Book Bans Surge: Top 11 Challenged Titles

0:00Book Bands and Challenges hit record highs again this year, with the American Library Association tracking 4,235. Different titles targeted for removal or restriction. That's just shy of last year's 4,240, the highest since they started counting over 30 years ago. Topping the list is, Sold, by Patricia McCormick, followed by hits like, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Gender Queer. Challenges often hit books with LGBTQ themes, sexual violence, or stories involving drugs and alcohol, including classics like, A Clockwork Orange. And newer ones from authors like Sarah J. Maas and Ellen Hopkins. This year's Top Eleven includes four books tied for eight place. Shifts in whose behind these pushes stand out, less from local parents, more from organized groups and officials. Over 90% came from activists like moms for liberty and government folks pushing parental choice agendas. Actual removals top 5,600, way more than challenges, thanks to nationwide lists circulated by these groups.

1:05Library meetings show the same titles popping up everywhere from video footage. As National Library Week wraps up on April 25th, the ALA reminds us libraries are for every story and experience, standing firm against these. Coordinating campaigns. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to Durham News today, AI-powered local news.