Abstract
The recent spike in attempts to ban books within the United States necessitates attention within librarianship, as to the root causes of book challenges, and the similarities and attributes of frequently challenged books. This analysis utilizes topic modeling to explore the content of frequently challenged and banned literature, in order to inform debate about how to address attempts to ban literature from public schools and libraries. Ultimately, the nature of topics within banned and challenged books supports the argument that librarians must be prepared to defend access to content which explores complex topics such as trauma, pain and marginalization, in order to effectively support intellectual freedom.