Yes, Patron Saints of Nothing Is Banned!
ISBN: 9780525554929
Patron Saints of Nothing follows Jay Reguero, a Filipino American teenager who learns that his cousin Jun was killed in Philippine President Duterte’s war on drugs. Wracked with guilt over losing touch with Jun, Jay travels to the Philippines to uncover the truth about his cousin’s death. What he finds forces him to confront the complexity of family, complicity, and justice.
A National Book Award finalist and a New York Times Notable Book, the novel has been challenged for its depictions of the drug war, violence, and profanity. It remains one of the few widely read YA novels to center Filipino American identity and the real-world consequences of Duterte’s extrajudicial killings.
Why Was It Banned?
Where Was It Banned?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Patron Saints of Nothing banned?
Yes, Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay has been banned or challenged in 5 documented instances across 2 states in the United States, including Texas, Florida. It remains one of the most frequently challenged books in America.
Why was Patron Saints of Nothing banned?
Patron Saints of Nothing has been challenged and banned for the following reasons: Drug Use, Violence, Profanity. These challenges have come from school boards, libraries, and parent groups seeking to restrict access to the book.
Where is Patron Saints of Nothing banned?
As of 2025, Patron Saints of Nothing has been banned or challenged in Texas, Florida. Notable bans include Keller ISD (2022), Escambia County School District (2023).