A recent study released by PEN America documents a record‑high number of book removals in public schools across the United States. The organization counted 11,982 instances of bans during the past twelve months, affecting 7,370 individual titles. This represents the highest total since PEN began tracking removals five years ago.
Where the bans are occurring
The report highlights that the greatest concentration of removals took place in Texas and Florida, two states that have enacted restrictive legislation governing school curricula and library collections. Conservative activists and state officials in both states have advocated for the removal of material they deem inappropriate for students.
Common reasons and most‑targeted works
Challenges continue to focus on content dealing with race, racism, sexuality and gender identity. Stephen King was the author most frequently targeted for the second year in a row, with 312 of his titles pulled, including “The Shining” and “The Green Mile.” The single most banned title was Patrick McCormick’s novel Sold, which appeared on 25 removal lists. Other frequently challenged books included Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, and Ellen Hopkins’ Crank.
New titles and AI involvement
More than 4,500 of the banned works were listed for the first time during the reporting period. Selections ranged from the 19th‑century classic Jane Eyre to the contemporary manga series Tokyo Ghoul by Sui Ishida. PEN America also noted a growing reliance on artificial‑intelligence tools by school district administrators to identify books for removal.
Context and comparison
The PEN America findings align with data from the American Library Association, which reported roughly 5,600 bans in the previous year. The two organizations use different methodologies: PEN counts any temporary removal as a ban, while the ALA counts only permanent removals.
Implications for students
According to the PEN report, book bans limit students’ access to a diversity of viewpoints, voices and literature that reflect the realities of the world. Advocates for free expression argue that school libraries should remain places where ideas are available regardless of personal or political ideology.
“School libraries make knowledge and ideas available, ensure books remain accessible for all, and open gateways to stories that inform, challenge, and reflect the realities of the world,” the report states.
The release of the study coincides with “Banned Books Week,” a nationwide effort to raise awareness about censorship and to celebrate the right to read.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
