politically-driven campaign.”
Lamdan explained that activists distribute lists of targeted books, leading to widespread removals exceeding 5,600 titles. “I think this reflects the reality that these lists are getting disseminated widely,” she noted. “You can see video footage from various library board meetings where the same books are singled out over and over again.”
The ALA’s Most Challenged Books of 2025
1. “Sold” by Patricia McCormick
2. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky
3. “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe
4. “Empire of Storms” by Sarah J. Maas
5. (tie) “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo
5. (tie) “Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins
7. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas
8. (tie) “A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess
8. (tie) “Identical” by Ellen Hopkins
8. (tie) “Looking for Alaska” by John Green
8. (tie) “Storm and Fury” by Jennifer L. Armentrout
