Stephen King has become the most banned author in U.S. schools, according to PEN America’s latest report, Banned in the USA. The study recorded over 6,800 instances of books being permanently or temporarily removed during the 2024-25 school year, with King’s works being the most frequently targeted amid growing concerns over content in educational settings.
Geographic Concentration of Book Bans
Three states—Florida, Texas, and Tennessee—accounted for 80 percent of all reported bans on school reading materials. Florida alone was responsible for approximately 2,000 book removals, with several counties contributing heavily to the restriction of King’s titles. This regional focus highlights how local policies and school district decisions are influencing access to literature.
Reasons Behind the Removal of Stephen King’s Books
Kasey Meehan, director of PEN’s Freedom to Read program and co-author of the report, explained the broader context in which King’s works are being removed.
“His books are often removed from shelves when ‘adult’ titles or books with ‘sex content’ are targeted for removal – these prohibitions overwhelmingly ban LGBTQ+ content and books on race, racism and people of color – but also affect titles like Stephen King’s books,”
Meehan said. She added that
“some districts – in being overly cautious or fearful of punishment – will sweep so wide they end up removing Stephen King from access, too.”
Scope of Stephen King’s Affected Works
Stephen King’s bibliography includes iconic novels such as It, The Shining, The Stand, and Misery, alongside newer releases like Revival and Joyland. The report notes 207 instances of censorship involving his titles, with Carrie and The Stand among the 87 specific works affected by bans. Despite these challenges, King remains an active figure in literature and media.
Stephen King’s Ongoing Influence and Upcoming Projects
Despite being recognized as the most-banned author, King’s prolific output has not diminished. His 61st novel, Never Flinch, debuted in May 2025. Additionally, 2025 has seen the adaptation of three of his works into films: The Life of Chuck, The Long Walk, and The Running Man. The HBO prequel series Welcome to Derry, connected to King’s famous It story, also premiered this year, demonstrating his continued cultural relevance amid ongoing censorship debates.
