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Utah Bans Three More Books Amid Growing Censorship Concerns

1/6/2026

39 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Utah State Board of Education banned three books, including Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, as of January 5, 2026.
The move adds to a list of 22 banned titles in Utah schools.
PEN America reports 6,870 bans across 23 states from July 2024 to June 2025.
Authors Jodi Picoult and Stephen Chbosky criticize the bans as limiting discussions.

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Story summary

The Utah State Board of Education banned three books, including Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, as of January 5, 2026.
The move adds to a list of 22 banned titles in Utah schools.
PEN America reports 6,870 bans across 23 states from July 2024 to June 2025.
Authors Jodi Picoult and Stephen Chbosky criticize the bans as limiting discussions.