22 Books Banned in 2026 Why Utah Removed Them From Public School Libraries
In January 2026 the state of Utah expanded its statewide school book ban list to a total of twenty two titles. These books are no longer allowed in any public school library across the state. The decision was not made by a single authority or school but through a legal process created by a state law passed in 2024.
This move has drawn national attention because it shows how a small number of local decisions can now lead to a complete statewide ban. It has also raised serious questions about censorship student access to literature and who gets to decide what young people can read.
How the 2026 Book Bans Happened in Utah
The bans come from a law known as House Bill 29 which was passed in 2024 and fully enforced by 2025. Under this law a book must be removed from all Utah public school libraries if it is removed by at least three school districts or by two districts and five charter schools.
The law uses the term objective sensitive material. This is tied to Utah legal definitions of pornographic or indecent content. Once a book reaches the required number of removals the state adds it to an official list and every public school must comply.
On January 5 2026 three new books reached that threshold which increased the total number of banned books to twenty two.
Where the Bans Apply and Where They Do Not
These bans apply only to public school libraries and classroom instruction in Utah. The books are not illegal. Students are still allowed to own personal copies or borrow them from public libraries. However teachers cannot assign them and school libraries cannot stock them.
The state does not publicly explain which exact passages led to each removal. This lack of transparency has become one of the biggest criticisms of the law.
Why These Books Were Banned in 2026
According to school districts and state officials the books were removed because they contain material considered sexually explicit under Utah law. This includes descriptions of sexual activity nudity sexual violence or mature themes involving consent identity and trauma.
Many of the books also deal with mental health LGBTQ plus experiences abuse or coming of age topics. Supporters of the law say it protects children. Critics argue that these books were written for older teens and have strong educational and literary value.
The 22 Books Banned Statewide in Utah in 2026
Below is the complete list of books that were officially banned statewide as of January 2026 presented in the same order as the state list.
1. Wicked The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
Banned for sexual content dark themes and depictions of violence despite being written for adults and widely studied as a modern classic.
2. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Removed due to scenes involving violence and sexuality in a story centered on a school shooting and its emotional consequences.
3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Banned for its honest portrayal of teen sexuality drug use and mental health struggles.
4. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Challenged for sexual scenes and depictions of abuse in a historical setting.
5. Tilt by Ellen Hopkins
Removed because of its raw discussion of sex addiction and self destructive behavior.
6. Fallout by Ellen Hopkins
Banned for similar reasons including trauma substance abuse and family dysfunction.
7. Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
Targeted due to its focus on exploitation and survival sex among teenagers.
8. Blankets by Craig Thompson
A graphic memoir removed for visual depictions of intimacy and personal relationships.
9. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
Banned due to sexual content in a fantasy romance setting.
10. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas
Removed for explicit scenes and mature relationship dynamics.
11. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas
Banned because of sexual content and violence.
12. A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas
Included due to continuation of adult themes in the series.
13. A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas
One of the most frequently cited titles for explicit sexual content.
14. Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas
Removed for sexual material and graphic fantasy violence.
15. Damsel by Elana K Arnold
Banned for its direct portrayal of sexual violence and power imbalance.
16. Forever by Judy Blume
A long controversial novel removed for its open discussion of teenage sexuality.
17. Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian
Banned due to LGBTQ plus themes and depictions of relationships during the AIDS crisis.
18. Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
Removed for disturbing content involving abuse and captivity.
19. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
Banned for poems that discuss sexuality trauma and healing in direct language.
20. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Removed due to sexual content and disturbing dystopian themes.
21. What Girls Are Made Of by Elana K Arnold
Banned for explicit discussion of sexual assault identity and consent.
22. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Removed because of its focus on suicide bullying and emotional trauma.
Legal Challenges and Public Response in 2026
In January 2026 several authors and Utah high school students filed a lawsuit challenging the book ban law. They argue that the law violates free speech and removes books without considering context age level or educational value.
Many educators librarians and students have spoken out saying that these books help young people understand real experiences rather than encouraging harm.
Why the 2026 Bans Matter
The twenty two banned books reflect a broader debate about education and control over ideas. Most of these books explore difficult topics that many young people already face in real life.
The question raised in 2026 is not only about what content is appropriate but about whether shielding students from complex stories prepares them for the real world or limits their ability to think critically.