Some years ago I started looking at conservative review sites here and there to look for potential concerns, so I wouldn't be taken by surprise.


I was happy when Common Sense Media came around --  they tell you about potential concerns in what I think is an appropriate "so-you-know" tone. They give ratings in categories, as well as an overview and in-detail information about the categories like sex, language, consumerism, violence, educational value, etc.

I can't always double-check every title, but it's good to know it's there.


I also appreciate the heads-up in emails on this list-serv.

Thanks!


Jackie Church
Library/Media Specialist - Spring Glen School
Hamden Public Schools, Hamden, CT

jchurch@hamden.org


From: CASL-L <casl-l-bounces@mylist.net> on behalf of Ava Biffer <ava.biffer@easthaddamschools.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 3, 2015 10:23 AM
To: casl-l@mylist.net
Subject: [CASL-L] Re This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki
 
Good morning,
 
Huge cautionary note on this book:  although it is not clearly stated in the professional reviews, this book has language that is not appropriate for middle school.  We have had a parental complaint that I feel is completely justified.  I read the reviews and assigned the book an 8th grade only designation based on very mature themes.  I would not, however, have purchased and added this book had I been aware of the vocabulary used - not even for 8th grade.  I read as many of our acquisitions as I can, but because the book had received such stellar reviews and awards, I hadn't read it yet myself, depending instead on the many great reviews. 
 
If anyone needs further information, please email me at the address below.
 
Ava
 

Ava M. Biffer
Library Media Specialist
Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School
Moodus, CT 06469
Voice: 860.873.5081 x129
"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself."  John Dewey
"Google can bring you back 100,000 answers, a librarian can bring you back the right one." Neil Gaiman