[CALIBK12] Challenged Books

[Blanche Woolls]

Sometimes challenges are engineered by a group who remain in the dark 
corner when these things surface. If her daughter is having nightmares 
over the book, those parents better find out what else is going on in her 
life. If it is a legitimate challenge (meaning only one parent with no 
backup support in a dark corner) it may truly be that is the focus when 
something else is there. One time a challenge came over a book on the 
summer reading list (one of those 100 books you should read before you go 
to college) given to juniors who were going to be seniors. What the parent 
was really objecting to was assigning reading to her daughter, period. She 
picked on a book, but it was the idea of assigned reading when she thought 
her daughter should be book-free for that summer.

And, you have been lucky to have 10 non-confrontational years. Hopefully 
your colleagues can give you advice, too. It's always wiser to stand up as 
much as you can. However, Judy Krug recently deceased Director of 
ALA's IF office used to tell my students, "Don't stand up so long you get 
fired because that will only intimidate your replacement. Rather read the 
ALA Bill of Rights statement (all of it, slowly and distinctly, and in the 
presence of those who have ordered you to remove the book or other 
material) as you are removing it. Or maybe to your principal as you are 
discussing removing that book from your list.

You might suggest to him that sometimes challenges are made because 
outside groups are going to target this school and that removal might be 
just the first of several others.

Please do know that, although Judy Krug is no longer in the Intellectual 
Freedom Office of ALA, it is still staffed and they would be able to help 
you if it gets more of a hot spot. 1-800-545-2433 x4222.

Blanche

On Fri, 22 May 2009, Shelee Wilkerson wrote:

> 
> I took one day off and this is what I come back to!
> 
> Each year our school puts out a summer reading list. The lists are divided by grade
> level. The students are asked to read one book off of the list and two additional
> books of their choice. This year we went from three suggestions to eight suggestions
> per grade level. I was excited when I was asked to play a role in getting the lists
> together. I had several opportunities for the teachers, parents and students to
> contribute. When it came down to a sit down discussion there were a total of three of
> us participating (1 English Teacher, 1 Author/Parent, & myself) Preliminary lists were
> sent out and discussed at department meetings.
> 
> The lists were distributed to our freshman this week. One of the parents (who wouldn't
> release her name) objected to the Time Traveler's Wife which is on the 12th grade
> list. I have only been at this school for a year. Unfortunately I had been working on
> a challenge policy to take to the board, but it was never finished. Policy aside
> (which is now at the top of my list) administration wants to nip it in the bud and
> just remove it from the list. I don't agree with this decision. There are plenty of
> "innocent" reads on the list. No student is required to read the book. I might add,
> the child of this parent will be a sophomore next year.
> 
> Does anyone use Time Traveler's Wife for summer reads, book clubs or other programs?
> It has been so long I am going to have to reread it this weekend.
> 
> To make matters worse, or maybe better, another parent stepped into the library while
> I was gathering materials for my administrators and wanted to challenge Memoirs of a
> Geisha. She wants it removed from the library. I had her fill out a "reconsideration"
> form, thus obtaining her name and information as well as getting her reasoning in
> writing. She has not read the book, but she doesn't like the title. She stated that
> nobody should read the book unless "your purpose is dirty-minded." Evidently her
> daughter is having nightmares about it. My administration agrees that this is a crazy
> request. Mom doesn't want me to check out any objectionable material to her daughter,
> so unfortunately I need to tell her it is all or nothing. I can't monitor the beliefs
> of 1500 students. Fortunately our public library is within walking distance and our
> students utilize their offerings. She will end up getting books there.
> 
> I would appreciate any input. In my six years I haven't had to deal with a challenge.
> I guess it is about time.
> 
>  
> 
> Shelee Wilkerson
> 
> South Pasadena High School
> 
>  
> 
> 
>