The American Library Association is observing Banned Books Week, Oct. 4-10, under the theme "Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read." To mark the occasion and ALA's official 150th anniversary today, October 6, ALA has released a list of the 150 most challenged books documented from 1990 through 2025.
ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 4,235 unique titles challenged in 2025, the second-highest total on record. The full list of 150 most challenged books spans contemporary titles such as Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe and literary classics like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.
"Every book on this list is a reminder that readers have the right to explore ideas and decide for themselves what to read," said ALA president Maria McCauley. "For 150 years, ALA has worked alongside library workers to keep that choice open to everyone. We ask for support for our libraries so the next generation has that same freedom."
Authors and free expression advocates Bess Kalb, known for the Buffalo Fluffalo series, and Tony Weaver, Jr., author of Weirdo, are this year's honorary chairs. Texas student advocates Marshall Romero and Azeemah Sadiq are youth honorary chairs.
Libraries, bookstores, schools and allied organizations are holding local programs throughout the week. The observance concludes Saturday, October 10, with Let Freedom Read Day, when everyone is encouraged to take at least one action against censorship or in support of library workers, authors, educators, and booksellers.