We use SLJ as a guide (and our own reading) to determine whether a book should
live in the lower or the middle school section. Drama is in the middle school
section. If kids in grades 3-5 want to check out a book from the middle school
section, we put it on hold and give them a slip to have their parents sign. The
note explains the process and says “You may want to read the book with your
child or check in with them if they read it alone. If you would like to
discuss the specific merits of the book, we are happy to do so.” This is a
strategy we first tried out this school year, and we feel it has been working
out well. Having read the book and enjoyed it, I have to admit that I found the
plot a little confusing and had to read it twice. I have had some middle
schoolers say that they didn’t understand it. That said, it’s immensely popular
— I think mainly because the illustrations are just so appealing! Like so many
books, there will be different understandings based on age of the reader. Jenny
Jenny
On May 11, 2016, at 5:03 PM, Carolyn Karis <carolynkaris@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Agree with Mark about the issues. Important at a school with many types of
families.
Carolyn
Synergy School
Sent from my iPhone
On May 11, 2016, at 3:51 PM, Mark Roquet <mroquet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:mroquet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
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
School Website <http://www.sevenhillsschool.org/> |Facebook
<https://www.facebook.com/sevenhillsschool?_rdr=p>| Twitter
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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
