Since 1982, booksellers, librarians, teachers, and other people who love to read have come together during Banned Books Week to celebrate the freedom to read. This year’s Banned Books Week is September 18th-24th - this week!
Over the past year there has been an intense rise in book challenges at public schools and libraries, many of which target books with LGBTQIA+ content. According to the American Library Association, of the top 10 most banned and challenged books of 2021, half of them were LGBTQIA+ related.
We wanted to share a list of these books with you. Many of them are available for purchase or order at independent bookstores across the country, or online at bookshop.org, an alternative to Amazon that supports independent bookstores.
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content, and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images
Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, profanity, and because it was considered to be sexually explicit
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
Reasons: Banned, challenged, relocated, and restricted for providing sexual education and LGBTQIA+ content.
Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.
This book is not available on Bookshop.org, but can be ordered locally at Adventure Ink
Click the link below to see the whole list.
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