US book bans in public schools reach record annual high of 12,000
Summary
During the 2025-2026 school year, nearly 12,000 books were banned in US public schools, the highest number recorded in one year. Texas led with over 8,100 banned books, largely due to a new state law, and the overall bans affected more than 7,000 different titles by over 4,000 authors and illustrators.Key Facts
- There were almost 12,000 book bans in US public schools in 2025-2026, reaching a record high.
- Since 2021, PEN America recorded 34,000 total book ban instances in schools.
- Texas had the most bans, with over 8,100, mainly because of the Texas law SB13.
- Florida had been the leading state in school book bans for the three years before 2025-2026.
- Over 7,000 unique book titles were banned, involving more than 4,000 authors, illustrators, and translators.
- The most banned book in 2025-2026 was *Sold* by Patricia McCormick, a story about a teen sold into sexual slavery.
- Fiction and manga made up more than 90% of the young adult books banned.
- Efforts by parents, students, and educators are pushing back against the increase in book bans, especially in Florida school districts.
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