11 most-challenged books of 2018
According to the ALA, the organization tracked 347 challenges to library, school and university materials and services in 2018. Of the 483 books challenged or banned in 2018, the ALA found the top 11 most-challenged along with the reasoning, to be:
1. “
George” by Alex Gino
Reasons challenged: For encouraging 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; art by EG Keller
Reasons challenged: For “including LGBTQIA+ content, and for political and religious viewpoints.”
The Captain Underpants series of books is on the list of top books banned in 2018. (Photo: USAT)
3.
Captain Underpants series written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey
Reasons challenged: For “encouraging disruptive behavior.” One book in the series, “Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot” was specifically challenged for including a same-sex couple.
4. “
The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
Reasons challenged: For being “deemed ‘anti-cop” and for “profanity, drug use and sexual references.”
5.
Drama written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
Reasons challenged: For “including LGBTQIA+ characters and themes.”
6. “
Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher
Reasons challenged: For “addressing teen suicide.”
7. “
This One Summer” by Mariko Tamaki; art by Jillian Tamaki
Reasons challenged: For “profanity, sexual references, and certain illustrations.”
8.
Skippyjon Jones series written and illustrated by Judy Schachner
Reasons challenged: For “depicting stereotypes of Mexican culture.”
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" (Photo: Rob Casey, Little, Brown Books for Young Re)
9. “
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie
Reasons challenged: For “sexual references, profanity, violence, gambling, and underage drinking, and for its religious viewpoint.”
10. “
This Day in June” by Gayle E. Pitman; art by Kristyna Litten
Reasons challenged: For “including LGBTQIA+ content.”
11. “
Two Boys Kissing” by David Levithan
Reasons challenged: For "including LGBTQIA+ content.”