Book bans and attempted bans remain at record highs, with ‘Sold’ topping the list

The most challenged book of 2025, according to the ALA
The American Library Association says book bans and attempted bans remain at record highs. Efforts to remove titles have become more coordinated and politicized. The ALA on Monday released its annual list of the most challenged books in U.S. schools and libraries. Patricia McCormick's “Sold,” a novel about sex trafficking in India, topped the list. Other targeted books include “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “Gender Queer.” The ALA recorded challenges to 4,235 different works, nearly matching last year's record. The association notes that many challenges now come from government officials and activists rather than concerned parents.



