Book banning is a controversial issue that has been around for centuries. It is an issue that has been debated in the United States for decades, and it is still a hot topic today. In this article, we will take a look at the statistics surrounding book banning in the United States. We will explore the reasons why books are banned, the types of books that are most commonly banned, and the impact of book banning on our society.
We will also discuss the current state of book banning in the United States and what can be done to reduce the number of books that are banned. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of the book banning issue and how it affects our society.
Book Banning: Most Important Statistics
40% of the most challenged books in 2017 contained explicit violence and material from the LGBTQIA+ community, and 30% were sexually explicit, which can have adverse psychological effects on students.
A recent survey found that 1,500 books have been banned in 86 school districts in 26 states since 2019, with 41% of the titles featuring protagonists or characters of color, 22% addressing race and racism, 16% being history books or biographies, and 9% having themes related to rights and activism.
Book Banning: Statistics Overview
1,648 titles from 1,261 authors, 18 translators and almost 300 illustrators were banned by 138 school districts across 32 states in a span of 8 months, resulting in 2,532 instances of book banning.
This highlights the prevalence of book banning in the United States, which can limit students’ access to diverse perspectives and knowledge. It also shows that book banning is not limited to one region or type of book, but is widespread and affects a variety of authors and titles.
The number of book titles banned in 2021-22 has quadrupled from the prior year, with 1,651 unique titles targeted in 681 attempts.
Book banning is becoming increasingly common, which can have a negative effect on freedom of expression and access to diverse stories.
This is especially concerning given that many of the books being targeted are those with LGBTQ+ characters and storylines, or characters of color, which can limit access to important stories and perspectives.
The ALA estimates that only 3-18% of book challenges are reported, and the percentage of Americans who thought any books should be banned increased from 18% in 2011 to 28% in 2015.
The number of attempts to ban books is likely much higher than what is reported, and that there is an increasing acceptance of book banning in the US.
40% of the most challenged books in 2017 contained explicit violence and material from the LGBTQIA+ community, and 30% were sexually explicit, which can have adverse psychological effects on students.
Books with explicit material can have a negative impact on students, and this is one of the main reasons why books are banned.
The percentage of Americans who think any books should be banned increased from 18% in 2011 to 28% in 2015, and 71% disagreed with efforts to have books removed in 2022.
There is a growing trend of people who are against book banning, which is important to consider when discussing the issue of censorship.
A recent survey found that 1,500 books have been banned in 86 school districts in 26 states since 2019, with 41% of the titles featuring protagonists or characters of color, 22% addressing race and racism, 16% being history books or biographies, and 9% having themes related to rights and activism.
This shows the disproportionate impact that book banning has on minority groups, as well as the political motivations behind such bans. It also highlights the need for greater public education and awareness of the issue, as well as the need for more proactive measures to protect books from being banned.
At least 161 (10%) banned book titles have themes related to rights and activism, 141 (9%) are biographies/autobiographies/memoirs, and 64 (4%) include characters/stories reflecting religious minorities. PEN America estimates that 40% of bans are connected to proposed/enacted legislation or political pressure.
Book banning is a widespread issue that affects books of all genres and topics, and is often connected to political pressure. This highlights the importance of protecting freedom of speech and expression in order to ensure that all voices can be heard.
More than 1,600 books were banned in over 5,000 schools in 32 states last school year, mostly related to the LGBTQ community or race and racism, with 50 conservative groups involved in at least half of the bans.
This shows the prevalence of book banning in the United States, particularly targeting books related to the LGBTQ community or race and racism.
It also shows the influence of conservative groups in the book banning process, which is concerning as it limits access to important information and perspectives.
Attempts to ban books from school libraries in America have reached historic highs in 2021, surpassing the high 200s and 400s from 2018-2020.
This highlights the increasing trend of book banning in America, which can have a significant impact on the availability of books for students to read and access. This could lead to a decrease in literacy and knowledge, as well as a decrease in the diversity of books available to students.
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university, enrolling more than 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states.
This highlights the potential for book banning to create significant gaps in knowledge for young learners, as well as the potential for standardized tests to not accurately reflect how much learning occurred due to under-resourced schools.
Supplementary Statistics
82-97% of book challenges remain unreported and receive no media attention.
This highlights the fact that the majority of book challenges are not reported and do not receive any media attention, meaning that the full extent of book banning is not known. This statistic is a call to action to bring awareness to the issue of book banning and to ensure that all book challenges are reported and given the attention they deserve.
The top three reasons for challenging books are sexually explicit content, offensive language, and homosexuality.
It serves as a stark reminder that books are still being censored and restricted based on their content, which can have a chilling effect on freedom of expression. This statistic is a call to action to ensure that books are not being banned or challenged for reasons that are based on bias and discrimination.
In 2020, hundreds of libraries, schools, and other institutions reported 156 challenges, affecting 273 books.
Hundreds of institutions have taken steps to restrict access to certain books, affecting a total of 273 books. This is a concerning number, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting freedom of expression and access to information.
