PEN America documented 10,046 instances of book bans in U.S. public schools in the 2023-2024 school year, a dramatic 200 percent rise over the previous school year. Since 2021, we have documented close to 16,000 instances of book bans in public schools.

PEN America has been at the forefront of documenting and defending against the unprecedented school book bans spike since 2021, and the spread of educational censorship targeting subjects in K-12 public schools and colleges.

Media interested in scheduling interviews can contact Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057

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Resources

• Our Research: Banned in the USA Reports 
• 11 Most Banned Books
• 23 Most Banned Picture Books
• Index of School Book Bans 2023-2024
• School Book Ban FAQ
• 5 Ways to Fight Book Bans
• Take Action Against Book Bans 
• Book Ban Resources

Defining Book Bans

PEN America collects three types of school book bans: bans from school libraries and classrooms (“banned”), bans that are pending investigation or review (“banned pending investigation”), and bans by restriction such as grade-level restrictions or parental permission (“banned by restriction”). For a detailed explanation of each type of book ban, visit our School Book Ban FAQ.