Children's Books discussion
Banned Books: discussions, lists
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Discussion of censorship, equity, and other concerns.
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Update on the situation with the Meridan Library in IdahoAda County Commissioners will meet Wednesday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m.to discuss what will happen next with the petition to dissolve the Meridian Library District, according to a recent news release.
The meeting will be held in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room, 200 W. Front Street in Boise.
The release says there are only two decisions the board can make, to put the issue on the November ballot or not to put the issue on the November ballot.
So far, the Illinois House is the most sensible body of politicians in the entire country! They just passed a bill prohibiting libraries from banning books due to partisan pressure! Naturally it met with strong opposition from Republicans who called it an assault on local control, ironic since they're the ones pushing a national "parental rights in education" bill. From Capitol News Illinois
"House Bill 2789 is an initiative of Democratic Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office oversees the Illinois State Library and administers several grant programs for public and school libraries as well as adult literacy programs throughout the state.
The bill would require that as a condition of qualifying for those grants in the future, libraries or library systems would have to adopt a written policy prohibiting the practice of banning books. Alternatively, they could adopt the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, which includes a statement that "(m)aterials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval."
"Banning books is the sort of behavior that was once, for good reason, associated with the worst, most repressive and repugnant authoritarian regimes of the mid-20th century and before," the bill's lead sponsor Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Naperville, said during debate on the House floor. "The fact that this is even up for discussion in America in the 21st century is disgusting. And yet, just last year in my district, that discussion was spurred on by a few radical parents and the Proud Boys hate group over a book called 'Gender Queer.'"
Some Republicans, however, argued that public libraries are governed by locally elected boards, and that those boards should have the authority to decide how best to serve their communities.
"I find this a complete assault on local control," said Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills. "... These people volunteer as nonpartisan elected local officials, and for the state to tell a local library board, 'listen to the professionals; follow the professionals' - I don't understand why we have local elections anymore if a bill like this passes."
Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, said that he used to serve on his local library board and when his own children visit the library, they are accompanied by a parent. But he said that is not necessarily the case when they are at school using the school library.
"I am not for banning books at all," he said. "I am for age-appropriate materials. And so, if a parent wants their kid to have those age-appropriate materials, they can certainly get them for them. I don't think that a librarian is the end-all, be-all decision maker in the state of Illinois on what books should be given to a child."
Stava-Murray, however, rejected those arguments, saying the bill would only add another condition onto the rules to qualify for grants administered by the secretary of state. Last year, the office awarded more than 1,600 grants totaling more than $62 million, including a $4,300 grant to Downers Grove Community High School District 99.
"In terms of the argument about local control, I find that disgusting. Local Control has long been a dog whistle for allowing statewide or nationwide racist or bigoted policies to persist," she said, eliciting loud boos from the Republican side of the aisle. "Today, I just strongly urge my colleagues to do the right thing and make sure that access to books is not infringed upon in our state."
https://abc7chicago.com/book-bans-ill...
The Gov. of Minnesota has set up a Little Free Library of banned books inside the State House! Magnolia Flower by Ibram X. Kendi and Zora Neale Hurston
Thank You, Jackie Robinson by Barbara Cohen
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Beloved by Tony Morrison
Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard
I Am Perfectly Designed by Karamo Brown
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
1984 by George Orwell
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Sula by Toni Morrison
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Melissa by Alex Gino
Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
https://racketmn.com/a-nearly-complet...
And now the bad news, from Arizona.Senate bill seeks to create list of banned books in Arizona schools. Blah blah same arguments, same kind of censorship. "Don't say gay, CRT, sex, (or anything other than cisgender, White, heteronormative values). This so-called grooming argument is getting old. That study has been discredited and all the news stories I've read about child abusers are NOT drag queens or members of the LGBTQ community. They should be looking to the Duggars as a prime example of how NOT to raise your kids.
"State lawmakers in Arizona are considering a bill that would create a list of books not allowed in public schools.
SB1700 would direct the Arizona Department of Education to maintain a list of banned books, including those that are [obscene], promote gender fluidity or gender pronouns or groom children into normalizing pedophilia.”
The Republican-backed bill passed the Senate on Monday with a 16-12 party-line vote and was sent to the House.
“This bill literally gives parents the ability to have a say in what their children read,” Sen. Justine Wadsack, R-Tucson, said on the Senate floor on Monday.
"Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoes GOP bill aimed at banning CRT in public schools. Under her bill, parents would be able to request books be removed from schools if they deem them inappropriate.
ADE would review the parents’ requests and determine what’s added to the prohibited books list.
The Senate passed SB 1700 over the objections of Democrats, who expressed concerned about what books would be deemed inappropriate.
