Banned books list 2025

In 2025, the landscape of book censorship in the United States has intensified, with thousands of titles removed from public school libraries across the nation. This surge in book bans has sparked widespread debate about free expression, education, and the role of literature in shaping young minds.

While compiling a definitive list of the top 100 banned books is challenging due to the vast number of titles affected, several have been repeatedly targeted across various states:

1. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

2. Looking for Alaska by John Green

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

4. Sold by Patricia McCormick

5. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

6. Crank by Ellen Hopkins

7. Identical by Ellen Hopkins

8. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

9. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

10. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

11. Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

12. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

13. Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

14. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

15. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

16. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

17. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

18. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

19. Forever by Judy Blume

20. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

These titles have been banned or challenged in multiple districts due to their content, which often includes themes of race, sexuality, and mental health.

Books are frequently banned for several reasons:

• Sexual Content: Books like Forever by Judy Blume and Crank by Ellen Hopkins are often challenged for their depictions of sexuality and drug use.

• LGBTQ+ Themes: Titles such as Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe and All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson face bans due to their LGBTQ+ content.

• Violence and Trauma: Books like The Kite Runner and Thirteen Reasons Why are removed for their portrayal of violence and trauma.

• Racial Themes: Works like The Bluest Eye and The Color Purple are often banned for addressing racial issues and historical injustices.

Book bans vary significantly across states:

• Florida: Approximately 45% of the nation’s book bans occurred here, with 33 out of 70 school districts implementing bans.

• Iowa: Nearly 40% of school districts banned books, with 117 out of over 300 districts participating.

• Texas: 538 bans were recorded, with districts like Katy Independent School District removing books such as Oryx and Crake for promoting gender fluidity.

• Utah: In 2025, 17 books, including Forever and A Court of Thorns and Roses, were banned across multiple school districts.

The term “Project 2025” refers to a coordinated effort to influence educational content, including the removal of certain books from school curricula. Discussions on platforms like Reddit’s r/banned books highlight community responses and debates surrounding these initiatives.