What Books Are Banned in 2025?
Book banning has become one of the most debated issues in 2025. Across the United States, thousands of titles have been pulled from classrooms and libraries. According to PEN America, between July 2024 and June 2025 there were 6,870 cases of book bans in schools. These bans happened in 23 states and 87 school districts, with Florida, Texas, and Tennessee leading the numbers.
But which books are being banned? And why are they being targeted? Let’s look closely at the most banned titles of 2025 and the reasons behind their removal. Also read 10 Banned Classics to Read in Banned Books Week 2025.
The Most Banned Books of 2025
According to PEN America here is a list of most banned books 2025.
The single most banned book of 2025 is “A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess. This novel, first published in 1962, was banned 23 times in the last school year. The main reasons are its disturbing depictions of violence and sexual assault. Schools and parents argue that the content is too graphic and too mature for teenagers, even though it is also a classic work of literature that explores free will and morality.
Another book widely banned is “Breathless” by Jennifer Niven, which faced 20 bans. The novel is about a teenage girl experiencing love, heartbreak, and identity struggles. Critics say the story includes sexual themes not suitable for high school classrooms, though supporters argue that it simply portrays real teenage experiences.
“Sold” by Patricia McCormick was also banned 20 times. This heartbreaking novel tells the story of a young girl forced into sexual slavery. The book raises awareness about human trafficking, but it has been targeted because of its descriptions of sexual exploitation and violence, which some parents and school boards say are inappropriate for students.
“Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo faced 19 bans. This award-winning novel follows the story of two young women in 1950s San Francisco as they navigate friendship, love, and social prejudice. The main reason for its banning is its LGBTQ+ content, which continues to be one of the most common triggers for book challenges in schools.
“A Court of Mist and Fury” by Sarah J. Maas was banned 18 times. The book is a fantasy novel filled with magic, love, and betrayal, but it also contains romantic and sexual scenes. Opponents argue that the explicit content makes it inappropriate for teens, though it remains highly popular among young adult readers.
Another frequently banned book is “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins, which was banned 17 times. Written in verse, the novel tells the story of a teenage girl struggling with drug addiction. Its raw language, depictions of sex, and substance abuse make it a frequent target for bans.
“Forever…” by Judy Blume also saw 17 bans. This classic novel about teenage love and sexual awakening has been controversial since its release in the 1970s. In 2025, it is still being removed from school libraries because of its open discussion of teenage sexuality.
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky was also banned 17 times. The novel includes themes of mental health, abuse, sexuality, and growing up. It is widely loved for its honesty, but some schools claim its sexual references and sensitive themes are inappropriate.
“Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire also appeared on the banned list with 17 bans. While it is a fantasy novel based on “The Wizard of Oz,” it includes darker adult themes and political allegory. Some districts found it unsuitable for students because of sexual content and mature subject matter.
“All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson was banned 16 times. This memoir explores the author’s experiences growing up Black and queer. It includes reflections on family, racism, and sexuality. Supporters call it essential for representation, but opponents object to its frank discussion of sex and LGBTQ+ identity.
Other books that were banned 16 times in 2025 include “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas, “Damsel” by Elana K. Arnold, “The DUFF” by Kody Keplinger, “Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult, and “Storm and Fury” by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Each of these books deals with themes like romance, violence, identity, or trauma, and all have been challenged for containing content considered too explicit or too mature.
Statewide Book Bans
In addition to local bans, 2025 also saw the rise of state-mandated book bans. These are bans that apply across an entire state, not just in one district.
South Carolina became the state with the most statewide bans. Its Board of Education added 10 more titles to a regulation known as 43-170, bringing the total number of books banned statewide to 22. These titles include many young adult novels that cover themes of grief, sexual violence, consent, and LGBTQ+ identity.
Utah also has statewide bans, though fewer in number than South Carolina.
Tennessee passed laws that make statewide bans possible, though as of 2025, the state had not yet used that mechanism.
Why Are These Books Banned?
Looking at the most banned books of 2025, the reasons fall into a few clear categories:
1. Sexual Content
Books with sexual scenes, even when written for older teens, are often pulled. This includes Forever…, A Court of Mist and Fury, and Breathless.
2. Violence and Trauma
Stories that depict sexual assault, abuse, or drug use are often removed. Crank, Sold, and A Clockwork Orange fall into this group.
3. LGBTQ+ Themes
Books with gay or transgender characters are disproportionately banned. Last Night at the Telegraph Club and All Boys Aren’t Blue are examples.
4. Race and Social Justice
Books dealing with racism or activism also face bans, though less in the “most banned” top 10 this year. Still, authors like Toni Morrison and Ta-Nehisi Coates remain frequent targets.
5. “Age Appropriateness”
Many bans cite age concerns, claiming the books are “not suitable” for middle or high school readers.
Books Most Frequently Banned in Schools, 2023–2024
- The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison
- A Clash of Kings. by George R.R. Martin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight, by Sarah J. Maas
- A Court of Wings and Ruin, by Sarah J. Maas
- Empire of Storms, by Sarah J. Maas
- The Handmaid’s TaleThe Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood
- The Haters, by Jesse Andrews
- The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas
- Identical, by Ellen Hopkins
- Kingdom of Ash, by Sarah J. Maas
- The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
- Living Dead Girl, by Elizabeth Scott
- Looking for Alaska, by John Green
- Lucky, by Alice Sebold
- Man o’War, by Cory McCarthy
- Milk and Honey, by Rupi Kaur
- Out of Darkness, by Ashley Hope Pérez
- Perfect, by Ellen Hopkins
- Red Hood, by Elana K. Arnold
- A Stolen Life, by Jaycee Dugard
- Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher
- This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story, by Kacen Callender
- Tilt, by Ellen Hopkins
- Tower of Dawn, by Sarah J. Maas
- Tricks, by Ellen Hopkins
- Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen
- What Girls Are Made of by Elana K. Arnold
Conclusion
In 2025, the most banned books in the United States include both classics and modern young adult novels. From A Clockwork Orange to All Boys Aren’t Blue, these works are being removed because of sexual content, violence, LGBTQ+ themes, or sensitive social issues.
The bans show that the fight over what students should be allowed to read is far from over. Each removal raises questions about freedom, representation, and whose voices get silenced.
