According to a PEN report, Stephen King tops the list of banned authors in U.S. schools.

Published: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 1:06 pm

Stephen King Tops List of Banned Authors in U.S. Schools, Report Finds

NEW YORK - A new report from PEN America reveals a significant trend in U.S. schools: a surge in book bans, with author Stephen King topping the list of censored writers. The report, "Banned in the USA," documents over 6,800 instances of books being temporarily or permanently removed from schools for the 2024-2025 school year. While this number is down from over 10,000 the previous year, it remains considerably higher than in the years prior to the report's inception.

The report highlights a stark divide across the country. Approximately 80% of the bans originate from just three states: Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, which have enacted or are attempting to enforce laws targeting books deemed objectionable. Conversely, states like Illinois, Maryland, and New Jersey show minimal book removals due to laws that limit the ability of schools and libraries to ban books.

Stephen King's works were censored 206 times, with titles like "Carrie" and "The Stand" among the 87 affected. The most frequently banned book was Anthony Burgess's "A Clockwork Orange," with 23 recorded removals. Other authors facing significant restrictions include Patricia McCormick, Judy Blume, Jennifer Niven, Sarah J. Maas, and Jodi Picoult.

Common reasons cited for book removals include LGBTQ+ themes, depictions of race, and violent or sexually violent content. The report also notes a trend of preemptive removals, driven by anticipated community, political, or legal pressures rather than direct threats.

The report also touches on the involvement of the federal government, noting the Department of Education's decision to end an initiative investigating the legality of book bans, calling the issue a "hoax." The report also includes the Department of Defense's removal of hundreds of books from K-12 school libraries for military families.

PEN's methodology differs from that of the American Library Association, which also tracks book bans. PEN's numbers are higher because they include any book removed or restricted for any length of time, while the ALA focuses on permanent removals or restrictions. Both organizations acknowledge that their data is not exhaustive, relying on media reports and direct information.

BNN's Perspective: The issue of book bans in schools is complex, reflecting a clash of values regarding parental rights, academic freedom, and the role of literature in shaping young minds. While concerns about age-appropriateness and potentially harmful content are valid, the widespread removal of books, particularly those addressing LGBTQ+ themes or race, raises concerns about censorship and the suppression of diverse perspectives. A balanced approach is needed, one that respects parental concerns while also ensuring students have access to a wide range of literature that reflects the complexities of the world.

Keywords: book bans, Stephen King, censorship, schools, PEN America, banned books, LGBTQ+, race, Florida, Texas, Tennessee, education, libraries, freedom to read

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