According to the American Library Association, a banned book is a book that has been removed from the shelf of a library or school. A challenged book is a book that some people think should be removed, but hasn't been removed from the shelves of a library or school.
Book banning and challenging are forms of censorship.
Hundreds of books are challenged and banned each year in the United States alone.
Every September, the American Library Association - and CCC Library! - celebrate our freedom to read banned and challenged books, and we advocate for the freedom to access information at schools and libraries.
Image source: American Library Association