Stephen King Breaks One Infamous Record, Blames ‘Self-Righteous Book Banners’

Stephen King has called himself the “most banned author in the United States” after revealing that 87 of his books have been removed from school libraries across the country.

The legendary author spoke out on X, criticizing the people responsible for restricting access to his work. He urged critics not to complain about his books, but to simply pick one up and read it.

While King’s novels are not banned nationwide, many have been pulled from schools due to content considered sexually explicit. Florida has been one of the states with the highest number of removals.

Last year, King reacted strongly when 23 of his books were banned in a Florida school district, posting on X, “Florida has banned 23 [of] my books. What the f****?”

Some of the most well-known titles affected include The Gunslinger, The Running Man, Carrie, Four Past Midnight, Bag of Bones, It, and The Long Walk. Several of these novels, like The Running Man, have also been adapted into films, making their removal from schools even more controversial.

King’s reaction highlights ongoing debates over censorship and the role of literature in education.

While some parents and school boards argue that certain material is inappropriate for students, authors and advocates see these bans as a threat to creative expression and the freedom to read.

Limiting access to books like King’s in schools does more harm than good. His work often explores complex themes and encourages critical thinking, which can be valuable for young readers.

Banning books because of difficult topics ignores the opportunity for meaningful discussion. What do you think about these book bans and King’s response? Share your thoughts in the comments.