BOOKS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK 2023
BOOKS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK, beginning September 27, will enter its 16th consecutive year of exploring the content of books targeted for suppression.
BOOKS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK is a 60-minute program of readings of short excerpts from the top ten most frequently challenged books of 2022, accompanied by background on each book, including the reasons for their challenges. The readings are followed by an audience discussion. The actual or attempted restriction of access to books across the United States continues to rise at an alarming rate. For 2022, ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom documented the highest number of attempted book bans since they began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022 nearly doubled the 729 book challenges reported in 2021. The vast majority of the titles targeted were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community or by and about Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color. Every year since 1982, the American Library Association has released a list of the top ten most frequently challenged books as reported to their Office of Intellectual Freedom. BOOKS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK features those books, celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the first amendment. 
The BOOKS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK script is adapted by Katy Nielsen (pictured) who has been producing this program in association with City Lit Theater Company for 17 years.
The cast of this years BOOKS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK will be announced soon! |
Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2022:
See the Top 10 List HERE
1. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe Number of challenges: 151 Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit 2. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson Number of challenges: 86 Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit 3. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Number of challenges: 73 Challenged for depiction of sexual abuse, EDI (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) content, claimed to be sexually explicit 4. Flamer by Mike Curato Number of challenges: 62 Challenged for LGBTQIA+ claimed to be sexually explicit 5. (TIE) Looking for Alaska by John Green Number of challenges: 55 Challenged for LGBTQIA+ claimed to be sexually explicit 5. (TIE) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Number of challenges: 55 Challenged for depiction of sexual abuse, LGBTQIA+ content, drug use, profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit 6. Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison Number of challenges: 54 Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit 8. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Number of challenges: 52 Challenged for profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit 9. Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez Number of challenges: 50 Challenged for depictions of abuse, claimed to be sexually explicit 10. (TIE) A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas Number of challenges: 48 Challenged for claimed to be sexually explicit 10. (TIE) Crank by Ellen Hopkins Number of challenges: 48 Challenged for drug use, claimed to be sexually explicit 10. (TIE) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews Number of challenges: 48 Challenged for profanity, claimed to be sexually explicit 10. (TIE) This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson Number of challenges: 48 Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, sexual education, claimed to be sexually explicit |
Books on the Chopping Block 2022
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Since 2006, our core members have worked closely with Chicago's City Lit Theater to produce their annual Books on the Chopping Block program in celebration of Banned Books Week! The American Library Association has released the list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books in the United States, and we are currently working with our talented performers to bring these books to life! Banned Books Week took place from September 26 - October 2, 2021 See the 2020 Top 10 List HERE Watch The Full Program HERE Watch the American Library Association's "Live" video teaser for the 2020 event HERE |
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