As of the latest reports (up to mid-2024), here are some of the most frequently banned or challenged books in Florida. The list reflects books that have been subject to controversy, removal, or restriction in schools and libraries:
- “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe
- A graphic memoir exploring gender identity and sexual orientation, which has been challenged due to its LGBTQ+ content and illustrations.
- “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson
- A series of personal essays that explore the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. It has been challenged due to its discussions of LGBTQ+ topics and explicit content.
- “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
- A classic novel addressing race, beauty standards, and identity. It has been banned due to its depictions of racism, incest, and sexual abuse.
- “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
- This young adult novel addresses police brutality and systemic racism. It has been challenged for its language, depictions of drug use, and controversial themes.
- “Melissa” (formerly “George”) by Alex Gino
- A middle-grade novel about a transgender girl who wants to play Charlotte in “Charlotte’s Web.” It has been banned due to its portrayal of transgender issues.
- “Out of Darkness” by Ashley Hope Pérez
- A historical novel set in 1930s Texas that explores race relations, sexual abuse, and a tragic disaster. It has been challenged for its mature themes and depictions of sexual content.
- “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
- A remix of Kendi’s “Stamped from the Beginning,” aimed at young readers. It explores the history of racism in America and has been banned for allegedly promoting a divisive viewpoint on race.
- “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins
- A novel-in-verse that deals with drug addiction, loosely based on the author’s own daughter’s experience. It has been banned due to its graphic depiction of drug use and related themes.
- “Lawn Boy” by Jonathan Evison
- A coming-of-age novel that explores issues of identity, poverty, and sexuality. It has been challenged and banned for its explicit content and portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships.
- “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson
- A non-fiction book aimed at LGBTQ+ teens that provides advice and information about coming out, relationships, and sexual health. It has been banned due to its explicit content and LGBTQ+ themes.