SALT LAKE CITY, UT — The ongoing debate over book bans in Utah public schools intensified this week as the statewide list of prohibited titles expanded to 22. On January 5, 2026, three additional books were added to the list, following removals initiated by multiple school districts in accordance with a controversial law enacted in 2024. The newly banned titles include Gregory Maguire's "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," Jodi Picoult's "Nineteen Minutes," and Stephen Chbosky's "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." The removals stem from H.B. 29, a law passed in 2024 that empowers public schools to eliminate instructional materials categorized as "objective sensitive material." According to the law, if a title is removed by at least three school districts—or a combination of two districts and five charter schools—it triggers a statewide ban. This measure aligns with definitions of pornographic or indecent material established in the Utah code, raising concerns about the implications for educational freedom and censorship. The three newly added titles reflect a growing trend of challenges against literature deemed inappropriate by some parents and community members. "Wicked," published in 1995, is a reimagining of L. Frank Baum's iconic story from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West. The narrative explores complex themes of good and evil, making it both a popular and controversial choice in educational settings. In a 2024 interview with BBC Radio 4, Maguire expressed an interest in examining societal perceptions of "evil," a theme that may have contributed to its removal. "Nineteen Minutes," a 2007 bestseller, delves into the harrowing aftermath of a school shooting, and has faced numerous challenges nationally. Picoult has spoken out against the bans, emphasizing that objections often focus on a single scene in the book that critics label as inappropriate. In an interview with The Associated Press, she asserted, "That passage is not porn," highlighting the ongoing struggle over the boundaries of acceptable content in school libraries. Similarly, Chbosky's "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," told through the lens of a teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence, has been frequently challenged for its candid exploration of issues such as mental health, love, and friendship. Chbosky has documented the numerous challenges his work has faced, stating that he has "lost track" of the number of times it has been targeted. In a commentary for the National Coalition Against Censorship, he noted the positive feedback from readers who found solace in the book during difficult times, underscoring its significance for many young people. The implications of these bans extend beyond the immediate removal of books from school libraries. In Utah, the State Board of Education maintains a publicly accessible list of titles designated for removal; however, this list does not provide insight into the specific reasons behind each district's decision. The bans primarily affect school access, particularly in libraries and for instructional use. Despite this, a 2025 guidance shift allows students to bring personal copies of banned titles or borrow them from public libraries, though they remain ineligible for class assignments. As the list of prohibited titles continues to grow, the educational landscape in Utah faces ongoing scrutiny. Critics argue that these bans stifle intellectual freedom and limit students' exposure to diverse perspectives, while supporters maintain that they aim to protect children from inappropriate content. The debate raises essential questions about the role of educators and parents in determining what materials are suitable for school environments. The current statewide removal list now includes a total of 22 titles, a concerning number for advocates of free expression in literature. The full list encompasses a range of genres and themes, from contemporary young adult fiction to classic narratives, reflecting a broad spectrum of literary voices. As the conversation continues, educators, parents, and students alike must navigate the complexities of censorship, literature, and the educational mission of public schools in Utah. The following titles are now on Utah's statewide removal list: - "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" — Gregory Maguire - "Nineteen Minutes" — Jodi Picoult - "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" — Stephen Chbosky - "Water for Elephants" — Sara Gruen - "Tilt" — Ellen Hopkins - "Fallout" — Ellen Hopkins - "Tricks" — Ellen Hopkins - "Blankets" — Craig Thompson - "A Court of Thorns and Roses" — Sarah J. Maas - "A Court of Mist and Fury" — Sarah J. Maas - "A Court of Wings and Ruin" — Sarah J. Maas - "A Court of Frost and Starlight" — Sarah J. Maas - "A Court of Silver Flames" — Sarah J. Maas - "Empire of Storms" — Sarah J. Maas - "Damsel" — Elana K. Arnold - "Forever" — Judy Blume - "Like a Love Story" — Abdi Nazemian - "Living Dead Girl" — Elizabeth Scott - "Milk and Honey" — Rupi Kaur - "Oryx & Crake" — Margaret Atwood - "What Girls Are Made Of" — Elana K. Arnold - "Thirteen Reasons Why" — Jay Asher.