Most challenged books of the last year reveal recurring trends of prejudice

Every year, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles a list of the ‘most challenged’ books; highlighting cases of censorship and attempted book bannings, and shining a light on the prejudice that fuels it. Among the 4,235 unique titles challenged in 2025, 1,671 (40%) represented the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people, and people of colour.

The ALA has noted a sharp spike in censorship attempts in libraries since 2021, with 2025 marking the second highest level documented by the organisation. Their report shows that the majority of book censorship attempts continue to originate from organized movements. In 2025, 92% of all book challenges were initiated by pressure groups, government officials, and decision makers, up from 72% in 2024, rather than from individual parents who only accounted for less than 3% of challenges.

The list is created by tracking information from confidential reports filed by library professionals and community members, as well as news stories published throughout the United States.

The report also adds that: “The most common justifications for censorship provided by complainants were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and covering topics of race, racism, equity, and social justice.”

The top ten most challenged books in 2025, as tracked by the ALA were:

1. Sold by Patricia McCormick

(Number of challenges in 2025: 36)

2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

(Number of challenges: 33)

3. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

(Number of challenges: 25)

4. Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

(Number of challenges: 24)

5. (TIE) Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

(Number of challenges: 23)

5. (TIE) Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

(Number of challenges: 23)

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

(Number of challenges: 22)

8. (TIE) A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

(Number of challenges: 21)

8. (TIE) Identical by Ellen Hopkins

(Number of challenges: 21)

8. (TIE) Looking for Alaska by John Green

(Number of challenges: 21)

8. (TIE) Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

(Number of challenges: 21)