Hi Diane,
The most important part is listening to the parent explain, vent, worry. Sit
down with him/her – give the parent your undivided attention. Empathize – and
reflect back what you hear. Sometimes is worry about a child who’s
experiencing strange behavior – or maybe just adolescent curiosity. This
usually diffuses the problem. When he/she is ready to hear, explain the
process you use to choose books. Most parents have no idea. Most admin and
teachers are equally ignorant. Which brings me to the next takeaway…
Do you have a process in place for a challenge? I certainly have had my share
;-) of challenges even in “Progressive” and “liberal” schools. It is essential
to have a Board approved policy so, if you don’t, this is your canary in the
coal mine event. It should reflect your actual selection process and have a
section about unsolicited gifts and challenges. I’m happy to walk you through
the process – or, as Jole reminds us, the OIF is ready to help!
Best,
debbie
From: baisl-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:baisl-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf ;
Of Mark Roquet
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2016 3:52 PM
To: baisl@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [baisl] Re: Drama
They are very popular here too, with students from second grade through middle
school. We also use SLJ to guide students and parents but generally only
restrict access to books that have serious middle school-level sex/violence.
There are plenty of heterosexual kisses on cheeks (not to mention mouths) in
children’s literature, and the world would be a better place if kids saw more
positive depictions of LGBT teens in children’s books. I think it’s especially
important that these books are available to kids that are starting to figure
out their own identities. I would absolutely have Drama in a K-4 library.
Sorry this happened, Diane.
Mark
Mark Roquet | Librarian
The Seven Hills School | 975 North San Carlos Drive | Walnut Creek, CA 94598
T. 925.933.0666 x4991 | F. 925.933.6271
<http://www.sevenhillsschool.org/> School Website |
<https://www.facebook.com/sevenhillsschool?_rdr=p> Facebook|
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On May 11, 2016, at 2:29 PM, Jole Seroff <jseroff@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:jseroff@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> > wrote:
Hi, Diane,
I'm sorry you're dealing with this! On the other hand, I believe Drama has some
same-sex attraction/emotional awakening themes, so at least it doesn't sound
like you're getting explicitly homophobic complaints!
I was going to mention the same thing Debra did, which is that we rely on SLJ
for approximate grade ranges. We do not limit students if they wish to borrow
books from our collection, we just give them a heads up: hey, this book is
actually for older readers. We open a conversation with the student and try to
help her understand if in fact this is the right book for her at this time.
That being said, if a parent wishes to be a part of choosing what her child
reads she is of course within her rights. The trouble is when one parent wants
to decide what's acceptable for all the children. I'm sure you know that if you
need support you can reach out to the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom.
<http://www.ala.org/offices/oif>
Best,
Jole
On Wed, May 11, 2016 at 11:46 AM, Diane Simoneau <dsimoneau@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:dsimoneau@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> > wrote:
Hell All
I just had a first parent strongly object to having Raina Telegmeier's Drama in
the library because someone is kissed on the cheek in it. I know that Drama,
Sisters and Smile are really for 10 and up but my students are crazy about
them. Boys and girls, first grade and up are wild about them. There is nothing
really inappropriate in them so I do stock them in my K-4 collection. Just
wondering what others do about this.
Thanks
Diane
--
Jole Seroff
Director of Library and Information Services
Castilleja School
1310 Bryant St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 470-7765
jseroff@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:jseroff@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
WOMEN LEARNING I WOMEN LEADING
