Record Surge in Book Challenges in 2023, ALA Reports

Most challenges target LGBTQ content, with 'Gender Queer' leading the list for the third year.

The American Library Association (ALA) reports a record high in book challenges in 2023, with a 65% increase compared to 2022, primarily targeting LGBTQ content.
'Gender Queer' by Maia Kobabe tops the ALA's list of most challenged books for the third consecutive year, alongside other titles with LGBTQ themes.
The ALA claims that the surge in book challenges is driven by conservative groups and some GOP legislators, aiming to remove books with LGBTQ and racial themes from libraries and schools.
In response to increasing book bans, Illinois becomes the first state to outlaw book bans, with the ALA advocating for the freedom to choose what to read and fighting against censorship.
The ALA emphasizes that book challenges not only attack the freedom to read but also harm marginalized readers in communities where challenges occur.