Librarians across the U.S. have encountered a surge in book bans over the past few years.
New laws and parental groups are challenging books they deem “explicit” (which more often than not pertains to books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters or depictions of racism), leading to their removal from school curriculums and library shelves. In 2023, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom recorded over 1,200 demands to censor library books and resources, with nearly half of the targeted titles representing LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices and experiences.
Libro.fm is dedicated to defending free expression, ensuring representation, and promoting critical thinking. We resist book bans, exclusion, and censorship. As a step to get started in combatting bans, we’ve put together a list of the most frequently banned and challenged books to read on audio.
How does the American Library Association combat book bans?
Founded in 1967, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) is responsible for carrying out ALA’s policies related to intellectual freedom, as outlined in the Library Bill of Rights,—their core policy on free access to libraries and their materials. The office aims to educate both librarians and the public on the significance and importance of intellectual freedom within libraries.
Taking place in late September, Banned Books Week draws public attention to the harms of censorship and the benefits of unrestricted reading. A newer initiative, Unite Against Book Bans aims to unite and empower readers in the battle against censorship.
Every year, the ALA gathers a list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Challenged Books based on reports from librarians, community members, and media coverage.
Key banned books to read on audio
Gender Queer
This bestselling and frequently challenged graphic novel, now available on audio, explores eir journey of self-identity as a nonbinary and asexual individual. According to the ALA, it is challenged for being deemed “sexually explicit.” Originally created to explain eir experiences to family, it has become a powerful guide on gender identity for all.
The Bluest Eye
“In this modern classic, Toni Morrison tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl in post-Depression Ohio whose desire to have blue eyes, to be considered beautiful by society, eventually drives her to insanity. Morrison excellently conveys the damage done by white supremacist concepts of beauty in this moving and often banned book.”
— Anna, Underground Books
All Boys Aren’t Blue
In this memoir, one of the most challenged books according to the ALA, journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson shares personal essays recounting their childhood, adolescence, and college years as a Black queer child. This memoir addresses topics like gender identity, toxic masculinity, and Black joy, offering guidance and reassurance to young queer children of color.
This Book is Gay
This inclusive guide addresses questions about sexuality, gender identity, and the LGBT experience. Offering candid, humorous, and uncensored insights, it covers everything from coming out to stereotypes, providing real stories and valuable advice. It’s a must-read for anyone curious about or exploring their identity.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky’s debut novel follows “wallflower” Charlie as he encounters the challenges of adolescence, from first dates and family drama to young love and devastating loss. It captures the poignant roller-coaster of growing up with humor and heart. Like many other books featuring LGBTQIA+ content, it’s been deemed by challengers as “sexually explicit,” as well as challenged for its plot’s depictions of drugs, profanity, and more.
Identical
In this frequently challenged YA novel, sixteen-year-old twins Kaeleigh and Raeanne confront the trauma of their abusive father. Kaeleigh struggles with self-harm and eating disorders, while Raeanne turns to drugs, alcohol and sex. The twins struggle to heal and find wholeness in their shattered lives.
Beloved
Beloved offers a stark exploration of slavery, following Sethe who was born into slavery and escaped to Ohio. She is haunted by her past at Sweet Home, the beautiful farm where so many hideous things happened, and then by the ghost of her child, whose tombstone is engraved with the word “Beloved.” The novel has been criticized for claims that it is “sexually explicit.”
New Kid
New Kid is a graphic novel adapted into a full-cast audio production. It follows seventh-grader Jordan Banks, who studies at a prestigious private school where he’s one of the few kids of color, struggling to balance two worlds. Featuring sound effects, music, and performances by a talented cast, this audiobook is a timely, engaging story about identity, fitting in, and staying true to yourself. According to NPR, the book has been challenged in some school districts, including in Texas and Pennsylvania, for its supposed inclusion of critical race theory.
Felix Ever After
Following a Black, queer, and transgender teen named Felix, Felix Ever After explores his journey of self-discovery and love. Grappled with identity, anonymous transphobic attacks, and a revenge plan that spirals into a love triangle, Felix ultimately learns to embrace and love himself.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
This BBC Radio 4 dramatization of Maya Angelou’s autobiography stars Adjoa Andoh, Indie Gjesdal and Pippa Bennett-Warner. Maya and her brother Bailey face abandonment, racism, and trauma after being sent to live with their grandmother. Those who have challenged this book have criticized its depictions of abuse.
How to Support and Advocate for Banned Books
Protection for intellectual freedom and reading rights is an ongoing battle. It is important to keep these frequently banned books in public and school libraries as they challenge the status quo and promote a more inclusive society.
To learn more about fighting book bans, you can visit our Banned Books hub, as well as check out our interviews with Kelly Jensen and Leah Johnson, and with Traci Thomas, Kiese Laymon, Nicole Lintemuth, and Martha Hickson. Their tips are great for fighting against bans not just during Banned Books Week, but all year long.
Listen to Frequently Banned and Challenged Books on Audio at Libro.fm
Libro.fm is dedicated to ensuring representations in books and resisting book bans and the intolerance, exclusion, and censorship. Check out our list of most frequently banned and challenged books on audio.
Which banned books have you read?
Let us know in the comments.
