Top 10 Most Banned Books in U.S. Schools 2025

Top 10 Most Banned Books in U.S. Schools 2025 More than 3,700 titles were banned across 87 districts, according to PEN America’s latest report.

1. A Clockwork Orange – Anthony Burgess A 1962 dystopian classic banned in 23 school districts. Known for its violent themes and iconic film adaptation.

2. Breathless – Jennifer Niven A coming-of-age romance from 2020, banned in 20 districts for its frank take on sex, love and identity.

3. Sold – Patricia McCormick The story of a Nepali girl trafficked to India, banned in 20 districts despite being a National Book Award finalist.

4. Last Night at the Telegraph Club – Malinda Lo Award-winning LGBTQ+ historical novel, banned in 19 districts across the U.S.

5. A Court of Mist and Fury – Sarah J. Maas A romantasy bestseller in the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series, banned in 18 school districts.

6. Crank – Ellen Hopkins Based on the author’s daughter’s addiction story, this YA novel was banned in 17 districts.

7. Forever… – Judy Blume A 1975 teen romance classic, targeted for decades, still banned in 17 districts in 2025.

8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky Popular coming-of-age novel, adapted into a film, banned in 17 districts for its mature themes.

9. Wicked – Gregory Maguire Reimagined Wizard of Oz prequel, banned in 17 districts, despite Broadway and Hollywood fame.

10. All Boys Aren’t Blue – George M. Johnson A queer Black memoir-manifesto, banned in 16 districts and one of the most challenged books nationwide.

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