From "About Pen America":
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
Founded in 1922, PEN America is the largest of the more than 100 centers worldwide that make up the PEN International network. PEN America works to ensure that people everywhere have the freedom to create literature, to convey information and ideas, to express their views, and to access the views, ideas, and literatures of others.
PEN America tracks book challenges in schools and provides a Most Banned Books of the School Year list. This is the list for 2024-2025:
1. A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess, 23 bans
Anthony Burgess’ influential dystopian satire depicts a world where teen protagonist Alex creates mayhem before undergoing aversion therapy to curb his violent tendencies. Publisher W.W. Norton calls it “a frightening fable about good and evil and the meaning of human freedom.”
2. (tie). Breathless, by Jennifer Niven, 20 bans
In this coming-of-age love story, Claudine Henry is coping with her parents’ divorce and getting ready for college when she meets a local trail guide with a mysterious past. #1 New York Times bestselling author.
(tie). Sold, by Patricia McCormick, 20 bans
McCormick tells the story of Lakshmi, a 13-year-old girl in Nepal who is sold into prostitution. “The powerful, poignant, bestselling National Book Award Finalist gives voice to a young girl robbed of her childhood yet determined to find the strength to triumph. National Book Award finalist. Publishers Weekly and NPR Best Books of the Year.
4. Last Night at the Telegraph Club, by Malinda Lo, 19 bans
This National Book Award-winning novel is set in 1954, at the height of the Red Scare, when 17-year-old Lily Hu visits a lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club. National Book Award winner. New York Times bestseller. Stonewall Book Award winner.
5. A Court of Mist and Fury, by Sarah J. Maas, 18 bans
Sarah J. Maas, who skyrocketed to fame with the help of BookTok, was the third most frequently banned author of the 2024-25 school year, according to PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans. This follow-up to A Court of Thorns and Roses offers romance, fantasy, magic, and political intrigue. #1 bestseller. Goodreads Choice Award winner.
6. (tie). Crank, by Ellen Hopkins, 17 bans
Kristina Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. Then, Kristina meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul–her life. #1 New York Times bestseller.
(tie). The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky, 17 bans
In this coming-of-age novel, “wallflower” Charlie deals with the complexities of high school, from young love to the pain of losing loved ones. #1 New York Times bestseller. American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults and Best Book for Reluctant Readers. Major motion picture.
(tie). Forever…, by Judy Blume, 17 bans
Judy Blume’s 1975 Young Adult novel has been a target of censorship for 50 years. Blume has said she wrote it because her daughter wanted to read something where kids could have sex “without either of them having to die.” National Book Foundation Medal-winning author. NPR 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels. Time Magazine 100 Best YA Books of All Time.
(tie). Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire, 17 bans
The bestselling reimagined prequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz launched one of the highest grossing Broadway musicals of all time and a two-part movie sensation. #1 New York Times bestseller. Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. Golden Globe-winning movie.
10. (tie). All Boys Aren’t Blue, by George M. Johnson, 16 bans
In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson’s All Boys Aren’t Blue explores their childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia. New York Times bestseller. Goodreads Choice Award winner. Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2020.
(tie). A Court of Thorns and Roses, by Sarah J. Maas, 16 bans
The first book in the Court of Thorns and Roses series introduces 19-year-old huntress Feyre as she is dragged to a magical land of faeries and finds herself developing feelings for her captor. #1 New York Times bestselling series.
(tie). Damsel, by Elana K. Arnold, 16 bans
In this dark fairy tale, a damsel who is rescued from a fierce dragon by a handsome prince discovers that all is not what it seems. Michael L. Printz Award honor book.
(tie). The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend, by Kody Keplinger, 16 bans
Bianca discovers that a boy has given her a devastating nickname – the DUFF, or Designated Ugly Fat Friend – and finds herself in an enemies-with-benefits relationship. New York Times bestseller. Major motion picture.
(tie). Nineteen Minutes, by Jodi Picoult, 16 bans
Jodi Picoult, bestselling author of My Sister’s Keeper and Small Great Things, writes about the moments leading up to and the devastating aftermath of a school shooting. #1 New York Times bestseller. Award-winning author. American Library Association Outstanding Books for the College Bound and Lifelong Learners.
(tie). Storm and Fury, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, 16 bans
In bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Storm and Fury, 18-year-old Trinity Marrow is protected by shape-shifting Wardens from evil demons. When a supernatural war is unleashed, she has to trust an outsider with secrets of his own. #1 New York Times bestselling author.