American Library Association Reports Record Book Challenges, 'Sold' Tops 2025 List

The American Library Association's 2025 State of America's Libraries Report reveals book challenges remain at historic highs, with 4,235 works targeted. Patricia McCormick's novel 'Sold' about sex trafficking leads the most challenged list, followed by Stephen Chbosky's 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower,' Maia Kobabe's 'Gender Queer,' and Sarah J. Maas's 'Empire of Storms.' The ALA notes challenges have shifted from local parents to coordinated campaigns by government officials and conservative activists like Moms for Liberty. Florida, Texas, Utah, and Iowa have enacted restrictive legislation or calls for bans. ALA President Sam Helmick emphasized libraries exist for every story during National Library Week through April 25. Sarah Lamdan, executive director of the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom, stated over 90% of 2025 challenges came from politically-driven campaigns, not grassroots efforts. Actual removals exceeded 5,600 books, surpassing challenge numbers. The list includes 11 titles, with four tied for eighth place: Anthony Burgess's 'A Clockwork Orange,' Ellen Hopkins's 'Identical,' John Green's 'Looking for Alaska,' and Jennifer L. Armentrout's 'Storm and Fury.' Objections cite LGBTQ+ themes, sexual violence, and substance use. The ALA compiles data from media and library reports, acknowledging underreporting likely makes numbers higher.