American Library Association Reports Record Highs in Book Bans, 'Sold' Tops List
The American Library Association (ALA) has reported that book bans and attempted bans in the United States are at record highs. The ALA's annual list of the most challenged books highlights Patricia McCormick's 'Sold' as the most challenged book of 2025. Other notable titles include 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky and 'Gender Queer: A Memoir' by Maia Kobabe. The ALA's report, part of the State of America's Libraries Report, indicates that challenges to books have become more coordinated and politicized, with government officials and conservative activists leading the charge. The ALA recorded challenges to 4,235 different works, a number only slightly lower than the record set in 2023. The association defines a challenge as an attempt to have a library resource removed or access restricted based on objections from individuals or groups. 
