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Banned Books Week: The most challenged books in the US

By CNN Staff

Published September 27, 2020

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Each year, the American Library Association uses Banned Books Week to highlight censorship. This year, Banned Books Week is Sept. 27 through Oct. 3.

Here are the most challenged books in 2019, according to the ALA.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

10.

“And Tango Makes Three” by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson illustrated by Henry Cole

Stated reasons for challenges: For including LGBTQ content

Little Simon

9.

“Harry Potter” series by J. K. Rowling

Stated reasons for challenges: The books reference magic and witchcraft

Amazon

8.

“Drama” written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier

Stated reasons for challenges: The graphic novel includes LGBTQ characters

Graphix

7.

“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood

Stated reasons for challenges: For profanity and “vulgarity and sexual overtones”

Penguin Random House

6.

“I Am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas

Stated reasons for challenges: It includes a transgender character and for addressing a “politically charged” topic

Penguin Random House

5.

“Prince & Knight” by Daniel Haack, illustrated by Stevie Lewis

Stated reasons for challenges: For featuring a gay marriage

Amazon

4.

“Sex is a Funny Word” by Cory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona Smyth

Stated reasons for challenges: For including LGBTQ content, discussing sex education and concerns over the title and illustrations

Triangle Square

3.

“A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo” by Jill Twiss, illustrated by EG Keller

Stated reasons for challenges: The book includes LGBTQ content and political viewpoints

Chronicle Books

2.

“Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out” by Susan Kuklin

Stated reasons for challenges: For LGBTQ content

Candlewick

1.

“George” by Alex Gino

Stated reasons for challenges: It includes a transgender character and sexual references

Scholastic Press