“Twilight”, “ACOTAR”, “Red White & Royal Blue ”Among Most-Banned Romance Books — Is Your Favorite One of Them?

# PEN America Reveals Most-Banned Romance Books: A Look at the Top Controversial Novels

PEN America, a prominent organization that advocates against book censorship, has unveiled a list of the most banned romance novels in U.S. schools. The announcement, made just in time for Valentine’s Day, sheds light on the ongoing issue of book censorship across the country. Let’s delve into the details of the controversial titles that sparked debates in over 20 school districts during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Among the seven titles that made the list, two popular fantasy series by renowned author Sarah J. Maas stood out. Maas’s widely acclaimed works, including ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ and the ‘Throne of Glass’ series, were among the novels that faced bans. Additionally, the well-known paranormal romance saga ‘Twilight’ by Stephenie Meyer was also subject to restrictions, raising concerns about the freedom to access diverse literary content in educational settings.

In addition to Maas and Meyer’s works, other banned books on the list were standalone titles aimed at young adult readers. Notable mentions include ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ by John Green, ‘Last Night at the Telegraph Club’ by Malinda Lo, ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ by Casey McQuiston, and ‘Like a Love Story’ by Abdi Nazemian. These novels, which explore a range of themes and relationships, faced scrutiny and challenges to their inclusion in school libraries.

According to PEN America’s findings, a staggering total of 10,046 unique titles were banned during the same school year, marking a concerning escalation in book censorship incidents. More than 4,000 of these titles were removed from school libraries, indicating a significant impact on students’ access to diverse literature. The data highlights a distressing trend, with a substantial portion of banned books primarily focusing on narratives by and about women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Moreover, the report revealed that 57% of the banned titles featured themes or depictions related to sex, with over 30% highlighting issues such as sexual assault and violence. Approximately 5% of the banned books focused on topics like puberty, sexual education, and sexual health, underscoring the challenges faced by authors addressing important but sensitive subjects in their works.

In response to the escalating book banning crisis, PEN America announced a collaboration with Authors Against Book Bans. The joint initiative aims to support romance authors and their readers, particularly teenagers, by offering a series of interviews with renowned writers. By engaging in conversations about love, desire, and relationships, the organizations seek to provide a platform for celebrating diverse voices and narratives in the literary world.

As the debate over book bans continues to unfold, it raises broader questions about freedom of expression, diversity in literature, and the importance of inclusive storytelling. The impact of censorship on readers, especially young adults exploring complex themes through books, underscores the need to safeguard access to a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Through initiatives like the partnership between PEN America and Authors Against Book Bans, there is a concerted effort to promote dialogue, understanding, and the preservation of literary freedoms.

For more updates and insights on book bans and literary controversies, visit PEN America’s official website. Stay informed about the evolving landscape of literary censorship and the ongoing discussions surrounding the freedom to read and engage with diverse stories and ideas.