Day: April 7, 2025

Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024

| Tasha

ALA has released their list of the 10 most challenged books of 2024 as part of their annual observance of National Library Week. Most books on the list were challenged due to “false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and dealing with topics of race, racism, inclusivity, equity and social justice.” These are just the top titles out of the almost 2500 unique titles facing challenges last year.

All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Flamer by Mike Curato

Take a look at ALA’s The State of America’s Libraries report for more information on ways to support libraries and the freedom to read.

The Gift of the Great Buffalo by Carole Lindstrom

| Tasha
The Gift of the Great Buffalo bookcover

The Gift of the Great Buffalo by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Aly McKnight (9781547606887)

A young Métis-Ojibwe girl, Rose, travels with her family to the biannual buffalo hunt where they are joined by hundreds of other families. The hunt has become more difficult as white people and trains take over the prairies. Rose longs to join her father, who is one of the hunt’s captains. After days of no buffalo being spotted, Rose decides to help scout. She tracks the buffalo, thinking of herself as a wolf and sensing them nearby. While Rose found the buffalo, she has to also face her father, who told her not to leave camp.

A story that speaks to the real life on the prairie, the impact of white settlers and railroads, and the beliefs of the Métis people, this picture book is filled with an impactful mix of small details and a grand adventure. Written by Lindstrom who is Métis-Ojibwe and illustrated by McKnight who is a member of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes, the authenticity of the story is particularly noteworthy. The watercolor illustrations have a luminous quality that captures the light on the prairie and the beauty of the landscapes, creatures and people.

Appropriate for ages 4-8.

Reviewed from e-galley.