2016-09-26

RETURN TO THE SELF-CENSORSHIP LANDING PAGE

In SLJ‘s 2016 Controversial Books Survey, we asked school librarians to tell us about a book challenge they had personally experienced or to communicate any other information related to this topic.

Here’s what they had to say. Use the interactive controls provided to sort the comments below. Selecting an option in one of the three dropdown menus will filter the results to show only the comments for that region, locality, or school level. These filters can also be combined to see a very specific list. To clear any filter, simply choose the “ALL” option.

LIBRARIAN COMMENTS

REGION

LOCALITY

SCHOOL LEVEL

FILTER RESULTS (select filters for one or more fields; select ALL to clear a filter):

A book on terrorism was challenged by a student because the cover showed a pic of Middle Eastern people. He hadn’t read it but I gave him the book challenge form, but it never came back. Just as I suspected, he was more interested in creating a stir that actually doing something about it.

Northeast

Urban

H

A community read book (selected by another librarian in district) was challenged by a parent in my building. I had to provide evidence that book was age-appropriate (commonsense media) and reviewed well. Book was Hoot by Hiaasen and it was challenged due to language – ass damn

Northeast

Small Town

EM

A kindergarten student took out a book on terrorism but thought it was about fire fighters because of the fire on the front. The parent called and asked why her child would’ve been allowed to take this book. I explained that it had slipped by in error and yes, it should not have been checked out to her young child. I do not censor titles but I do believe in age appropriateness and do not allow children to take out books that are not age appropriate.

Canada

Small Town

EM

A parent asked that we remove all goosebumps and similar books from the library. I explained the process for challenging a book. I also explained that they had the right to limit what their child could read, but not what other children could read. They did not go forward with the challenge.

Canada

Urban

EM

A parent brought a challenge directly to our principal over the title “L8R, G8R” by Lauren Myracle. We had TTYL & TTFN also on the shelves and the books were consistently and extremely popular with 6th grade girls. I bought the 3rd book based on the series popularity without having read the book, and by the reviews. I then read the book and agree that it was not appropriate for middle school. However, I believed and still do that the other two books are fine for our school library. The principal supported the parent in requesting all 3 books be removed. My English teachers privately agreed with me, but didn’t object the principal’s decision.

Pacific

Small Town

M

A parent brought concerns about a book to the principal. A meeting was held with myself, principal, district representatives and the parent. We thought she would go through the formal challenge procedure. Instead she went to the Media (print & TV) to try to get the book banned. She felt this was her parental mission – to protect ALL students from this book. She never filed the paperwork and left the district. Administration asked that I remove the book from elementary to prevent any further problems. I acquiesced.

Mountain

Urban

EM

A parent came in and wanted the book Wicked : the life and times of the wicked witch of the West : a novel, by Gregory Maguire taken off the shelf because of its content. I received information from my principal about a committee that was being formed to make the review. I read the book and made detailed notes on everything I thought she could object to. She came in to find out the particulars and I told her that in order for the challenge to go forward, one of the stipulations by the district review process was that she had to read the entire book so she could see the “problems” in the context of the whole book. She was unwilling to do that, so the challenge was dropped and the book stayed on the shelf. I have a sign in my library that very plainly states that there are all kinds of books on the shelves and it is up to the readers and their parents to decide what is best for them. I also sometimes use a little shoe store analogy with students who question my choice of books. When you go to a shoe store, do you throw away every pair of shoes you take off the shelf and don’t like? No, you put them back and pretty soon someone will come along who likes those shoes.

Mountain

Suburban

H

A parent challenged the book “Out of the Dust”, stating that it was too violent for her fourth grade student. The challenge was settled by the site level review committee. Reference was made to a former BOE decision on a challenged book that was a result of mediation. The parent did not appeal to the next level (district level review committee). Her student finished the year at our school and, subsequently, was transferred to private school.

South Central

Suburban

E

A parent challenged “The Golden Compass,” claiming I would turn all the children into atheist. I assured her that was not going to happen and explained it was her right as a parent to tell her child what they could read but not the books in my library. She didn’t read the book and never pursued the challenge. I did speak with my admin so they knew what was going on.

Northeast

Suburban

M

A parent objected to her daughter borrowing So Hard to Say by Alex Sanchez based on reading the jacket copy. I explained my policy of including books that reflect our school community; she denied the existence of homosexuals in the school community. We have gay staff members, children of gay parents, and children who are gay or questioning, as is the main character in So Hard to Say. The school board president read the book, CCBC provided reviews and support materials. It was the first time anyone else read the library selection policy. The book is still in our collection.

Midwest

Urban

EM

A parent objected to the book Aimee. She did not read the book. Her objection was really about the cover on the book. The model did not appear to have clothes on (wrapped in a sheet) and it implied a sexual story line.

Midwest

Rural

MH

A parent talked to me about the book Swim the Fly has a blurb on the cover about boys wanting to see a naked girl. It was a Abe Lincoln award nominee at the time so it was on display. I asked her if she had ever read the book and she said she had not. I told her that I had and although the boys do have that as a goal it doesn’t work out the way that they thought it would (they see naked older people) and by the end of the book the protagonist matures and learns to value girls for more than just their looks. The cover is designed to get boys to read the book, but the book itself has a positive message and I invited her to read it. I also asked her if she wanted to make a formal challenge. We talked some more and she decided to drop the matter.

Midwest

Suburban

H

A parent told me that I should remove a book because it contained nude images of fairies… She did not seem open to discussion on the subject so I removed the book for the duration of her visit and then replaced it on the shelf. End of story.

