The Most Banned Picture Books From the 2023-2024 School Year Show 'What’s Really at Stake in the Book Ban Crisis'

Mar. 15, 2025

A selection of the most banned picture books during the 2023-2024 school year.

PEN Americahas reveals the most banned picture books from the 2023-2024 school year.On Jan. 27, the nonprofit organization, which raises awareness of banned or challenged titles in the United States,released a list of 23 picture book titlesthat were most frequently banned during the school year.In total, 10,000 were banned during the 2023-2024 academic calendar. Most books were from the young adult or adult genres, with picture books making up 2% of all total banned books.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer , from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“Picture books help us understand what’s really at stake in the book ban crisis; these innocuous books – written for pre- and early readers – overwhelmingly depict LGBTQ+ identities or themes and stories about individuals of color, along with the occasional silly goblin butt,” said Kasey Meehan, director of PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, in a statement.

“The first literary encounter, along with the illustrations of characters, can help young children build empathy and joy in the discovery of the people and world around them," she continued. “Removing these picture books from access robs children of an experience that might have enlightened and delighted them.”

See below for the full list of frequently-banned picture books from the 2024-2024 school year.

01of 23

Buy Now

02of 23

This book celebrates the diversity of families, including those with one parent, two moms, two dads and more.

03of 23

04of 23

This Stonewall Book Award winner follows Aidan, a transgender child who is preparing to welcome a new sibling into his family.

05of 23

Carle, known for titles likeThe Very Hungry CaterpillarandBrown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, both wrote and illustrated this book, about a young artist who is inspired to draw what he sees around him.

06of 23

This book teaches young readers about the importance LGBTQ+ culture and history, particularly during Pride Month.

07of 23

Published in partnership with GLAAD, this book follows a prince and knight who come together to defeat a dragon threatening their kingdom — and who find a new beginning with one another.

08of 23

This book follows Morris, a boy who loves to play dress-up, despite classmates telling him that he can’t wear his favorite tangerine-colored dress.

09of 23

Milo, the protagonist of this book, begins to imagine the lives of his fellow passengers during a subway ride in New York. When he follows a boy in a suit who gets off at his same stop, Milo learns an important lesson about judgement.

10of 23

This book from the acclaimed author and artist follows Mickey, as he helps a team of night bakers prepare for the morning ahead.

11of 23

Mochizuki’s book details the true story of a baseball team formed in a Japanese-American internment camp during World War II.

12of 23

This board book teaches both the alphabet and lessons about civil and LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice and more for young readers.

13of 23

A goblin is the protagonist of this picture book, which “celebrates the values of differences,” as he gets to know his new unicorn neighbors.

14of 23

This “inspiring” read about learning to make a difference follows Sofia, as she devises a plan to build a new park for her community.

15of 23

This “empowering and educational” book teaches younger readers that all colors are for everybody, and to “[reframe] the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary,” per its synopsis.

16of 23

17of 23

Ogilvy, a bunny who decides to dress in whatever clothes they choose after they move to a new town, is the star of this book for young readers.

18of 23

Kids are sure to know this classic children’s book about the mischievous David, who is keen on misbehaving and doing everything that he’s not supposed to.

19of 23

This book introduces young readers to the concept of gender identity in order to “give children a fuller understanding over themselves and others,” per the book’s synopsis.

20of 23

This biography for young readers details the life and legacy of tennis trailblazer and activist Billie Jean King.

21of 23

22of 23

23of 23

This book, which features a family with two dads, details their trials as they try to finish their household chores — including washing their pet cat.

source: people.com