Yes, Nineteen Minutes Is Banned!
ISBN: 9780743496735
Nineteen Minutes tells the story of a school shooting in a small New Hampshire town, weaving together the perspectives of the shooter, his victims, their families, and the community left to pick up the pieces. Picoult examines the roots of bullying and social exclusion with unflinching honesty, asking uncomfortable questions about complicity and whether violence can ever be understood without being excused.
With 98 bans in the 2023-24 school year alone, Nineteen Minutes was the single most banned book in America that year. Challengers cite its graphic depictions of violence and a sexual scene between teenagers. The bans have swept through school districts in Florida, Texas, Iowa, Utah, and beyond, with entire states implementing broad removal policies that swept Picoult’s novel off shelves alongside dozens of other titles.
Why Was It Banned?
Where Was It Banned?
Read It Anyway
The best response to a book ban is reading the book. Here's where to get it:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nineteen Minutes banned?
Yes, Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult has been banned or challenged in 198 documented instances across 7 states in the United States, including Florida, Texas, Iowa, Utah, Missouri. It remains one of the most frequently challenged books in America.
Why was Nineteen Minutes banned?
Nineteen Minutes has been challenged and banned for the following reasons: Violence, Sexual Content. These challenges have come from school boards, libraries, and parent groups seeking to restrict access to the book.
Where is Nineteen Minutes banned?
As of 2025, Nineteen Minutes has been banned or challenged in Florida, Texas, Iowa, Utah, Missouri, South Carolina, Virginia. Notable bans include Escambia County School District (2023), Granbury ISD (2023), Des Moines Public Schools (2023).