Top 5 banned books according to the ALA

Banned Book Week is here, and with it a look into the censorship we see within the US and the world. While in the past, there was a tendency to find books about race issues at the top of the list, over the past few years, there's been a new trend: books about LBGTQIA+ content. In fact, every single one of the top five books of 2023 was about this topic. So according to the ALA, here are the top five banned books of 2023.

1. Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe

Reasons it's been challenged: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit

2. All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

Reasons it's been challenged: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit

3. This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson

Reasons it's been challenged: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit

4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Reasons it's been challenged: claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity

5. Flamer by Mike Curato

Reasons it's been challenged: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit

I think The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the one that surprises me, as the rest of the books are more current - as it's a book that was written back in 1999. However, it's also the only book I have read, and I loved it so much that I have a tattoo based on it. I have learned from this list that there are many books I need to add to my TBR. And I want to challenge others to find a book from the list and try to read it before this year's end. You don't need to agree with the content, or even like it, but I have found that one of the best ways to understand others and build empathy is to read from other's points of view. And with how the world is right now, I think more empathy and understanding is something we should strive for.