UNITED STATES / RankWire.AI / – During the 2025-26 academic year, nearly 12,000 books were banned in U.S. public schools, according to PEN America. The total number of cases reached 11,982 across 114 school districts and involved 7,370 distinct titles. Over 4,000 authors, illustrators, and translators experienced restrictions on their work. Among those affected were Canadian writers Margaret Atwood and Ryan North. These figures marked the highest annual total since PEN America began tracking school book bans in 2021.
The classic novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Atwood once again appeared on the list of banned books. North’s interactive story Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable Path Adventure was added to the index for the first time. Titles aimed at young adults comprised more than half of all banned books, with fiction making up over 80% of the total cases. The index also saw over 4,500 titles listed for the first time, broadening the scope of literature caught in censorship debates within schools.
Most bans were concentrated in Texas and Florida, which accounted for the majority of the recorded cases. Texas reported more than 8,100 bans, while Florida registered over 3,200. PEN America highlighted that legislation in these states impacted bans in 72% of the districts it monitored. During the 2025-26 school year, Texas Senate Bill 13 increased parental oversight over school library collections and introduced statewide rules targeting materials deemed harmful, indecent, profane, or inappropriate for minors.
Conservative organizations play a key role in challenging books
Organized conservative groups have significantly influenced efforts to challenge and remove books in public educational settings. Groups such as Moms for Liberty, Citizens Defending Freedom, and Parents’ Rights in Education have supported numerous challenges and removal initiatives. PEN America identified these organizations as actively engaged in conservative political advocacy. Separate national library data indicated that 92% of 2025 book challenges originated from pressure groups, public officials, and institutional decision-makers. In contrast, individual parents accounted for fewer than 3% of the reported challenges.
These statistics have intensified discussions about the influence of political campaigns on access to school literature. PEN America notes that restrictions often target books addressing race, racism, LGBTQ+ issues, sexuality, and sexual violence. Books about people of color are frequently found in the organization’s records. Many titles targeted for removal had already been chosen by educators and librarians for school collections. Increasingly, laws, public hearings, and organized challenges determine which books remain accessible to students.
Concerns over free speech escalate amid record-breaking bans
The extent of these restrictions now extends well beyond isolated school disputes. PEN America has documented over 34,000 school book bans since 2021. The American Library Association separately reported 4,235 unique titles challenged during 2025, along with 5,668 books banned from libraries and another 920 with restricted access. Although their tracking methods differ, both organizations reveal an unprecedented level of pressure on educational and literary access.
The involvement of Atwood and North introduces a Canadian element to a conflict primarily centered on U.S. education policy. Republican-supported laws and conservative advocacy groups have emerged as influential players in decisions affecting school library collections. Free-expression advocates argue that these widespread removals diminish access to literature that explores race, identity, sexuality, and other sensitive topics. Supporters of restrictions contend that schools must keep inappropriate material away from minors. The latest figures illustrate that the controversy now impacts thousands of books across the country.