Organizations that Track Challenged Books:
* American Library Association (ALA): Their Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) maintains a list of the most frequently challenged books, updated annually.
* PEN America: They track book bans and restrictions, providing data and advocacy.
Common Themes in Challenged Books:
* LGBTQ+ themes: Many books featuring LGBTQ+ characters or storylines are challenged for their portrayal of sexuality, gender identity, and relationships.
* Race and racism: Books that address racism, racial injustice, or historical perspectives on slavery and segregation are frequently challenged.
* Sexually explicit content: Books with mature themes, including depictions of sexual activity or explicit language, are often challenged.
* Violence and profanity: Books with graphic violence or strong language can be targeted for challenge.
* Religious beliefs: Books that challenge or contradict religious viewpoints may be subject to censorship.
Some Frequently Challenged Books:
* "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
* "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
* "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
* "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain
* "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck
* "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
* "And Tango Makes Three" by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
* "Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe
* "George" by Alex Gino
* "It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley
It's important to note: This is not an exhaustive list, and the frequency of challenges varies depending on the region, school, and community.
Resources for Finding More Information:
* ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom: https://www.ala.org/oif
* PEN America: https://pen.org/
* National Coalition Against Censorship: https://ncac.org/
Remember, access to information is crucial for a healthy and informed society. Challenging books should be approached with thoughtful discussion and respect for diverse perspectives.