Pacific

Suburban

EM

A parent told me that she and her boys were listening to an audiobook in the cart and she didn’t feel it was appropriate for their age level. I had read the book so I informed her that the book was not for her boys but was appropriate for an older audience. I told her to read reviews before she borrowed audiobooks or any book to know the target audience.

Northeast

Suburban

EM

A situation where a middle school parent objected to her foster child borrowing a book relating to teenagers and sex. She wanted the book to not be a part of the collection. I suggested that the choice of this book might be a good opportunity for conversation that the student could find useful – if not with the foster parent than with someone else.

Northeast

Small Town

M

A student checked out Speak by L.H. Anderson for a book report and her mother made her bring it back and get something else, and suggested the book be removed from the library. I did not remove it from the library. There was another book years ago that a parent challenged for bad language. Because it wasn’t that great of a book anyway, and was old and not being checked out very often at all, I just removed it and didn’t think twice about it.

Midwest

Small Town

EM

A teacher aid complained about the vampire books in the collection, 58 out of over 17,000. This number included vampire bats, the “Twilight” series, and “Bunnicular”. There processes ended in the library’s favor after a full title review by administration and teachers from a different school. After 8 years I have had 3 challenges, Two in favor of the library, and one I agreed with the parent, the book was written for a more mature age group than the middle school.

Midwest

Rural

M

A teacher questioned the appropriateness of The Da Vinci Code in the collection, saying it countered her religious beliefs and was blasphemous. Asked if we had religiously controversial titles such as Satanic Verses (we do). Used the materials selection policy to validate selections. No formal challenge was made, though I offered the option of placing one.

Canada

Urban

H

A teacher thought Shrek by William Steig was inappropriate because the ogres are described as ugly. I regretfully did not add a book about a transgender child because “our community is not ready for that,” and I serve at the whim of a board of trustees made up predominantly of parents.

South Atlantic

Suburban

EM

A volunteer did not notice the restricted label on a book and checked out a book to a 2nd grader that had mature content and language. The student’s mother was very upset and asked for the book to be removed (“It has no place in a Catholic School!”) and wanted to know how books were selected. I explained that her daughter should never have had the book, and that it was marked for 6-8th grades. I also explained that books were chosen based on professional reviews, curriculum considerations.This mother has not pursued the issue, but has asked that her daughter’s books be screened. I plan to present a Collection Development Policy along with a Materials Challenge form to my administrator soon.

Midwest

Suburban

EM

A wordless book by Mercer Mayer. “Children showing disrespect to parents.”

Midwest

Suburban

E

Again, I don’t buy a book just because it contains something, nor do I exclude it just because it does. So yes, some books that others might take issue with – for whatever reason – sometimes don’t get the nod. I have finite resources. I take reviews into account for most purchases, but certainly not all. I purchase all books on our HS state reading lists, regardless of content.

South Central

Urban

H

Age appropriateness is a tough thing in middle school where some students are more mature than others but yet might not be ready to read high school material. It’s tough to balance appropriateness with not censoring.

Northeast

Suburban

M

All too often lately I have shied away from purchasing a book because SLJ reviews it for grade 10 and up, while several other review sources say it’s appropriate for younger ages — sometimes much younger. Occasionally when I read the book for myself I agree, but usually I have a hard time seeing what makes something “grade 10 and up” as opposed to “grade 9 and up.”

Mountain

Urban

MH

Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher A parent bypassed the in place reconsideration form and sent 20 annotated pages of the book ( with underlined offensive content AND the reasons she believed it was inappropriate) to every member of the school board and superintendent without discussing the matter with me first. The board immediately required a committee set up (the next day–without giving time for the committee to read the book). The committee, consisting of the principal, a teacher, two parents and myself, decided to keep the book. When the parent was unhappy with the outcome, a district committee was formed. They decided to move the book to the high school. As a result, my superintendent wanted a list of “all of the books that could be considered controversial”. I told him that my list would include every book in the collection, because someone might find any book offensive. I also said the book at the top of the list would be the Bible. We compromised, he insisted on permission slips to check out “mature content” books.

Midwest

Suburban

M

Although they’re not required in our selection process, I do read and rely on professional review, particularly School Library Journal, Hornbook, and BookList, although I read others as well. I particularly pay attention to the grade level recommendations. I have the most trouble deciding on books recommended for grades 5-8, knowing that 2nd graders are going to pick them up to read too. I do wish that reviewers would warn about profanity, as that’s something even my students come and tell me they’re uncomfortable with. Often I haven’t been aware of it until that happens.

South Atlantic

Suburban

E

An upper school student didn’t think a particular book was appropriate for middle school students. It wasn’t a formal challenge, just a conversation that made the hair on the back of my neck stick up!

Pacific

Urban

MH

And Tango Makes Three– I Love My Anteater with an A by Dahlov Ipcar Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business The Raven by Gerald McDermott

Northeast

Suburban

E

At different school–parent had personally experienced sexual harassment and objected to inclusion of a book that included a suggestion of a rape in it (the text was not explicit, only a suggestion of the possible action in a tunnel.)

Pacific

Urban

EM

Because we are private religious school, I sometimes have to refrain from buying books that might be too controversial for the student and parent body. I often try to replace it with something less controversial but on the same topic.

Northeast

Suburban

H

Believe it or not, the book that was challenged wasn’t for content but rather for age. The back of the book stated for ages 10+ and a parent questioned why it was required reading for a tenth (ages 15-16) grade ELA class I was teaching. The book was Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen. The protagonists remind me of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, and the novel is simply a lot of fun and drama in a coming of age story. There’s a bit of language and semi-adult situations, but totally innocuous considering today’s teens.

