‘They’re trying to narrow the worldview of young people’: how book bans are on the rise in the US Rising tide of censorship is spreading, reshaping what students are permitted to read, learn and think The Guardian - US · May 9
US saw record high of 5,668 books banned in libraries in 2025, says agency Most-banned book was Sold, a 2006 novel by Patricia McCormick about sex trafficking in India The Guardian - US · Apr 22
The 10 Best Graphic Novel Memoirs Had a tumultuous childhood? These authors can relate. The Mary Sue · Sep 11, 2025
The 10 Best Queer Graphic Novels Perfect to cozy up with on a rainy gay. I mean, day. The Mary Sue · Sep 9, 2025
Gender Queer graphic novel reapproved for sale in Australia after federal court fight to ban book Complaints about the book focus on cartoon sex scenes, one of which has been described by critics as ‘pornographic’ and ‘paedophilic’ The Guardian - AU · Apr 25, 2025
New report shows it’s largely officials and organizations demanding books be banned - not parents Only 16 percent of book challenges came from parents themselves The Independent UK · Apr 7, 2025
Conservative in court win over book classification Gender Queer was classified as unrestricted by a board which incorrectly said those against the graphic book were "broadly anti-LGBTQIA+," a court has found. AAP · Oct 14, 2024
Court orders review of Gender Queer book’s classification after challenge by Australian rightwing activist Classification Review Board to undertake new assessment of memoir targeted in conservative campaigns The Guardian - AU · Oct 14, 2024
Concerns over Gender Queer book dismissed by Australian classifications board as anti-LGBTQ+, court hears Barrister acting for Bernard Gaynor says board failed to engage with submissions – but counsel for minister of communications suggests some lacked context The Guardian - AU · Sep 30, 2024
John Oliver warns of library censorship The efforts are "coming through highly organized groups — often conservative, and extremely religious" Salon · May 6, 2024
‘Knowledge is power’: new app helps US teens read books banned in school Digital Public Public Library fights back against rightwing censorship with resource that works through geo-targeting The Guardian - US · Aug 18, 2023
Afternoon Update: Matildas’ ratings win; Sydney art dealer found dead; and why the reality of global heating escapes us Two million Australians watched the Matildas in their opening match against Ireland in the Women’s World Cup The Guardian - AU · Jul 21, 2023
Win for queer memoir as classification ruling upheld Trans advocates have welcomed a decision allowing the first book referred to the classification board in ten years to remain on shelves. AAP · Jul 21, 2023
The Guardian - AU · Jul 21, 2023 Australian classification board rejects calls to restrict graphic novel Gender Queer Board finds memoir by non-binary writer Maia Kobabe ‘appropriate for its intended audience’ following an appeal
The Independent UK · Apr 27, 2023 These authors’ books are some of the most challenged in the US. They’re speaking out Maia Kobabe, Ibram X Kendi, and Susan Kuklin speak to Clémence Michallon
WEKU · Apr 25, 2023 Book bans are getting everyone's attention — including Biden's. Here's why Everyone from the president of the United States to community organizers are paying attention to this obstinate trend.
The Guardian - UK · Apr 24, 2023 Calls to ban books hit highest level ever recorded in the US Demands to censor, most often for gender themes or sexual detail, rose 38% year on year in 2022, with Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe being last year’s ‘most challenged’ title
WEKU · Apr 24, 2023 ALA: Number of unique book titles challenged jumped nearly 40% in 2022 The number of reported challenges and attempted bans to books doubled in 2022 according to data released by the American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom Monday.
WEKU · Apr 24, 2023 Graphic memoir 'Gender Queer' tops U.S. library group's list of most challenged books LGBTQ+-themed books remain the most likely targets of bans at public schools and libraries, the American Library Association says. Maia Kobabe's memoir topped the list for the second year in a row.
WEKU · Jan 4, 2023 Author Maia Kobabe: Struggling kids told me my book helped them talk to parents In 2020, Gender Queer was given a Stonewall Honor and an Alex Award and was headed for a fourth printing. By spring of 2022 it topped the ALA's list of most challenged books.
WEKU · Jan 4, 2023 Banned Books: Maia Kobabe explores gender identity in 'Gender Queer' Maia Kobabe set out to express an experience with gender identity. The graphic memoir Gender Queer is now the most banned book in the United States, according to the American Library Association.
Los Angeles Times · Dec 22, 2022 How 'Gender Queer: A Memoir' became America's most banned book SANTA ROSA, Calif. — Maia Kobabe grew up in an idyll. Cow fields threaded by a dirt road. No TV. Almost no internet. Nights fell over hills, stars shone bright, and Kobabe read fantasy novels, imagining other universes while searching for an identity, a glint of self to carry into…
Los Angeles Times · Sep 27, 2022 Robin Abcarian: I read 'Gender Queer,' the most banned book in America. And so should you. It doesn't take long to read the most banned book in America, an award-winning memoir in graphic novel form called "Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe. It's about the illustrator's yearslong quest to unravel what it means to be gender nonbinary — that is, to feel neither female nor male.
Salon · Sep 19, 2022 Texas bans more books than any state Across the country, more books have been removed as religious and conservative groups target LGBTQ and race issues