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Utah bans 18th book from public schools

Person pulling a book from a library shelf.
WavebreakmediaMicro / AdobeStock
Person pulling a book from a library shelf.

Sixteen of the books banned so far were written by women.

The Utah State Board of Education has banned another book from public school libraries statewide. That brings the number of banned books to 18 since 2024.

In Utah books or other content can be banned if at least three districts deem it inappropriate.

This month, Sara Gruen’s bestselling 2006 novel “Water for Elephants” met the threshold and was added to the list.

The 2006 novel chronicles the memories of a fictional veterinarian who works for a traveling circus during the Great Depression. It was ranked No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

In 2011, Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson starred in the film adaptation and a Tony-nominated stage musical opened on Broadway last year.

Utah’s book banning law passed during the 2024 General Session under HB 29, the Sensitive Material Review Amendments.

Under the law and per guidance from the state board of education, districts forward complaints of “sensitive materials” to a committee of parents and educators to determine whether the content should be restricted. The law defines “sensitive material” as "pornographic," "indecent" or "harmful" material for children.

Axios reports “Water for Elephants” was flagged by Davis, Tooele and Cache school districts.

In March Ellen Hopkins’ young adult novel, “Tricks” was banned from public schools and in January “Like a Love Story” by Abdi Nazemain and “Damsel” by Elana K. Arnold were added to the list.

The Park City School District was one of three schools that targeted Aronld’s novel.

All titles on the board’s list were available for students in grades 7 through 12 or 9 through 12.