South Atlantic

Urban

H

Book challenge was handled in house. I think the main publishing houses are too controlling of the content of the books we buy.

Mountain

Rural

MH

Book challenged years ago on: High school– Snow Falling on Cedars and Tree of Red Stars due to sexual content; the cover of a book with a gun on it. Elementary school–challenge on a poetry book that had a person throwing a boy out a high rise; Bone series because the character went into a bar and requested a beer; swear words in a book a 2nd grader checked out;

Pacific

Rural

EH

Both book challenges initiated by parents were dropped when I called the parent, listened to her complaints, clarified that she certainly had the right to keep her student from reading any book she thought was unsuitable, explained further that her challenge would mean the book would be removed from the shelf, making it unavailable for other students, talked further about reasons why I and other library media professionals thought the book appropriate for this collection. After our conversations, I sent out the required School District paperwork, which requires challenging parties to read the book. They chose not to pursue the challenge further.

South Atlantic

Urban

H

Both of my experiences were actually requests for consideration that didn’t up escalating to a formal challenge. One was The Queen of Cool by Cecil Castellucci, and the other was This One Summer by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki. Both requests were from 6th grade parents (youngest grade level on my campus), and both went to the principal 1st. I read both books, thought they were probably a little mature for 6th grade, but definitely saw the value in having them in the collection for older students. I explained to parents why they were important to have in the collection, but understood their concerns (language, drug/alcohol use, sexual situation). I put a YA sticker on them, and now if 6th grade students want to check out those books they have to have parent permission. Both were satisfied with that solution and did not wish to take the issue further.

South Central

Suburban

M

Cut – parent thought it was a manual for girls looking for a way to act out or get attention…

Midwest

Suburban

M

Earlier in my career a parent challenged a paperback book that had a picture of a girl riding a horse on the cover. As the 3rd grade girl liked horses she borrowed the book. There was a scene in the book describing the girls breasts bouncing while she was riding the book. The parent was reading the book with the student and was distrubed by this passage. As I had not purchased the book for the library, and I believe it was a donation before I began my position, I decided to delete the book from the collection. It wasn’t great literature anyway.

Northeast

Suburban

E

Grandparent challenged the book Little Rabbit Foo Foo stating main character was a bully. Book was reviewed by a panel of educators at the district level and was returned to the shelf.

Mountain

Urban

EM

Graphic novel…This One Summer…many students were returning it complaining of content. Attempted to discuss …did they notice the difference in the way the character responded to the female and males in text etc…no go …couldn’t get past the strong language…mention of topics like blow jobs…etc Finally one student and her parent had brought the text in with sticky notes on all the pages with strong language, mention of porn, and the male sexual conversations. There were more than 25 sticky notes. She was offered the proper paperwork etc. During review I was able to convince them how this text really speaks to some students even though I myself was surprised by the highly controversial material for our ages. It is a book that begs analysis with peers but so many of our students found it offensive and I respect the desire to draw the line…The reviews DID NOT GO far enough in sharing about the controversial content for middle school students to inform my purchase. I bought 2 copies and am disappointed with the purchase. Sorry wrote this quickly

South Central

Small Town

M

Having an administrator refuse to let me purchase several books because he didn’t approve of their content is not an official challenge as defined by our selection policy. I tried as professionally as I could to change the administrator’s mind, but the “pre-censorship” still occurred.

Midwest

Small Town

EMH

Help us out by giving more reliable information in book reviews. We would like to know if it contains questionable material. We are located in a conservative Christian community and know we are not alone in desiring higher standards in YA literature.

South Central

Small Town

H

I address the issue of reading level vs. content with my students………. both those who are restricted from our junior high section and those who are allowed to use it. We discuss ‘bad language’ in books (why does the character use it — is this normal? — why is it ‘bad’ and would you use it) ; ‘mature’ content in books ( why is it included — how do you view it) ; historical fiction vs. historical fact vs. historical viewpoint; science books, etc = do you laugh because it is funny or uncomfortable ? do you only laugh in a group or actually sit by yourself and laugh at scientific info? Discussing this up front has greatly reduced the number of complaints I’ve received.

South Central

Suburban

EM

I am in the midst of one. Waiting to see if the parent calls back or goes further with his concerns that we add warning labels to books.

Midwest

Suburban

M

I am the coordinator of librarians in my county so I have info from other schools as well: 1. The book “Flowers in the Attic” (which was purchased by the previous librarian and in the collection for many years) was challenged when I worked at a middle school. It, however, was not an official challenge because our administration does not follow the School Board approved challenge policy and just pulls books off the shelves if a parent objects. :( It was removed and I sent it to the high school. 2. This year a parent complained about sexual content in a book called “Mostly Good Girls”. The school serves grades 6-12. A middle school aged student had checked it out. The principal called me at home, since I am the “head” librarian, to fuss about the book (I do not work in that building); he took the book and it disappeared. That school has a policy that if a book is recommended as YA a spine label is attached so “only” high schoolers can check it out and it not allowed for middle school students. This book was YA in the reviews but the label was not affixed to it. Once again the challenge policy was not followed. 3. A parent at an elementary school complained that the giant in “Jack and the Beanstalk” gets drunk. All copies of the book were pulled from the library shelves in our entire county. SIGH Once again the challenge policy was not followed. 4. A student drew a gang symbol on his hand in middle school. He told the principal he saw it in a library book. The principal came to me and made me take every book off the shelves that related to gangs (even ones that tried to deter kids from joining). It turned out that the student actually saw it in a Guinness Book of World Records article related to the largest gangs or something like that. Once again the challenge policy was not followed. Can you tell we live in a small rural conservative area? I am often afraid I might lose my job because of books I purchase, especially, here at the high school where I now work. The content for this age level is much more mature than it was 2-3 decades ago when most of the administration and I were in school. So frustrating!

