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Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Few books have ignited as much debate in recent years as Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer.” This graphic memoir tells the deeply personal story of Kobabe’s journey with gender identity and sexuality. According to PEN America, “Gender Queer” was the most banned book in the United States in 2022 and continues to top lists in 2024. School districts in Texas, Florida, and Virginia have repeatedly pulled it from shelves, citing its frank depictions of coming-of-age struggles and LGBTQ+ themes. Parents and activists argue the book is inappropriate for young readers due to its illustrations and discussions around sexual orientation. However, advocates highlight that the memoir offers representation to students who rarely see their experiences reflected in school materials. The ongoing debate over “Gender Queer” captures the broader culture war over what stories are considered acceptable in American classrooms today.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison’s first novel, “The Bluest Eye,” has faced decades of censorship, but recent years have seen a dramatic uptick in challenges. The American Library Association (ALA) reported a sharp increase in bans of this classic in 2023 and 2024, often in states like Missouri, Texas, and Florida. Critics of the book point to its unflinching portrayal of racism, child abuse, and trauma as reasons for removal, saying the content is too disturbing for students. Defenders argue that Morrison’s honest exploration of race and beauty standards is essential for understanding American history and empathy. Some school boards have even held heated public meetings, with parents reading controversial excerpts to make their case. Despite its literary acclaim, “The Bluest Eye” remains one of the most frequently removed books from American school libraries this year.
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
George M. Johnson’s “All Boys Aren’t Blue” is another frequent target for bans, especially in school districts across Texas, Florida, and South Carolina. PEN America named it among the top three most challenged books in 2024. The memoir-manifesto recounts Johnson’s experiences growing up Black and queer, touching on family, identity, and sexual assault. School officials and parents who advocate for its removal often cite its candid discussions of sex and sexuality. However, Johnson’s supporters argue that the book gives voice to marginalized youth and helps students understand complex social issues. In some districts, debates over the book have even led to lawsuits and changes in school policy. The controversy over “All Boys Aren’t Blue” illustrates the tension between protecting children and ensuring representation for diverse experiences.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas’s “The Hate U Give” has become a lightning rod for censorship discussions since its release. The novel, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, tackles police violence, racism, and activism through the eyes of a teenage girl. The ALA noted that it was among the top ten most challenged books in both 2023 and 2024, with bans concentrated in Southern and Midwestern states. Critics say the book encourages anti-police sentiment and contains offensive language, prompting school boards to pull it from reading lists. Yet, many teachers and librarians see “The Hate U Give” as a powerful tool for sparking conversation and empathy. The book’s inclusion in curricula continues to be a flashpoint in communities grappling with how to address race and justice in the classroom.
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
“This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson is a frank, humorous guide to LGBTQ+ life aimed at teens. Since 2022, it has faced a wave of bans in states like Florida, Texas, and Idaho, with 2024 seeing record numbers of challenges, according to PEN America. School administrators and parent groups have objected to its explicit discussions of sex and relationships, arguing that the book is inappropriate for school-aged children. On the other hand, LGBTQ+ advocates stress that the book provides life-saving information for students who might not have access to these conversations elsewhere. Some districts have responded with new policies restricting access to any book with sexual content, affecting hundreds of titles. The fierce debate around “This Book is Gay” reveals the larger struggle over sex education and LGBTQ+ acceptance in American schools.
Flamer by Mike Curato
Mike Curato’s semi-autobiographical graphic novel “Flamer” explores the challenges of growing up gay in a conservative environment. The book’s honest and sometimes raw depiction of bullying, mental health struggles, and self-acceptance has led to its removal from shelves in dozens of districts in 2024. Reports from the ALA and PEN America show “Flamer” consistently ranking among the top five most challenged books in recent years. Parents often cite its themes of sexuality and suicide as reasons for its removal, fearing it could negatively influence vulnerable teens. Curato and other supporters argue that the book’s message of hope and resilience is exactly what struggling students need. The ongoing controversy underscores the difficulties schools face when balancing student safety with the need for honest, relatable stories.
Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez
Ashley Hope Pérez’s historical novel “Out of Darkness” has repeatedly landed on banned book lists, particularly in Texas and Florida. Set in 1930s Texas, the book deals with racism, forbidden love, and a tragic school explosion. In 2023 and 2024, school boards have cited graphic descriptions of abuse and sexual situations as justification for removing the book from classrooms and libraries. Critics argue that the content is too mature for high school readers, but Pérez and her defenders insist that the novel sheds light on overlooked parts of American history. Heated debates have erupted at school board meetings, with some parents reading passages aloud to highlight their concerns. Despite—or perhaps because of—its controversial content, “Out of Darkness” remains one of the most censored contemporary novels in American schools.
Melissa (formerly George) by Alex Gino
Alex Gino’s “Melissa” (originally published as “George”) is a middle-grade novel about a transgender girl’s journey to be seen for who she truly is. Since its release, the book has been frequently challenged, but recent years have seen a rise in bans, particularly in conservative districts. In 2024, the ALA ranked “Melissa” among the top ten most challenged books. Opponents argue that the book’s themes are not age-appropriate and worry about promoting discussions around gender identity in elementary schools. Supporters, however, point out that “Melissa” provides crucial representation for trans youth, many of whom feel invisible in school settings. The debate over “Melissa” often centers on what age is appropriate to introduce complex topics, with school boards split on whether to keep it in libraries.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
John Green’s bestselling novel “Looking for Alaska” has weathered waves of censorship since its publication, but school challenges continue in 2024. The book tells the story of teens at a boarding school dealing with love, loss, and existential questions. Recent bans have focused on its depiction of teen drinking, smoking, and sexual situations. According to ALA data, “Looking for Alaska” was among the most frequently challenged books in high schools in 2023 and 2024. Critics say the book glamorizes risky behavior, while Green and his fans argue it opens up honest conversations about grief and growing up. The ongoing tug-of-war over “Looking for Alaska” reflects the broader struggle over how much realism is acceptable in young adult literature.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” remains a staple on banned book lists, with a surge in challenges reported by PEN America and the ALA in the past two years. The semi-autobiographical novel deals with poverty, alcoholism, and identity on a Native American reservation. School districts in Idaho, Texas, and Montana have cited profanity, sexual references, and depictions of violence as reasons for its removal. Supporters believe the book’s humor and honesty are essential for helping students understand different perspectives and realities. The repeated censorship of “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” highlights ongoing discomfort with stories that address the messier sides of adolescence and cultural identity.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