42% of book challenges are initiated by parents, followed by 29% from the library staff and board members.
Parents are the primary instigators of book challenges, followed by library staff and board members. This highlights the importance of parental involvement in the decision-making process when it comes to book selection and censorship. It also suggests that library staff and board members are not as influential in the process as parents, which could lead to a lack of diversity in the books available to readers.
In 1944, issues of the comic book “Crime Does Not Pay” were banned due to concerns about glorification of crime.
It demonstrates how quickly and drastically the public opinion of a certain type of material can change, and how quickly it can be taken away from the public. It also serves as a warning to publishers and authors to be mindful of the content they are creating, as it could be subject to censorship if it is deemed to be inappropriate or offensive.
Between 1990 and 2000, over 6,364 book censorship incidents were reported in the United States.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of book censorship in the United States over the past decade. It serves as a reminder that book banning is still a very real issue in the United States, and that it is important to be aware of the potential for censorship and to take steps to protect our right to read.
In 2016, there were 323 recorded attempts to remove books from libraries and schools in the United States.
There is a need for vigilance in protecting the right to read and access information freely. It also serves as a call to action for those who are passionate about protecting the freedom to read and access information.
Between 2001 and 2009, 3,736 books were challenged in U.S. libraries and schools.
Even in the 21st century, books are still being challenged and removed from libraries and schools. This statistic is a call to action, urging us to take a stand against censorship and protect our right to access information.
Banned Books Week, a widely recognized annual event, began in 1982.
Book banning is not a new phenomenon, but rather one that has been around for decades and continues to be a problem today.
In 2015, 275 book challenges were reported to the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom.
In 2015 alone, 275 books were challenged, meaning that people attempted to have them removed from libraries or schools. This is a concerning number, as it indicates that book banning is still a problem in our society.
In 2013, the American Library Association recorded 307 challenges towards books and other materials.
Even today, books and other materials are still being challenged and removed from libraries and schools. This statistic serves as a call to action to protect our right to access information and to ensure that everyone has access to the books and materials they need.
Between 2000 and 2009, the Harry Potter series was the most frequently challenged book in the United States.
It highlights the fact that even the most beloved books can be targeted for censorship, and that book banning is still a very real issue in the United States. It serves as a reminder that we must remain vigilant in protecting our right to read and express ourselves freely.
In 2012, a Chicago teacher’s request to remove “Persepolis” from the school curriculum led to a city-wide ban on the book.
This demonstrates how a single request from one person can lead to a city-wide ban on a book, and how quickly and easily books can be removed from the curriculum. It is a cautionary tale of the dangers of censorship and the importance of protecting our right to read.
According to the ALA, books by authors of color and books with diverse content are disproportionately banned and challenged.
Books by authors of color and books with diverse content are being disproportionately targeted for censorship, which is a direct violation of our right to freedom of expression. This statistic is a call to action to ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their race or background.
Between 1990 and 2000, the most challenged book in the United States was “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain.
This is a testament to the power of censorship and the importance of protecting our right to read. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance in the fight against book banning and censorship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, book banning is still a major issue in the United States. Despite the fact that the number of books banned has decreased in recent years, there are still thousands of books that are challenged or banned each year.
The statistics on book banning show that the majority of books that are challenged or banned are those that contain topics related to race, gender, sexuality, and religion. It is important for everyone to be aware of the issue of book banning and to take a stand against it.
References
1 – https://www.forbes.com/sites/tonifitzgerald/2022/12/29/will-we-see-more-book-banning-challenges-in-2023/?sh=1009ce357241
2 – https://www.npr.org/2022/09/19/1123156201/new-report-finds-a-coordinated-rise-in-attempted-book-bans#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20report%2C%20the,books%20involving%20characters%20of%20color.
3 – https://www.procon.org/headlines/banned-books-top-3-pros-and-cons/
4 – https://connectusfund.org/16-major-pros-and-cons-of-banning-books-in-schools
5 – https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-banned-books
6 – https://www.americanprogress.org/article/book-banning-curriculum-restrictions-and-the-politicization-of-u-s-schools/
7 – https://pen.org/report/banned-usa-growing-movement-to-censor-books-in-schools/#:~:text=161%20banned%20book%20titles%20(10,Muslim%20and%20other%20faith%20traditions.
8 – https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/1600-books-banned-2021-22-school-year-report-finds-rcna483677
9 – https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/09/19/school-book-bans-challenges-record-highs-are-rising-again/
10 – https://www.gmu.edu/news/2022-01/mason-expert-says-book-banning-hurts-students-access-learning
11 – https://www.businessinsider.com
12 – https://www.library.nashville.org
13 – https://www.promo.com
14 – https://er.educause.edu
15 – https://www.nytimes.com
16 – https://web.archive.org
17 – https://www.ala.org
18 – https://www.theguardian.com
19 – https://www.publishersweekly.com
20 – https://www.history.com
