[CALIBK12] Challenged Books

[Catania, Amy]

Shelee,

 

It is unfortunate that you have this situation.  It seems that the
parent does not understand that a geisha was not the same as a whore.
There were geishas who did not provide sexual favors (although some
did).  We do require the person to have read the book, since on our form
we ask parents to quote out objectionable parts.  I thought it might
help to see part of our challenge policy.  I copied and pasted Chapter
10 from our collection development policy manual and the form that we
use into a word document so that you can compare/contrast and use it as
you see fit.  I hope it helps a bit.  I have been fortunate enough not
to have a challenge (knock on wood, cross my fingers), so I cannot speak
from experience, but I do hope you can find something useful from this
attachment.

 

Amy Catania

Librarian

PVHS

 

________________________________

From: calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu
[mailto:calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu] On Behalf Of Shelee Wilkerson
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 10:16 AM
To: calibk12 at lists.sjsu.edu
Subject: [CALIBK12] Challenged Books

 

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

 

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