Books unite us. Censorship divides us. Books contain the thoughts and experiences of people from a wide range of different backgrounds. They offer us windows into lives and lived experiences that are the same as or different from our own and allow us to gain new perspectives. Celebrate your freedom to read without censorship during Banned Books Week from Oct. 1 – 7.
Activities and resources
- Banned Books Week Bookmark Take and Make
Make up to seven bookmarks featuring your favorite banned books with this take-home craft kit. Pick one up at your favorite PPLD location. - Banned Books Scavenger Hunt for Tweens (passive activity)
Celebrate your freedom to read by learning more about banned books. Match the titles of banned books to the reason why they were banned. All books can be found in the children's area. For ages 9 - 12. Find this passive program at Calhan, Cheyenne Mountain, East, Manitou Springs, Monument, Old Colorado City, Rockrimmon, Ruth Holley, and Ute Pass libraries, as well as Library 21c and the Bookmobile. - Banned Topics Bookmark
In honor of the Right to Read, during Banned Books Week you can pick up a location guide of where to find topics of the books being banned across our nation. Celebrate intellectual freedom by finding any book you want to read! - Child and Young Adult Reading List
Discover children’s books that have been on The Top 10 Most Challenged lists from the American Library Association.
Websites
- American Library Association
Learn about censorship, including lists of the top 10 most challenged books by year, information on reporting censorship, and censorship numbers. You will also find fun activities like coloring sheets and graphics you can share. Check out their Freedom to Read Statement as well. - Books Unbanned: Seattle Public Library
In response to recent increases in book challenges and bans, the Seattle Public Library started Books Unbanned. This program grants access to their entire collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks for people ages 13 – 26 living anywhere in the U.S.
Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2022
The American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 2,571 unique titles targeted for censorship, a 38% increase from the 1,858 unique titles targeted in 2021. They also reported that most targeted titles were written by or about members of the LGBTQ+ community and people of color.
A note on terminology: A book challenge is when an individual or group recommends books for removal from public schools and/or public libraries and the materials are reviewed. A book ban occurs when materials selected for reconsideration are removed from public schools and/or public libraries and are not allowed to be included in those collections. A book challenge does not always lead to banning of materials.
Here are the top 10 most challenged books of 2022:
1. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
2. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
3. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Reasons: depiction of sexual abuse, claimed to be sexually explicit, Equity Diversity & Inclusion content
4. Flamer by Mike Curato
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
5. (Tied for 5th) Looking for Alaska by John Green
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content
5. (Tied for 5th) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, depiction of sexual abuse, drugs, profanity
6. Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit
8. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity
9. Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit
10. (Tied for 10th) A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit
10. (Tied for 10th) Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs
10. (Tied for 10th) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity
10. (Tied for 10th) This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit
PPLD and Censorship
Pikes Peak Library District does not practice censorship. The materials we select to add to our collection are based on merit for the benefit they will add to our collection in serving our diverse community. Because we serve such a diverse community filled with different perspectives, beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences, we recognize that not all books in our collection are suited to every reader. Visit our Materials Reconsideration Policy page for more information.