Book bans in the U.S. show no signs of stopping anytime soon: During the 2025-2026 school year alone, PEN America recorded over 11,000 instances of books being removed from public school classrooms and libraries, affecting nearly 7,000 unique titles. Since 2021, the organization has documented more than 34,000 book bans nationwide — "a number never seen before in the life of any living American," PEN America notes.
"These book bans now affect nearly every state and disproportionately target books about race and racism, titles by or about people of color, and books featuring LGBTQ+ characters and themes, as well as works for older readers that include sexual references or discussions of sexual violence," PEN America states in its report on the most banned books of the 2025-2026 school year. YA books were the type of book most commonly banned (more than half of all bans); fiction books made up a sizable chunk of all bans. "More than 90% of Young Adult titles banned during the 2025-2026 school were fiction, stripping young readers away from the books that help them fall in love with reading," the organization states.
Where are the most books banned?
According to PEN America, most recorded book bans this school year came from Texas and Florida. State legislation can make a difference when comparing bans in different parts of the country: "In Texas, the effects of SB 13, a book ban law passed in 2025, are clearly visible and made Texas the state with the most bans, at more than 8,000, according to PEN America’s analysis."
"Across all states, bans in 72% of districts we tracked can be attributed to state legislation, either because school book review policies cite state law, books were banned by committees like those mandated by SB 13, or because a district’s rationale for a ban specifically cited state legislation," PEN America continues.
How AI is being used to ban books
AI technology has been used to ban books in the past, PEN America reports, but using artificial intelligence for censorship is increasingly popular: "As districts respond to vague and unclear directives from state departments of education and state legislation, district administrators are increasingly turning to AI to evaluate books for removal." Public records obtained by the Texas Freedom to Read Project and shared with PEN America illustrate what can happen when districts rely on AI: "These records show that generative AI/generative AI chatbots repeatedly recommend removing books, not because those books are obscene under the prevailing legal standard, but instead because other districts have banned them."
Most Banned Books of the 2025-2026 School Year
1. Sold, by Patricia McCormick, 25 bans
Lakshmi is a 13-year-old girl in Nepal who, after her family's crops fail, is sold into prostitution. Booklist called the novel "an unforgettable account of sexual slavery as it exists now."
2. Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, 23 bans
This National Book Award finalist tells the story of Melinda, an outcast freshman ostracized after an incident at a party. As Melinda loses her voice and nearly stops speaking, she gradually confronts the secret of what really happened to her.
3 (tie). Crank, by Ellen Hopkins, 22 bans
A quiet teen’s life quickly spins out of control after she becomes addicted to crystal meth in this #1 New York Times bestselling novel in verse.
4 (tie). The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, 21 bans
This novel, which comes from "the patron saint of feminist dystopian fiction" (The New York Times), explores the world of an oppressive totalitarian regime that enforces rigid social roles and enslaves the few remaining fertile women.
4 (tie). Looking for Alaska, by John Green, 21 bans
Miles Halter is "fascinated by famous last words" — and tired of his safe life at home. When he sets out for boarding school, he meets the inspiring Alaska Young, who pulls Miles into her labyrinth and into "the Great Perhaps."
4 (tie). Kingdom of Ash, by Sarah J. Maas, 21 bans
In the bestselling conclusion to this fantasy series, Aelin Galathynius has vowed to save her people, but at a tremendous cost. Locked in an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. With Aelin captured, her friends and allies have scattered. But as destinies weave together at last, all must stand together if Erilea is to have any hope of salvation.
4 (tie). Identical, by Ellen Hopkins, 21 bans
In this harrowing tale of addiction, twin sisters struggle alone with impossible circumstances and their own demons until they finally learn to fight for each other.
8 (tie). Tilt, by Ellen Hopkins, 20 bans
Love stories for three troubled teens cause their worlds to tilt as they grapple with problems including pregnancy and HIV.
8 (tie). The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, 20 bans
In Afghanistan, the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant breaks down under heartbreaking circumstances.
8 (tie). Glass, by Ellen Hopkins, 20 bans
The tragic sequel to Crank portrays a victim of addiction and the consequences of her struggles.
8 (tie). Empire of Storms, by Sarah J. Maas, 20 bans
Aelin Galathynius's complicated path to the throne has just begun as war threatens to break out. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves increasingly at odds with those who don't.
12 (tie). 13 Reasons Why, by Jay Asher, 19 bans
When high school student Hannah Baker dies by suicide, she leaves behind 13 tapes detailing the people and events that contributed to her death.
12 (tie). The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky, 19 bans
In this coming-of-age novel, high school freshman Charlie deals with the complexities of his new friend group as they grapple with young love, loss, and abuse.
12 (tie). The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold, 19 bans
A murdered teen girl watches her family grieve as her killer tries to cover up his crimes.
12 (tie). The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green, 19 bans
This No. 1 bestselling young adult novel features terminally ill teens finding love in a cancer support group.
12 (tie). Fallout, by Ellen Hopkins, 19 bans
This gritty conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Crank trilogy follows siblings Hunter, Autumn, and Summer as they come to grips with their mother's addiction.
