Overview:
A new PEN America report found that 44% of books banned in U.S. schools during the 2024–2025 school year featured people of color, 29% were nonfiction titles, and only 10% contained explicit on-the-page sexual content, challenging common justifications for censorship.
A new report from PEN America found that thousands of books were removed from U.S. public schools during the 2024–2025 school year, disproportionately featuring people of color, LGBTQ+ characters, and nonfiction subject matter, reflecting what the organization describes as an expansion of educational censorship.
According to the report, PEN America documented 3,743 unique titles banned during the school year, drawn from 6,870 book ban cases nationwide. Researchers analyzed the books across dozens of content categories, including genre, age level, race, identity, violence, and sexual content.
One of the report’s most notable findings was the increase in bans involving nonfiction books. PEN America reported that 29% of all banned titles were nonfiction works, up from 14% the previous school year. More than 1,100 nonfiction titles were removed from schools, including biographies, history books, educational references, and informational texts.
“I believe that censorship grows out of fear, and because fear is contagious, some parents are easily swayed. Book banning satisfies their need to feel in control of their children’s lives. This fear is often disguised as moral outrage. They want to believe that if their children don’t read about it, their children won’t know about it. And if they don’t know about it, it won’t happen.”
Judy Blume
The report said many of the nonfiction titles addressed subjects such as social movements, identity, health, geography, and history. Educational and informational books accounted for 13% of all banned titles, compared to 5% the previous year.
PEN America researchers said the trend reflects what they describe as a broader rise in anti-intellectualism and skepticism toward expertise and public education.
The report also found that books featuring people of color represented the largest share ever recorded in that category by the organization. According to the data, 44% of banned titles featured characters or people of color, while 39% included LGBTQ+ characters or people. Titles featuring transgender or genderqueer characters rose to 19% of all banned books, nearly triple the percentage reported the prior year.
Researchers noted that books discussing race and racism, immigration, policing, and incarceration also continued to face challenges and removals in school districts across the country.
Among the most common themes found in banned books were violence, death and grief, empowerment and self-esteem, LGBTQ+ themes, mental health, and substance use. PEN America reported that 57% of banned titles included nonsexual violence and 48% addressed death or grief.
The organization also challenged claims frequently used to justify book removals related to sexual content. While 34% of banned books included consensual sexual experiences, the report found that only 10% of banned titles contained “on-the-page” sexual content with descriptive scenes.
PEN America said many books labeled as “pornographic” or “sexually explicit” actually included discussions of puberty, consent, sexual health, or sexual violence rather than graphic sexual material.
The report additionally documented bans involving books containing nudity in artistic, historical, or educational contexts, including books about anatomy and ancient civilizations.
In its conclusion, the organization argued that removing diverse and informational books from schools limits students’ access to knowledge, representation, and differing perspectives. The report also warned that increasing censorship may contribute to declining trust in public institutions and education.
The report examined unique titles banned between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, using a review process that evaluated books across 37 content variables.
