The Fight for the Freedom to Read Intensifies

Book bans are making headlines across the United States in May 2025, as new data and advocacy efforts highlight the ongoing battle over what students and library patrons can access. Recent reports reveal that the scale and focus of book censorship have reached levels not seen in decades, sparking a national conversation about intellectual freedom and the right to read.

A Record Number of Book Bans

Since 2021, PEN America has documented nearly 16,000 book bans in public schools nationwide—a number comparable to the censorship seen during the Red Scare of the 1950s. The 2023-2024 school year alone saw over 10,000 instances of book bans affecting over 4,000 unique titles, with Florida and Iowa accounting for a striking 45% and 36% of those bans, respectively. The American Library Association (ALA) also tracked 821 attempts to censor library materials in 2024, impacting 2,452 unique titles, with most challenges driven by organized groups and government officials.

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Who and What Is Being Banned?

The books most frequently targeted for removal overwhelmingly feature themes related to race, gender identity, and sexuality. Titles such as Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult, Looking for Alaska by John Green, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini are among those banned in multiple districts. PEN America’s analysis shows that 44% of banned books include people or characters of color, and 39% feature LGBTQ+ themes. Sex-related themes appear in over half of the banned titles. In addition, nearly 60% target young adult audiences, addressing real-world issues such as grief, mental health, and substance abuse.

Legislative and Policy Drivers Related to Book Bans

New state laws and district policies restricting materials deemed to contain “sexual content” or controversial themes explain much of the recent surge in book bans. In Florida, nearly half of all school districts have banned books. In Iowa, about 40% of districts have done the same. These laws often result in the removal of books with significant literary or educational value.

Censorship by Exclusion and Under-reporting Book Bans

The ALA notes that actual censorship may be even more widespread than reported, as many cases go unreported or involve “censorship by exclusion”—where library staff are discouraged from purchasing or displaying certain books because of fear of controversy. Legislative restrictions have also led to books being placed in restricted areas or requiring parental permission for access.

Freedom to Read Initiatives Gain Momentum

In response to the wave of book bans, advocacy groups, and library organizations are ramping up efforts to defend the freedom to read. The ALA’s “Unite Against Book Bans” campaign is mobilizing readers, educators, and authors nationwide to oppose censorship and promote access to diverse literature. The annual Banned Books Week, set for later in 2025, will focus on the theme “Censorship Is So 1984,” underscoring the importance of resisting efforts to limit what Americans can read.

Looking Ahead

As the debate over book bans continues, the stakes for students, educators, and communities remain high. With thousands of titles under threat and advocacy efforts intensifying, the freedom to read is emerging as one of the most urgent cultural and educational issues of 2025.