10/06/2026
π BANNED BOOKS WEEK: THE TOP 11
Think you can guess which books landed on the American Library Associationβs list of the Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2025?
Some might surprise you. π
π Sold β Patricia McCormick
π The Perks of Being a Wallflower β Stephen Chbosky
π Gender Q***r: A Memoir β Maia Kobabe
π Empire of Storms β Sarah J. Maas
π Last Night at the Telegraph Club β Malinda Lo
π Tricks β Ellen Hopkins
π A Court of Thorns and Roses β Sarah J. Maas
π A Clockwork Orange β Anthony Burgess
π Identical β Ellen Hopkins
π Looking for Alaska β John Green
π Storm and Fury β Jennifer L. Armentrout
These books were among the 4,235 unique titles challenged in 2025. The reasons for challenges included LGBTQIA+ representation, race and racism, social justice and diversity, and objections to political or religious viewpoints.
Have you read any of these? Which one surprises you most? π
And if you haven't read one yet, this is your sign! π
π Pick up a challenged book from our Banned Books display at the Grayslake Library, or check out our online display β linked in our bio.
Because one of the best ways to celebrate the freedom to read is to read. β€οΈπ