Marlana Williams answers “I'm a public school librarian on a 9th and...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about Greenlights:

I'm a public school librarian on a 9th and 10th grade campus (ages 14-16)...in Texas...and I'm getting lots of requests for this book. Is there anything that stands out that would make it objectionable for that audience? Note: some foul language would not necessarily exclude it, but it would if it were too much or just done for shock value (the reviews don't seem to mention any overly salacious content).

Marlana Williams It's perfectly fine in my opinion, remember full-well how I was back then at that age and what I was already subjected to on TV and in films. (Not to …moreIt's perfectly fine in my opinion, remember full-well how I was back then at that age and what I was already subjected to on TV and in films. (Not to mention my own friends!) The fact he is Texan himself should be celebrated in Texas schools, as he has accomplished so much and remains a decent man, which is not a bad role model, if you ask me. The only thing questionable would be his decision to have children before marriage, which I know is something of a sensitive subject for so many religious families, as he does focus on how his mother struggled with this decision of his and how he challenged her on every front about it.

To me, the message is a positive one, but I know I'd have people disagree with this, and that's fine. I believe libraries should give everyone access to all information, not just what they select from their own personal preferences. Aside from that, the entire book is an easy, pleasant read, and if I had to go back in time, I would have loved it if my own school library had carried material such as this for us teens. There are more positive anecdotes that are wonderful take-aways that I think all of us can benefit from, and in the teen-age years, perhaps more so.(less)

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