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Book Bans Surge in U.S. with Stephen King and 'A Clockwork Orange' Topping Lists

Book bans are on the rise in the U.S. Find out which titles are most targeted and why.

In this image I see number of books on which there is something written and I see that it is dark...
In this image I see number of books on which there is something written and I see that it is dark over here.

Book Bans Surge in U.S. with Stephen King and 'A Clockwork Orange' Topping Lists

Book bans have surged in the U.S., with over 6,800 instances recorded in the 2024-2025 school year. Stephen King tops the list of most banned authors, with 'Carrie' and 'The Stand' among the most targeted works. Anthony Burgess' 'A Clockwork Orange' leads all authors in total bans.

Thousands of books are removed from schools and libraries annually due to community pressure, political influence, or legal concerns. Many are banned for LGBTQ+ themes, racial depictions, or violent content. Florida, Texas, and Tennessee account for 80% of these bans, driven by laws mandating the removal of 'objectionable' books.

PEN America reports higher numbers of book bans than the American Library Association due to methodological differences. The U.S. Department of Education has ended investigations into book bans, dismissing the issue as a 'hoax'. Meanwhile, Illinois, Maryland, and New Jersey have laws limiting libraries' authority to pull books.

The U.S. has seen a significant increase in book bans, with Stephen King's works and 'A Clockwork Orange' among the most targeted. While some states have laws protecting books, others have seen a surge in removals, primarily due to ideological disputes. The future of book accessibility and freedom of expression remains uncertain.

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