The American Library Association released its annual Top Ten List of Frequently Challenged Books, included in the ALA's State of America's Libraries Report 2019, an annual summary of library trends "that outlines statistics and issues affecting all types of libraries. Never have our nation's libraries played such a pivotal role in strengthening communities through education and lifelong learning."
According to the report, libraries continue to face challenges--including the potential for censorship--to a variety of books, programs and materials. In 2018, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 347 challenges to library, school and university materials and services. Overall, 483 books were challenged or banned.
Traditionally the ALA releases a Top Ten List, but this year 11 books were selected, since two titles were tied for the final position, and both books were burned by a religious activist to protest a Pride event. The list also includes the satirical book Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo. The most frequently challenged titles last year were:
- George by Alex Gino
- A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss, illustrated by E. G. Keller
- Captain Underpants series, written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- Drama, written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
- Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
- This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki
- Skippyjon Jones series, written and illustrated by Judy Schachner
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
- This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Kristyna Litten
- Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan