According to the American Library Association, a challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based on the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Most challenges are unsuccessful and many books are kept in the school curriculum or library collection.
Why are books challenged?
Books are challenged to protect people, usually children, from what some consider to be inappropriate reading material. The top three reasons for challenging materials are:
Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors
The Library Bill of Rights states that "A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views." Libraries are intended to provide free access to information for people of all ages, creeds, and backgrounds. Restriction of reading materials of minors lies within the purview of parents and guardians, not librarians and teachers. Censorship of library materials is generally considered a violation of the First Amendment.
Who challenges books?
From ALA Censorship by the Numbers
Mapping banned books in America
From ALA Censorship by the Numbers
For more information, check out these links:
The top 100 banned/challenged books from 2010-2019 are:
