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Utah Bans 'Thirteen Reasons Why,' Totaling 19 Books

10/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Utah added the young-adult novel Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher to its statewide banned-book list, bringing total titles to 19.
The action follows state law HB 29, which requires removal from all public school libraries of books deemed 'objectively sensitive material' banned by three districts.
Critics, including Madison Markham of PEN America, say the law undermines local control and deprives students of resources.
The list also shows a trend toward works primarily authored by women.

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Story summary

Utah added the young-adult novel Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher to its statewide banned-book list, bringing total titles to 19.
The action follows state law HB 29, which requires removal from all public school libraries of books deemed 'objectively sensitive material' banned by three districts.
Critics, including Madison Markham of PEN America, say the law undermines local control and deprives students of resources.
The list also shows a trend toward works primarily authored by women.