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Top 10 Challenged Books of 2016!

September 27, 2017

We are smack-dab in the middle of Banned Books Week, which is an annual initiative organized by the American Library Association (ALA) celebrating the freedom to read. 

Banned Books Weeks is all about celebrating every person's right to read whatever it is they want, Library staff, book sellers, publishers, journalists and readers across the country often tend to celebrate this week, as they continue to advocate for the expression of diverse ideas and stories, despite the attempt to censor or challenge certain titles by some folks who disagree with their content or viewpoint.

Below is a list compiled by the ALA of the most-frequently challenged books of 2016, based on more than 300 challenge complaints the ALA received throughout last year.

For more information on the top 10 most-frequently challenged books of 2016, or about Banned Books Week in general, visit www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks. 

"THIS ONE SUMMER" by MARIKO TAMAKI

This young adult graphic novel is frequently challenged because it includes LGBT characters, drug use, and profanity.

"DRAMA" by RAINA TELGEMEIER

This graphic novel for young adults is often challenged due to its inclusion of LGBT characters. It was also deemed sexually explicit and was considered to have an offensive political viewpoint.

"GEORGE" by ALEX GINO

This juvenile novel is often banned for featuring a transgender child.

"I AM JAZZ" by JESSICA HERTHEL AND JAZZ JENNINGS

This book is frequently challenged for featuring a transgender child and containing offensive viewpoints.

"TWO BOYS KISSING" by DAVID LEVITHAN

This young adult novel has been challenged due to featuring LGBT content, being sexually explicit and because its cover features two males kissing.

"LOOKING FOR ALASKA" by JOHN GREEN

This book has been challenged since it features some sexually explicit scenes.

"BIG HARD SEX CRIMINALS" by MATT FRACTION

This book is often challenged due to its title and content.

"MAKE SOMETHING UP: STORIES YOU CAN'T UNREAD" by CHUCK PALAHNIUK

This collection of short stories has been challenged for profanity and sexual explicitness.

"LITTLE BILL" by BILL COSBY

This series of children's books are often challenged due to the criminal sexual allegations against author Bill Cosby.

"ELEANOR & PARK" by RAINBOW ROWELL

This young adult novel is challenged by some for containing offensive language.

Books Challenged Books


article by Dan Richter / Library Marketing Specialist

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