South Atlantic

Rural

H

I am the Library Technology Teacher in an urban, alternative high school now. When I was the LTT in elementary school, a parent challenged The Slave Dancer by Fox that a teacher was using for whole class instruction. We asked the parent to fill out a created form. the parent eventually asked that her child didn’t read the book, instead made another choice.

Mountain

Urban

EMH

I am very careful with book selection, spending hours and hours reading both print and on line sources. I do buy urban fiction with somewhat explicit sexual content, but I had to draw the line at 50 SHADES as inappropriate for a public high school. I told students who asked that they could get it at their local public library. I have never had a book challenged, but I feel I could justify most, if not all my selections. I will occasionally choose not to purchase a book it I feel it is too YOUNG for my readers, although I do purchase Hi-LO books for struggling or relectant readers.

Northeast

Urban

H

I believe that there should be books for every child in every situation but I must be cognizant of parent’s wishes at all times in my elementary school. For ex: GLB topics or extreme racial violence for elementary students should be introduced within the family unit.

Midwest

Suburban

E

I buy picture books for my high-school to use for various subject areas. I decided not to purchase “The Day the Crayons Quit” because there was only one skin tone… we serve a diverse population of both native born, newcomers from over 30 countries, as well as our own Indigenous/First Nations students.

Canada

Suburban

H

I can’t remember the exact title because I did take it off the shelf. The book was about two friends and one had two moms. It was for approximately grades 4-6. A parent was very upset and felt that it was most inappropriate for our small Catholic school.

South Central

Suburban

EM

I code any books that contain mature topics, strong language, violence, etc. in our catalog system. When a student checks out a book I can alert them of the content and help them with a different selection, if they choose. I find students really seem to gravitate to the books that they are ready for, maturity wise…such as my younger 7th graders really go for those appropriate for a middle school student. More mature students gravitate to the edgier titles.

Pacific

Rural

MH

I do worry about where young adult books are headed. I don’t mind gritty stories but I don’t think even my high schoolers need to read graphic sex and I am seeing more and more graphic content.

South Central

Rural

H

I don’t worry about content (and typically not even reviews). I buy what I can afford based on my practically nonexistent budget from places such as bargain tables at book stores, yard sales and I accept donations! I actually look forward to having a parent challenge a book because it would mean they are actually monitoring what their teen is reading and taking an interest in the student’s learning!

South Atlantic

Rural

H

I experienced a book challenge with a comic book ( Dance class) about a school of young ballerinas. Parents were concerned with the images of thin ballerinas arguing that it was promoting an unhealthy lifestyle and nutrition. One school decided to eliminate from the collection the series Dance class. This was done after a written complaint and an evaluation with the school library committee. This library committee is composed of the school principal, two teachers, one library volunteer and the librarian consultant. One librarian consultant is responsible for 9 schools. This comic book series was a non-issue in all the other schools.

Canada

Suburban

EM

I had a parent challenge the Bone series. She said it had the main character watching a girl bathe and that they drank beer. It is a graphic novel but it didn’t show anything and didn’t even state right out that he saw anything. And only the adults drank beer and it wasn’t a big part of the story. The town met in the pub for a town meeting as they used to do, and some partook of the drinks available. It went all the way up to the school board because she really wanted it gone. The book won and I didn’t have to pull it.

Mountain

Suburban

E

I had a parent complain about content in a fiction title that used the f word quite often. I was called in to the Principal’s office and told that the title was being pulled. He said, basically, “no f word.” I sent him the reviews and explained that I wouldn’t necessarily know when the word is being used based on what information I am given. End of story. I try to avoid what I consider “offensive” words, but I do not consider them damaging to a 14 year old. Would I want my own 6th grader reading those words? No. It is a fine line. I suppose that I, personally, object to profanity over anything else I have encountered in young adult literature. Although, most recently, I purchased the award winning graphic novel This One Summer and pulled it off the shelf after reading it, as I felt it had no socially redeeming value. Self censorship? Maybe. I have to go with my education, experience, and my heart.

Midwest

Rural

M

I had Darren Shan’s, Demonata series challenged by a parent who believed that horror titles had no place in children’s libraries. The family left our public school for private school. I had a parent challenge Unwind, by Neal Shusterman because it promoted abortion (?).

Pacific

Suburban

M

I have actually had a first grade student tell me that a particular book (The Odyssey: a graphic novel by Hinds) is inappropriate because there is a drawing of a woman who is naked (though she is sitting and her hair covers her up). I’ve never had a problem with the book though. I had to remind the student that he gets to choose his owns books and we celebrate our intellectual freedom in our library. Everybody makes their own choices as to what they read.

Pacific

Urban

EM

I have been a librarian for 5 years and have never pulled a book due to a challenge. I have had 2 challenges, but in both cases, I gave the parent our standard challenge form to fill out and the parent never brought it back. So, the case was never pursued.

South Central

Urban

M

I have been an elementary school librarian for 10 years now and have only received one book challenge. A parent saw the book her child was reading and read it herself. The parent wrote me a letter that said the book was inappropriate for school because it was calling people fat and being disrespectful to parents and adults because the children in the story were making fun of the adults. The parent told me that she does not teach her child these things and that the book should be taken off the shelf. I read the book myself and personally did not like the content myself either. However, I realized that the book was written, not to be disrespectful, but to be fun and entertaining for children. I did not see this as a reason to remove the book from the shelf and told the principal so. The principal allowed the book to remain on the shelf and we let the parent know the reasons why it was still there.

