[CASL-L] Looking for thoughts regarding challenged books

[Lauren Hunt]

Hi Michele,

I am a firm believer in freedom of choice and not censoring our youth to
those types of topics. As long as the books are age-appropriate, I think
discussing books with students a few times throughout the year is a good
idea. Remind students to preview books, and if they are uncomfortable with
the book, it may not be the best choice for them. But it the book is
interesting to them, I say let them take it. Many books today discuss
real-world issues that students have to face every day and many can relate
to on a personal level. I can certainly understand why teachers and parents
would be apprehensive about giving these books to students. This may be a
good opportunity to collaborate with the social worker or school
psychologist on creating resources for students who may find these topics
troubling or are concerned about someone's behavior, etc. You could even
create a section in the library for these resources.

Lauren

On Wed, Sep 25, 2019 at 9:11 AM Michele Lane <mlane at colchesterct.org> wrote:

> Good morning,
>
> Here is a question I'd love some responses to:
>
> What proactive steps do you take for books regarding sensitive topics in
> this day and age?
> Specifically, books where the characters are in a school setting and there
> is a threat to students? ex: Give a Boy a Gun, Time Bomb, etc?
>
> Thoughts on two levels:
> 1. As a librarian with freedom of choice  and
> 2. as a librarian who has teachers that may place books in hands of
> students saying, 'you should read this'.
>
>
> --
> Michele Lane
> Library Media Specialist
> William J.Johnston Middle School
> @mlanemedia
> WJJMS Library Website: goo.gl/KRoXa7 <http://goo.gl/KROXA7>
> 2020 Middle School Nutmeg Nomination Committee
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-- 
*Lauren Hunt*
*Library Media Specialist*
*Danbury Public Schools*
Ellsworth Avenue Media Center <http://ellsworthmedia.weebly.com/>

“The book to read is not the one that thinks for you but the one which
makes you think.” - Harper Lee
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