Book bans in US schools have become increasingly widespread, with tens of thousands of books removed from school libraries and classrooms in recent years, according to a report from the free speech advocacy group PEN America.
The organization’s “Banned in the USA” report, released on October 1, recorded approximately 6,870 instances of book bans during the 2024–2025 school year. While this represents a decrease from the more than 10,000 bans reported in 2023–2024, the figure remains higher than in previous years when PEN America did not maintain a consistent tracking system. Since July 2021, the group has documented over 22,800 cases of book removals across 45 states and 451 public school districts.
Normalization of Book Censorship
The report highlights that the removal of books has become increasingly routine in schools, with many districts under pressure to comply with guidelines, directives, or community requests. Kasey Meehan, director of PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, noted that the trend reflects a “disturbing ‘everyday banning’ and normalization of censorship” in U.S. public education over the last four years.
Book bans in US schools most often target themes involving race, gender identity, sexuality, and social justice. PEN America emphasized that the majority of removed titles are written by or about people of color, women, or LGBTQ+ individuals. The organization also noted that the removals frequently occur due to concerns over explicit content, regardless of whether formal complaints are filed by parents.
States with the Most Book Bans
Florida, Texas, and Tennessee were reported as the states with the highest number of book bans in US schools during the 2024–2025 school year. Florida led with over 2,300 instances, followed by Texas with more than 1,780, and Tennessee with over 1,600. In some cases, bans were influenced by local advocacy groups or educational directives rather than individual complaints.
Sabrina Baêta, senior manager of PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, warned that continuing book bans in US schools could significantly restrict students’ access to diverse information and perspectives. “Book bans stand in the way of a more just, informed, and equitable world. They chill the freedom to read and restrict the rights of students to access information and read freely,” she said.
Most Targeted Books and Authors
The report lists the top five banned books for the 2024–2025 school year as:
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess (23 bans)
- Sold by Patricia McCormick (20 bans)
- Breathless by Jennifer Niven (20 bans)
- Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo (19 bans)
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas (18 bans)
Authors most frequently affected include Stephen King, whose works were banned 206 times across 87 titles, and Ellen Hopkins, with 167 bans across 18 titles. Sarah J. Maas, Jodi Picoult, and Yūsei Matsui also ranked among the most impacted authors, reflecting the broad influence of book censorship on the literary sector.
Implications for Students and Educators
The PEN America report underscores that book bans have a significant impact on access to diverse literature, classroom discussions, and students’ ability to engage with complex social and cultural topics. Educators and librarians face challenges in maintaining inclusive collections while navigating requests for book removal.
By documenting these trends, PEN America aims to provide schools, teachers, and students with a clearer picture of how book bans in US schools are shaping public education and library resources across the country.
Visit Future Education Magazine For The Most Recent Information.