HONOLULU (KHON2) — Banned Books Week kicked off on Sunday, Sept. 18, and ends on Saturday, Sept. 24. It’s an annual celebration — and reminder — of the importance of the freedom to read. Though the Hawaii State Public Library System does not maintain a list of banned books in Hawaii, many of the library branches across the state have small exhibits of books that have been banned at different points in history.

They encourage everyone to explore the world of ideas and read a banned book.

Last year, the American Library Association tracked 729 challenges to library, school and university materials. Of the 1,597 books that were targeted, here’s the list of the most challenged, along with the reasons cited for censoring the books.

#1 Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

Banned, challenged and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images.

#2 Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison

Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.

#3 All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson

Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, profanity and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.

#4 Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez

Banned, challenged and restricted for depictions of abuse and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.

#5 The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Banned and challenged for profanity, violence and because it was thought to promote an anti-police message and indoctrination of a social agenda.

#6 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references and use of a derogatory term.

#7 Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and degrading to women.

#8 The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Banned and challenged because it depicts child sexual abuse and was considered sexually explicit.

#9 This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson

Banned, challenged, relocated and restricted for providing sexual education and LGBTQIA+ content.

#10 Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin

Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.

To learn more about Banned Books Week, click here.