Midwest

Urban

E

I have contemplated putting an ‘8th grade only’ shelf together but have been hesitant to do anything that might be considered offensive by administration. Middle school is a difficult group to purchase for because students run the gamut from very young and naive to mature and sophisticated.

Northeast

Suburban

M

I have experienced a school administrator placing a book in his desk drawer after the parent brought it to his attention. (6th grade mother – book:What’s Happening to My Body? Book for Girls. reviewed booklist, SLJ, VOYA, selected as a best book for young adults by ALA) She objected to one part about masturbation. I was not told about it until I asked the child about her overdue book and she told me that her mom had talked to the Principal about it! He gave me the book from his drawer and I put it back on the shelf. We had a challenge policy in place – I assume he did not inform her. A local elementary school had experienced a FORMAL challenge a couple of years prior that had gone all the way to the school board. The book remained in the collection.

Northeast

Suburban

M

I have experienced many books challenges in my career (past 35 years), in IA, SD & CT in 4 different school districts. First in Iowa, in 1982, in small school district, with Headman by Kin Platt for the language in M.S. and moved it up to H.S. Library. Second and Third and Fourth in South Dakota, in 1982-84 for “Trying Hard to Hear You” for same sex kiss, then for Books on a Senior Independent Reading list where a Principal wanted any title that had ever been questioned removed (retained all books after lengthy explanation of Senior Students having right to choose). Then in 1984, with the MARSHALL CAVENDISH DOCTOR’S ANSWERS MEDICAL HEALTH ENCYCLOPEDIA, which had questionable pictures in the “S” Volume, administrator tried to pull/censor entire encyclopedia, retained the encyclopedia with restriction to “Cover” the pictures in that volume that adminstration ordered. Then, in 1986, in a rural town, in CT, with a joint Public and School Library, where parent kept ‘checking out’ then ‘losing” the VC Andrews Book “Flowers in the Attic” to try to censor the Library. Then in 1994, when an elementary school in our suburban school district tried to censor Goosebumps, at that time our Selection Policy and Adminstration responsible for the committee to review books in question, operated well. Goosebumps challenge resulted in the books staying on the shelves and the parent being told they may limit what their own child reads but the school would not be removing these books that were age appropriate from the library. Then in 2003, we had an Elementary School Principal pull “Heart of a Chief” from the Library due to a confused discussion from a parent claiming they discussed “abortion” in class… which was a misunderstanding… but the Selection Policy Reconsideration Policy was not followed and it took a year to get it back in the Library. Then in 2007, we had a H.S. Principal ask about E.Lockhart’s “Boy Book” as a parent phoned about it, not wanting his daughter (15 yr old) to be allowed to check it out… and then a second book “The boyfriend list”… as the Principal partially tried to censor by checking the two books out and sitting on them for 8 months and claimed we didn’t want our girls reading a book that had a chapter on “Boobs” … (a chapter was titles “boobs” but was just teen angst writings in a diary of sorts shared by young teen girls. Books were retained in the end, Principal never followed through with proper procedure. I sent the parent the Request for Reconsideration form, but he failed to fill it out and submit anything. You may contact me if you have any questions: Joy Parker Fitzgerald, Librarian Media Specialist, currently at a H.S. with email: librarymed@aol.com

Northeast

Suburban

H

I have found that you cannot predict challenges. The books that have been challenged during the 18 years I’ve worked in our school district came out of left field.

Midwest

Suburban

EM

I have had my current principal pull two books – one, a non-fiction that referenced religion and one that was a Caldecott winner. Both were brought to his attention due to a parent or teacher complaint. Neither went through the formal challenge process.

Northeast

Rural

EM

I have had only one challenge in the eight years I’ve worked at my school. A staff member saw a book on a cart, but she did not realize cart held weeded books so the challenge was moot. The book itself wasn’t bad, but it was a) a book about a movie that was adapted from a book and b) geared toward middle grades and I work at a high school. All in all, I’m pretty happy with my challenge record because I try to make decisions that meet the needs of the entire school community and do not buy books just because they are popular, have won awards, or satisfy a single agenda.

Northeast

Suburban

H

I have had several challenges that have not passed the preliminary stages. The parents objections were met when they learned that the particular title was only one in a collection that spanned the depth of the issue involved.

Northeast

Suburban

H

I have had several verbal challenges, but after we discuss board policy, purpose of the school library, and needs of the students, plus discussing the formal challenge procedures, the student, staff of parent has chosen not to move forward. The only guardian who chose to more forward to a formal challenge did NOT challenge having the book, Suckerpunch by David Hernandez in the library. She challenged having it as a choice for a literature circle read. We followed board policy, convened a reading committee and said it should only be a literature circle choice for 11th and 12th graders. It took a couple of months for the process and to reach a conclusion. The principal agreed with our conclusion and presented it in to the guardian and the guardian was satisfied. The board policy has changed to where the superintendent will handle book challenges. I am not sure it would play out the same way.

Mountain

Small Town

H

I have had two books informally questions. The first book was The Boy Who Lost is Face by Sachar. Parent was concerned about language and the boy not respecting his mom. The second book was a book about the history of weapons in war. This book was first put on the shelves twelve years before I became the librarian. It remains on the shelves. The teacher (3rd grade) did not want her students bringing any books to her room that had guns. This became a non-issue in my school library when the teacher transferred to a different school. In both cases, the parties involved wanted to express their opinion, but did not want to go public with a complaint.

