Book bans and attempted bans remain at record highs, with ‘Sold’ topping the list
By Hillel Italie,
The Associated Press
APRIL 20, 2026
My take…
This article reminds me why it is so important to talk about challenged and banned books. I believe parents should have a voice in what their own children read, but removing books from everyone because they contain difficult subjects can prevent other readers from discovering stories that help them understand experiences different from their own. Sold being the most challenged book of 2025 is especially striking because it tells the story of child trafficking and exploitation—an injustice that deserves to be understood, not hidden. For me, protecting the freedom to read means giving readers access to a wide range of stories while also encouraging thoughtful conversations about age, maturity, and content.
Read the full article…
