Last three years see a surge of banned books in the U.S.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Book lovers beware. A book you may be reading could make its way to the banned list.

There has been a recent rash of banned books in the U.S. in the last three years.

Between 2021 and 2023, more than 8,000 book titles were challenged by schools and public libraries, arguing that the book’s contents were either sexually explicit or portrayed racist themes.

Some books that were challenged last year were “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” “Flamer, “and “The Bluest Eye.”

Between 2015 and 2020, only about 400 books were challenged.

In 2022, Rapid City Area Schools withheld more than 350 titles.

Librarian Christopher Hahn says there is no reason for books to be banned.

”Oh yeah, yeah. People need access to knowledge. You know, when you take away that knowledge then people can’t make informed decisions about things,” says Hahn.

Hahn added the recent surge of banned books could be attributed to ultra-conservative thinking. He went on to say the most challenging category of books is teen novels.

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