10 books that were banned or challenged heavily around the US in 2018, according to the American Library Association

What it's about: When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.

George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be "Charlotte's Web". George really, really, really wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part ... because she's a "boy."

Reasons, per ALA: The book was challenged due to the belief that it would encourage children to change their bodies using hormones, and for mentioning "dirty magazines," describing male anatomy, "creating confusion," and including a transgender character. Also challenged for teaching kids how to clear their browser histories, as when George did so to hide her research on transgender identities.

What it's about: HBO's Emmy-winning Last Week Tonight with John Oliver presents a children's picture book about a Very Special boy bunny who falls in love with another boy bunny.

Meet Marlon Bundo, a lonely bunny who lives with his Grampa, Mike Pence — the Vice President of the United States. On this Very Special Day, Marlon's life is about to change forever ...

This book for kids explores issues of same-sex marriage and democracy. Sweet, funny, and beautifully illustrated, this better Bundo book is dedicated to every bunny who has ever felt different.

Reasons, per ALA: The book was banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ content, and for political and religious viewpoints.

What it's about: Meet George and Harold, two fourth graders with big imaginations. The only thing they enjoy more than playing practical jokes is creating their own comic books about a superhero named Captain Underpants. But nothing can prepare them for what happens when their comic-book character comes to life.

Reasons, per ALA: The series was challenged because it was perceived as encouraging disruptive behavior, while "Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot" was challenged for including a same-sex couple.

What it's about: Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon over Mississippi, she can't really sing. Instead, she's the set designer for the drama department's stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage and offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen. And when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier.

Reasons, per ALA: The book was banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ characters and themes.

What it's about:

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker — his classmate and crush — who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why.

Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and as he follows Hannah's recorded words throughout his town, what he discovers changes his life forever.

Reasons, per ALA: The book was banned, challenged, and restricted for addressing teen suicide.

If you are having thoughts of suicide and need to talk to someone confidentially, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) free anytime if you are in the United States.

What it's about: Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. One of the local teens — just a couple of years older than Rose and Windy — is caught up in something bad ... Something life-threatening.

It's a summer of secrets, and sorrow, and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.

Reasons, per ALA: The book was banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and certain illustrations.

What it's about: Bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school to attend an all-white, farm-town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.

Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian", which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by Ellen Forney that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.

Reasons, per ALA: The book was banned and challenged for sexual references, profanity, violence, gambling, and underage drinking, and for its religious viewpoint.

What it's about: In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBTQ community, "This Day In June" welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united. Also included is a Reading Guide full of facts about LGBTQ history and culture, as well as a Note to Parents and Caregivers with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways. This Day In June is an excellent tool for teaching respect, acceptance, and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

Reasons, per ALA: The book was challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content.

What it's about: Based on true events — and narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS — "Two Boys Kissing" follows Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record. While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teens dealing with universal questions of love, identity, and belonging.

Reasons, per ALA: The book was challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content.