Mountain

Suburban

E

I have never experienced a book challenge, but the last district I was in would not allow Ellen Hopkins to speak at one of the teen lit days. The challenge came from a parent who took it straight to the superintendent who denied the request.

South Central

Small Town

H

I have not experienced a book challenge (but before I arrived, one student requested that a dated book on Native Americans be removed because it was not accurate). I have had one parent ask specifically that a book be restricted from the younger grades. At that time I began using an age limit sticker on books families reported were disturbing to their children. I have 4 books with such stickers. One is a book on pirates that shows them being punished by hanging. 3 are books on ghosts and hauntings. Young students may check them out if their parents give the ok. I’ve had 3 students get their parents’ ok. I’ve been at my school for 20 years.

Pacific

Urban

EM

I have not experienced any serious challenges. I have had specific parents speak with me about books (<5) about books they did not want their child to take out which I will honor.

Northeast

Suburban

E

I have not had a specific book challenge here at the elementary school, but I have been involved in several book challenges at the HS level. In all cases, the book challenge procedure was followed. The book was read and reviewed by a committee of teachers, librarians, administrators, and parents. The librarians emphasized and deferred to the experienced reviewers and/or ALA recommendations to explain the purchase of the material, and in all cases, the committee recommended that the book remain in the library and available, asking that the concerned parent advise the librarian regarding reading preferences for their child only.

Northeast

Rural

EM

I have not yet been challenged on any of my books in my school library. This is our policy on controversial material: D. Controversial Material 1) Any person desiring to challenge an item must present the challenge in writing and it must be signed. 2) A committee consisting of the librarian, the principal, and one parent will be assigned to consider the criticism and make a decision about the material. 3) Item in question will remain on the shelf until a final decision has been made. Intellectual Freedom Statement: Education is best served by encouraging all learners to read broadly and well.

Mountain

Urban

MH

I have occasionally had a parent or student object to language in a book, but its very rare.

Mountain

Urban

E

I have older administrators who take the position that sharing books where characters engage in inappropriate or risky behaviors will motivate students to emulate that behavior. That flies entirely against the pedagogy of the library but as these people determine my job stability (as year-to-year contracts are the norm here), I have to toe the line. As a result, I still buy what I am sure they consider “controversial” materials, I am far more careful about book-talking them and I never put them on display. This behavior goes against my professional integrity but since my school will not approve a formal book complaint process (as a means to protect both the books and my job), I am left with little choice.

Northeast

Urban

EM

I have personally experienced challenges to The Bronze Bow (parent objecting to the portrayal of Jews) and Chato’s Kitchen (parent objecting to red bandana worn by Novio Boy). The Bronze Bow went through a step by step district policy and was removed from the course it was being used in due to a mismatch of curriculum, but remained in the district libraries. The district policy was initially ignored with the challenge to Chato’s Kitchen, but was re-evaluated and followed policy and was reinstated to the district libraries.

Pacific

Suburban

EM

I have received two formal book challenges: one for language (swearing) and one because the book referred to a past crime involving a mass shooting in a mall (but no violent details were given). Neither challenge went far. This is my seventeenth year as a K-5 librarian and it has become increasingly difficult to avoid swearing, violence and sexual references in children’s literature. I have become somewhat more lenient in what I purchase. My biggest frustration is when a terrific book for kids is very age-appropriate in every way EXCEPT for one sentence or paragraph that seems to be stuck in there for NO good reason! I see no reason for that, and it honestly makes my job much more difficult. I have had to pass up purchasing some wonderful books because of very unnecessary content that seems to be thrown in simply for shock value. Frustrating and I’d honestly like to know WHY authors do that!!

Midwest

Suburban

E

I haven’t dealt with a book challenge directly, but then I made sure that I had a sound collection development policy in place, and approved by the school administration. I have had a couple of parents object to books for their child, I emphasized to them and our students that if they have checked out a book that is not for them, return it and get another. I have a large collection, and it is possible to find something for everyone in our library.

South Central

Suburban

EM

I keep typing these answers in the wrong place. A parent challenged a non-fiction book because it was about gangs. I told him that the book was looking at the gang situation, not encouraging students to join gangs. I told him he would have to read the book if he was going to challenge it. He was mainly a Spanish speaker, so he was intimidated by that suggestion and withdrew the challenge. However, when Library Services found out about the challenge they came to my school to look at the book and had me take it off the shelf because it was an older book that they felt no longer had relevance.

Pacific

Urban

H

I mentioned a couple of challenges on Drama, but they did not reach the formal stage. One mom (grandma) shared that she was thankful that I just listened to her and didn’t make her feel stupid.

Midwest

Suburban

EM

I personally have opted to not put a book on the shelf because of the graphic sexual content. It was an LGBT purchase that went into great detail about a rape and other experiences. Even for mature high school students it was a bit much. I also refused to purchase Fifty Shades of Grey novels because they are not literature and the sexual content is not appropriate for middle or high school. I had Shel Silverstein challenged as an elementary librarian but I did not remove it from the shelf.

Pacific

Urban

H

I purchased the book This One Summer, a Caldecott honor book, because it was an award winner for children 14 and under. I was so disappointed when I received the book because the content certainly did not fall into the category of “Children Book.” It certainly was not something that I would want any of my students to think is life today. I feel that the Caldecott committee manipulated the description for the award. It is an embarrassment to all the other Caldecott winners.

Pacific

Suburban

E

I served on my district’s review committee for challenges. As such, I voted with colleagues on whether to retain, move to another level or remove books from media collections at all levels.

