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I live, study and teach writing in a state that is one of the epicenters of book bans in this country. For years, Texas has consistently been a top-ranking state in book ban attempts in schools and libraries, according to the American Library Association (ALA), which publishes annual censorship reports.

In its latest report for 2024, the organization recorded 821 attempts to ban library books and other materials in the US. Many of these books are first challenged before banned, and they are often not from the disgruntled parents you may be thinking of. According to the ALA, most censorship attempts last year came from “pressure groups and decision makers who have been swayed by them”. The most common reasons for book challenges: objections to sexual content and themes around race and racism, LGBTQ+ and other social justice issues.