As reported by USA Today’s Mary Cadden, here are the ALA’s most often challenged books of last year…

  1. George, by Alex Gino: Said to encourage children “to clear browser history and change their bodies using hormones; for mentioning dirty magazines, describing male anatomy, and including a transgender character.”
  2. A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, by Jill Twiss: Challenged for “including LGBTQIA + content, and for political and religious viewpoints.”
  3. Captain Underpants, by Dav Pilkey: Banned for “encouraging disruptive behavior.” One book in the series, Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot specifically challenged for including a same-sex couple.”
  4. The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas: Challenged as “anti-cop” and for “profanity, drug use, and sexual references.”
  5. Drama, by Raina Telgemeier: Listed for including LGBTQIA + characters and themes.”
  6. Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher: Banned for “addressing teen suicide.”
  7. This One Summer, by Mariko Tamaki: Listed for profanity, sexual references, and certain illustrations.”
  8. Skippyjon Jones, by Judy Schachner: Challenged for “depicting stereotypes of Mexican culture.”
  9. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie: Challenged for “sexual references, profanity, violence, gambling, and underage drinking, and for its religious viewpoint.”
  10. This Day in June, by Gayle E. Pitman: Listed for including LGBTQIA + content.”
  11. Two Boys Kissing, by David Levithan: Challenged for “including LGBTQIA + content.”

All in favor, say, “Aye!” All opposed say, “Nay!”

With my many thanks, Carol