South Atlantic

Suburban

E

I simply don’t purchase controversial books at all. It is our philosophy that books of this nature should be purchased by the parents and discussed at home if this is the parents’ wishes. It would be really refreshing if the children’s book industry spent more time publishing wholesome literature for children.

Midwest

Suburban

E

I tell students they know their family. They should discuss with their family what is appropriate for them.

Northeast

Suburban

EM

I thought it was interesting on Facebook, one of my “friends” said that he saw that the Lorax had been considered a banned book. He was outraged that it could no longer be in school libraries. I tried to explain as best I could that just because it is considered banned, doesn’t mean we have to remove it. At least I hope it doesn’t, because I haven’t removed any that I saw on a banned list! Those books tell me I should take a second look at the content of the book, but usually I find that it is not a relevant concern in our area or for our readers.

South Central

Small Town

E

I was a classroom teacher at the time and a parent challenged a book that a student checked out of my classroom library ( our middle school library also had the book). I applauded the parents for knowing what their child was reading and being a part of their student’s reading life. I also reiterated that fact that parents have the right to monitor the books that their children but that I need to have books available for all students coming from many different families. My principal supported me on this and was present for the meeting. The parents did agree that they did not have the right to tell other parents what their kids should read nor should they want that right taken away from them. It was one meeting and was resolved on the spot.

Pacific

Suburban

M

I was challenged by the Mr. Tucket series by Gary Paulsen. A parent told me that the book was too graphic for his child and felt that it should either be removed from the library or limited to the older students. At that time I did not have a challenge policy in place, and was new in my job. I asked one of the teachers about the book. He read it and said that it was graphically violent and he questioned the book, too. I read one of two of the series, agreed, and removed the set from the library. I wrote a letter to the parent informing him of the decision. Very soon after that I researched and came up with a policy because I did not want parents to think they could just disapprove of a book and we would automatically remove it. I have used the procedure once.

Pacific

Small Town

EM

I was working in a K-8 Catholic school and the principal and priest required me to remove The DaVinci Code from the Library. It was a book that many 8th graders were interested in reading. Though I had a formal challenge policy in place, once the priest required me to remove it, I had no choice. In a Catholic school, the priest can usurp ANY policy or procedure with ABSOLUTELY NO ROOM FOR ARGUMENT OR DISCUSSION. Ironically, in the 27 years I was a Librarian in this Catholic school, I never once had a challenge from any parent or teacher, except for this time.

Midwest

Suburban

E

I work in a VERY conservative rural school and am from WI where Act 10 is in force and so I do not have a union to protect my job. I do not select anything very controversial because of this. I am being forced out of my job for next year because I choose to be outspoken on the way the library is run. It is only open 1/2 days which does not serve this school properly. A parent challenged the book, Julie of the Wolves that her fourth grade child read. It had an old accelerated reader tag on the book stating 4.?. I was new to the library at that time. The principal who has no idea how a library is run (and doesn’t care to know) was also upset that we had a book in our library that made reference to a rape by a man of his wife. I explained to the parent that we do not restrict what students check out for the most part and that it was up to her to decide if her child should be reading a certain book. I explained where one parent would not want their child to read that kind of material another parent would be okay with it. I showed her how to log into our library from home to check what books would be acceptable for her daughter to check out and she was agreeable to it. I mentioned to her that she could have her daughter bring home the books she checked out and she could look them over before she read them. As long as I appeased the parent, I never heard from the principal about it again.

Midwest

Rural

EM

If a book is challenged anywhere in the school district, I make it a point to purchase it for the library.

Midwest

Suburban

M

If I see a book that contradicts our selection policy, I try to find something similar with educational value

Midwest

Urban

H

I’m fine with including books with controversial content, however, I do feel that the book should have some literary merit and be age-appropriate.

Mountain

Suburban

H

I’m lucky because any fiction that I worry might be too much for the 6-8 graders, I can put into the high school collection, and if their parents say ok, they can check it out. I think I’d run into more challenges if I didn’t have that option. I have dealt with informal challenges about language 3 times and have explained why the language in the books (all middle school) was indeed appropriate and necessary. In all 3 cases, the challenger backed down and the book stayed in the library without formal procedures. I’ve never had a high school challenge.

Midwest

Rural

MH

In another school system but still in Iowa Harry Potter was challenged at the elementary library when it first came out. We followed the policies and the School Board recommended it stay on the shelf. The parents will told to write a letter so I would know which books their children could not check out. Years later I asked some of those now high school children if they ever read Harry Potter. They said yes but their parents still didn’t know that!

Midwest

Suburban

H

In my community, language and sexual content seem to be the hot-button issues when students and parents have shared concerns about books. I am disappointed that I often have to avoid purchasing a great book because of one or two “f – ” words or content that is too explicitly described for a 10 – 14 year-old audience. Violence, on the other hand , has never been an issue.

Northeast

Rural

EM

In our library which serves 6th-12th grade, Accelerated Reader labels are helpful in determining age-appropriate books (ex. MG, MG+, UG).

South Central

Small Town

MH

In the past I’ve had parents or students express concerns with no formal action taken, but this year I’ve actually emailed or printed out the official district book challenge process twice. So far neither of them has actually started the process. In both cases the parents want the administrator to make the book “disappear” or they’ve wanted to start a neighborhood or Facebook-type petition to show how many others would agree with them.

Mountain

Suburban

MH

In the same evening, at a book fair, I had two different parents criticize the fairy tale books I was offering for sale. One parent thought I shouldn’t be offering *any* of them; the other thought I wasn’t offering *enough* of them.You can’t please all of the people all of the time. As long as the principal is ok with me, I’m good!

Midwest

Suburban

E

It is challenging to provide materials engaging and relevant to 8th graders in a school that also has 6th graders.

