Graphic memoir 'Gender Queer' tops U.S. library group's list of most challenged books

Maia Kobabe's graphic memoir Gender Queer was the most "challenged" book of 2022, the second consecutive year it has topped the list compiled by the American Library Association. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Rick Bowmer / Rick Bowmer

With Florida legislators barring even the mention of being gay in classrooms and similar restrictions under consideration in other states, a report released Monday says books with LGBTQ+ themes remain the most likely targets of bans or attempted bans at public schools and libraries around the country.

The American Library Association announced that Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir “Gender Queer” was the most “challenged” book of 2022, the second consecutive year it has topped the list.

The ALA defines a challenge as a “formal, written complaint filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness.”