Book Bans in US Schools Rise as Censorship Targets LGBTQ and Races 2026

Book bans in the United States are surging at an alarming rate, fundamentally reshaping what young Americans are permitted to read, learn, and think. Once the domain of isolated parental complaints, censorship now operates as a carefully orchestrated, well-funded, and deeply politicized campaign. According to PEN America, more than 23,000 book bans have occurred over the past five years, with literature featuring LGBTQ+ themes and people of color as the primary targets.

The American Library Association (ALA) reported that 4,235 unique titles were targeted for censorship in 2025 alone—the second-highest number ever documented. Alarmingly, nine in 10 challenges now originate from activists and government officials, up from 72% in 2024. This shift marks a stark departure from grassroots concerns toward organized political movements.

The Turning Point: 2021 and the Culture Wars

Many in the publishing industry identify 2021 as a critical turning point. That year saw the January 6 insurrection, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the intensification of the anti-woke and “parental rights” movement. Maia Kobabe, author of Gender Queer—the most challenged book for three consecutive years—explains that critics often admit they have never read it. “I tried to make it as sensitive and thoughtful as possible,” Kobabe says, “but people hold it up and call it pornography without reading it.”

Malinda Lo, author of Last Night at the Telegraph Club, experienced a similar backlash. Her coming-of-age novel about a Chinese-American girl discovering her identity was widely praised until 2021, when it became a target of organized censorship. The trend reflects a broader effort to narrow the worldview of young people.

Nonfiction and General Knowledge Under Attack

A new PEN America report reveals that censorship of nonfiction has doubled, targeting subjects from history and health to biographies and memoirs. The group describes this as “an embrace of anti-intellectualism.” Books like Patricia McCormick’s Sold, a novel about sex trafficking in India, and Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower now top the ALA’s most-challenged list.

This expansion of censorship beyond LGBTQ+ and race themes threatens to limit students’ access to essential knowledge. The ALA’s list also includes Sarah J. Maas’ romantasy Empire of Storms, showing that even popular fiction is not immune.

Who Is Driving the Book Bans?

The organized nature of these campaigns is a key concern. Conservative activist groups, often backed by well-funded political organizations, have turned school board meetings into battlegrounds. They use tactics such as submitting bulk challenges and pressuring librarians. The result is a chilling effect on educators and authors alike.

• PEN America recorded 23,000+ bans in five years.
• ALA documented 4,235 unique titles targeted in 2025.
• 9 in 10 challenges now come from activists or officials.

Kobabe notes that the goal is to silence marginalized voices. “They’re trying to narrow the worldview of young people,” she says. “It’s about control, not protection.”

Impact on Students and Communities

Students in affected districts lose access to diverse perspectives and critical thinking opportunities. Books like Gender Queer and Last Night at the Telegraph Club provide representation for LGBTQ+ youth and teens of color. Without them, young people may feel isolated or misunderstood.

Librarians and teachers face increasing pressure. Some have been fired or threatened for defending challenged books. The ALA emphasizes that censorship undermines the educational mission of schools and public libraries.

How to Support Intellectual Freedom

Individuals can take action by attending school board meetings, supporting organizations like PEN America and the ALA, and speaking out against censorship. Reading banned books and discussing them openly also helps counter the trend.

FAQ: Understanding Book Bans in the US

Why are book bans increasing now?

Book bans have surged since 2021 due to organized political campaigns, often targeting LGBTQ+ and race-related content. The rise of the “parental rights” movement and anti-woke rhetoric has fueled challenges at school board meetings.

What types of books are most often banned?

Books with LGBTQ+ themes, characters of color, and nonfiction covering history, health, and social issues are primary targets. Popular titles like Gender Queer and The Perks of Being a Wallflower frequently appear on challenged lists.

How can I find out if books are banned in my area?

Check reports from PEN America and the ALA, which maintain databases of book bans and challenges. You can also attend local school board meetings or contact your library for information.