PEN America: Nearly 12,000 school book bans in a year, a record high

The 2025-2026 school year saw a record-breaking 12,000 book bans in public schools across the United States, according to PEN America, a free-expression non-profit organization. Texas emerged as the leading state with 8,100 bans, while Stephen King was once again the most frequently banned author. PEN America's report indicated that the surge in book bans was primarily driven by new state-level censorship laws and the use of artificial intelligence tools that removed a vast number of titles.

The bans involved a record 7,000 unique titles, affecting over 4,000 authors, illustrators, and translators, with the bans occurring in 114 school districts, the highest number ever recorded in a single year.

The most commonly banned book during the 2025-2026 school year was "Sold" by Patricia McCormick, a young adult novel that follows a teenager from Nepal who is sold into sexual servitude. McCormick expressed her anger towards the book banners, emphasizing the importance of the book for young readers who have experienced similar situations.

She stated that the book helps to foster empathy and understanding among students. Stephen King was named the most banned author for the second consecutive year, with many of his works targeted due to their mature themes and content.

The bans also exposed concerning limitations on books that students actively sought out, such as fiction and manga. Fiction made up more than 90% of the young adult titles subject to bans, according to PEN America. Kasey Meehan, director of PEN America's Freedom to Read program, highlighted the tragic impact of these bans on young readers' access to engaging stories and formats.

She stated that schools should be promoting reading by introducing students to captivating books, but instead, many are banning these very titles that help young readers see themselves in literature, deepen their understanding and empathy for others, and expand their imaginations. Despite the rising prevalence of book bans, parents, students, and educators are actively resisting the conservative shift seen in many US school districts, including those that have implemented book bans.