A New Wave of Book Bans in America
In 2025, the U.S. is witnessing an unprecedented surge in book bans, especially in public schools and libraries. From Florida to Texas, school boards are pulling books off shelves over political, racial, sexual, and ideological content. This has sparked a fierce national debate around free speech, education, and parental rights.
This list reveals the top 10 most banned books in American schools in 2025, along with the controversial reasons behind each removal. Brace yourself—these titles are making waves for all the right and wrong reasons.
📖 Top 10 Banned Books in American Schools (2025)
1. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
📍 Banned In: Over 150 school districts
🚫 Why Banned: LGBTQ+ content, illustrations considered “explicit”
💬 Controversy: Targeted as “pornographic” by conservative parents
🔥 Still one of the most challenged books for the 4th year in a row.
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2. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
📍 Banned In: 40+ states
🚫 Why Banned: Descriptions of sexual abuse, race-related content
💬 Controversy: Accused of being “inappropriate” for teens
📚 Despite its literary acclaim, Morrison’s work remains under fire.
3. Flamer by Mike Curato
📍 Banned In: Florida, Texas, Georgia
🚫 Why Banned: LGBTQ+ themes, “sexual identity confusion”
💬 Controversy: School boards call it “dangerous” for middle schoolers
4. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
📍 Banned In: Over 30 school districts
🚫 Why Banned: Memoir involving LGBTQ+ identity, sex education themes
💬 Controversy: Seen as “too explicit” for young readers
⚠️ This book became a lightning rod in school board meetings nationwide.
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5. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi & Jason Reynolds
📍 Banned In: Over 25 states
🚫 Why Banned: “Divisive” racial content, anti-American claims
💬 Controversy: Critics say it promotes “white guilt.”
🇺🇸 Censorship around race and history is peaking in 2025.
6. This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
📍 Banned In: Middle and high schools nationwide
🚫 Why Banned: Sex ed content, LGBTQ+ themes
💬 Controversy: Some parents say it “promotes sexual behavior.”
7. Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez
📍 Banned In: Southern and Midwestern states
🚫 Why Banned: Graphic depictions of sexual violence, race issues
💬 Controversy: Called “dangerous” and “too heavy” for young readers
8. Melissa (George) by Alex Gino
📍 Banned In: Over 100 schools
🚫 Why Banned: Transgender themes
💬 Controversy: Seen as “agenda pushing” in elementary schools
⚡ Formerly titled “George,” this book continues to divide communities.
9. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
📍 Banned In: Several red states
🚫 Why Banned: Themes of police brutality, anti-authority tone
💬 Controversy: Accused of inciting distrust in law enforcement
👮 Despite winning awards, it’s often the first to be pulled from shelves.
10. Looking for Alaska by John Green
📍 Banned In: Over 20 school districts
🚫 Why Banned: Sexual references, underage drinking
💬 Controversy: Seen as “glorifying teen rebellion”
