The top library books people tried to ban or censor last year

• The American Library Association reported over 1200 demands to censor library books and resources in the past year, nearly double the number from 2021.
• The top three most challenged books last year were "Gender queer" by Maia Kobabe, "All boys aren't blue" by George Johnson, and "The bluest eye" by Toni Morrison.
• Approximately half of the challenges resulted in bans or restrictions that prevented readers from accessing the books, such as moving them to different sections or removing them entirely.
• The increase in challenges is attributed to organized political activism by various groups, resulting in the removal of books from library shelves, particularly in states like Florida and Texas.
• The challenges primarily target books that amplify the voices of marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color, as well as narratives that challenge the status quo.