Midwest

Suburban

M

It is very important to use review sources to purchase books for libraries as well as classrooms.

Pacific

Suburban

H

It was not an official book challenge – the parent had the 6th grade student return the book and was directed to choose something else. The book mentioned the protagonist getting her period.

Northeast

Suburban

H

It was not an official challenge, but a parent sent me an email stating specific concern she had about a book her 6th grade daughter brought home. The book was a non-fiction guide to middle school issues a girl might face. It included a section on what oral sex was and the consequences of this activity and how to handle a request for this from a boyfriend. I ended up removing the book from my collection and giving it to the school counseling office to place in their book collection for students that may need private help with this issue.

South Atlantic

Suburban

M

It’s difficult to purchase sometimes because I serve 11-14 year olds and that’s a WIDE maturity range.

Midwest

Small Town

M

I’ve had 2 challenges, 1 a teacher, 1 a parent. Both challenges ended in the library after I explained our policy, and listened carefully to the objections our patrons had to books. We were able to come to a good conclusion without removing the titles.

Pacific

Suburban

EM

I’ve had 2-3 book challenges in my career as media specialist. One was for a HS student for a James Patterson book. It was a donated book…nothing became of it. Recently I had a challenge over a graphic novel at the MS level. The parent who challenged is “an author” herself and teacher in another district. I didn’t find the material to be concerning. Basically she complains about everything. I thanked her for her concern and told her how to access our school’s library collection online so she and her son could choose books together. I didn’t offer to police his check outs and I’m not going to start. Library books are voluntary reading and I tell me students that if they select something that is too mature for them turn it in and select something else.

Midwest

Small Town

MH

I’ve had many threaten to challenge a book, and I have had administrators insist a book be removed. I explain that I’ll read it for age-appropriateness and check reviews, and will act accordingly. If there isn’t anything except one or two opinions against a book and reviews are appropriate for these grade levels, the book remains on the shelf.

South Central

Urban

M

I’ve had several. “Yolanda’s Genius” was challenged because there was an issue with a gun and the parent was upset. The book easily withstood the challenge and remained on the shelf. I had a parent who challenged “Monster Mama” because she felt the artwork was too violent for her child. An understanding and reasoned discussion with the mother led to us putting a note on the child’s computer record that she wanted him to avoid violent materials, with no change in our library collection. I’ve found that 90% of the time if I just sit down and talk with the parent we can resolve the issue without further ado.

Pacific

Suburban

E

I’ve never experienced a formal book challenge, but last year a parent questioned the content of a graphic novel her son had brought home. The public librarian and I looked at it and decided that we agreed with her so we pulled the book. Having patrons from preschool on up in age and no aide or para to help us help them with their book choices, we can’t have the same type materials a larger community might have.

Midwest

Small Town

EMH

I’ve never experienced a formal challenge but I have had parents complain about particular books. When they do, I give them a copy of our selection policy and explain that students are instructed to select “just right” books and that includes books that reflect your family values and I invite parents to have that discussion with their children. I also explain that a book that is not just right for their child may be just right for another. And that’s usually as far as it goes. That was at the elementary level. I’ve not had any complaints about books at the middle school.

Pacific

Urban

EM

I’ve never had a formal book challenge. I have had parents ask that their child not check out certain materials, which of course is the parent’s prerogative.

Northeast

Rural

EMH

I’ve not had a book challenge but do have a policy if we were to ever have one. We are a small Catholic school so I have a little more freedom to pick and choose but I try to have a wide variety of books without doing too much censoring. I try to select a lot of books that teach good lessons or values.

South Central

Suburban

EM

I’ve only experienced challenges from two teachers, one for “The Golden Compass” and one for “Life is Funny.” Both times the books were returned to the shelves by the principal.

South Atlantic

Small Town

H

Language and sexual orientation are the challenges I get. Being a Catholic school, I have to be very careful about any books regarding sexual orientation and I use reviews and peer recommendations to back up any that I do purchase. I feel students should have access, but they are placed in a section for upper grade students only.

South Central

Small Town

EMH

Many years ago while employed by a public library in the midwest, there was an adult patron who challenged an adult nonfiction art book. He felt young children should not see some of the photos/drawings included in the work. He did fill out a challenge form, but when the director and board reviewed the work and decided not to pull it from the shelves, the patron accepted their decision.

Midwest

Rural

H

Most recently, Avi’s Nothing But the Truth was challenged by the older brother and parent of a 4th grader for inappropriate language. Two Orson Scott Card books were removed from the middle school library for having inappropriate language and references to prostitution. We walk a fine line between books from the religious presses which are often too didactic for many of our readers and those from the popular presses which relate to culturally unacceptable topics for observant Jewish kids.

South Atlantic

Urban

EM

My library was once a library for 5th-8th grades. I am careful when checking out books to my younger students. Some of my books are not appropriate for them.

Northeast

Urban

E

My only challenge was a magazine where the parent was protesting an ad in the magazine not the content of the magazine itself. We removed that issue only.

South Atlantic

Suburban

E

My principal did not approve of maturation books being available on the shelf for all students to read or check out. She actually took several books without my knowing and kept them in her office for over a year. I keep those behind my desk for those students with permission, but all other books are on the shelves. I had a parent actually deface a book and would not return or replace one of my Harry Potter’s when the first came out. I tried to explain my and the districts position on books as well as return policy, but she didn’t care. I have had students mention that there is a “bad” word or other mature things such as artwork in books. I try to always take the high road. I ask to see the bad word, Wednesday it was the word, “beer”. I explained the content of the comment, and the st

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