The book Pass it On, African American Poetry for Children, selected by Wade Hudson, published in 1993, includes the poem "Incident" by Countee Cullen, which contains the N word.  It's a powerful poem, and describes apparently a true event.

I am curious what you all think about whether this book belongs on an elementary library shelf in 2021, whether it is self censorship to remove it.

Elaine Shapiro

Broad Brook School.