“Obviously, there is a line and, of course, there is indeed content that’s too graphic for the classroom,” said Sen. Christine Marsh, D-Phoenix.
“However, there’s no room in the classroom for banning books simply because it upsets one group of people at the expense of so many others.”
She added there’s already a law that allows parents to request book titles and other materials being used in classrooms and in libraries at school."
https://ktar.com/story/5475156/senate...
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Good for Illinois, and frankly, any person (both politician or otherwise who supports book banning), well for me, you favour dictatorships and spit on democracy.
Well, the Republican half of the House and most Republican legislators and governors seem to support book bans, which they categorically deny are actual bans because the books are still available for sale. They're missing the point. People- kids and adults - a)need to see themselves represented, b)learn their history, c)learn about their bodies, d)many kids don't have supportive parents who will buy them these books, some kids don't have parents who can afford to buy them books, some kids don't have parents who speak English enough to buy them the books, some kids don't have parents or a permanent home e)teens have hormones. They have phones. You do the math, f)it's ridiculous because parents already have the right to choose to opt out of allowing their kids to read such books and they DON'T DO IT! There's some very scary news to report today. More in a minute.
Rules impacting school libraries, LGBTQ+ students advance in Oklahoma State Board of Education"After receiving hours of public input and hundreds of pages of comments, Oklahoma's top school board unanimously passed rules impacting public school libraries and non-gender-conforming students.
State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters proposed the administrative rules, which now advance to the state Legislature for review.
Although the agency's general counsel said the library rules would have a "limited" scope of impact, Walters described sexual material in schools as a pervasive threat.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned this week that state agencies can't enact administrative rules without first receiving a directive from the Oklahoma Legislature.
The rules affecting parental rights and library materials did not correspond with new laws the Legislature recently passed. Rather, Walters brought the regulations to the board himself.
Drummond's non-binding letter didn't directly call into question the Education Department's proposal, and the state superintendent said the legality of the rules were never in doubt.
he rules borrow the definition in state law of obscene material, which says the content, taken as a whole, must lack a serious literary or educational value. The Education Department's new rule adds that schools must consider the youngest age of students with access to the material.
The new rules also ban "sexualized content" that isn't strictly graphic but contains "excessive sexual material."
Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human
The rules set an "incredibly high bar" that reflect what already exists in state law, said Bryan Cleveland, general counsel for the state Education Department. The new language allows the state Board of Education to impose an accreditation penalty on schools that fall short of the regulations.
Oklahoma hasn't seen anyone prosecuted for circulating obscene material in decades. State law says the whole of a book, not only an excerpt, would have to be deemed obscene to meet the statutory definition.
Asking schools to consider the youngest affected students differs from legal precedent, but such a case is still likely to be rare, said Joey Senat, an open government and media law expert at Oklahoma State University.
"Still, I doubt that any public school library would contain material that a federal court would agree meets this definition of pornographic," Senat said.
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/...
Weird news from Missouri which pretty much means the public library is doomed either way."Missouri lawmakers late Thursday evening moved to strip state funding from public libraries in retaliation for a lawsuit challenging a new state law that bans certain materials in school libraries.
The proposal, approved close to midnight by the House Budget Committee, would cut the entire $4.5 million in state aid that libraries were slated to get next year. The proposed library cut, along with other changes to the state’s roughly $50 billion budget, will now head to the full Missouri House.
“They are seeking to overturn that law that was unanimously supported by the House,” said state Rep. Cody Smith, a Carthage Republican and chair of the committee who proposed the cut. “I don’t think we should subsidize that.”
"Smith’s cut was in response to a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, on behalf of the Missouri Library Association and Missouri Association of School Librarians, challenging a state law passed last year that bans sexually explicit material from schools. The suit argues the law infringes on students’ First Amendment rights.
The Missouri Library Association and the ACLU of Missouri on Thursday pushed back on Smith’s claim that the state was subsidizing the lawsuit, telling The Star that the ACLU was representing both library groups pro bono.
“Our rural libraries rely the most heavily on this funding to serve their communities, and they will be crippled by this drastic budget cut,” the library association said in a statement Thursday.
...
Tom Bastian, a spokesperson for the ACLU of Missouri, in a statement Thursday said the budget cut would punish Missouri library patrons, calling it “abhorrent.”
“If the members of the committee are concerned about preserving taxpayer funds, they should stop enacting laws they know do not meet constitutional muster, not burden local governments in a misguided effort to silence organizations who object to the legislature’s overreach,” the statement said.
State Rep. Doug Richey, an Excelsior Springs Republican, commended Smith for the cut earlier this week, saying it sent a message that lawmakers were unhappy with the lawsuit.
“Shame on libraries for doing what they’re doing,” he said.
State Rep. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat, said the budget cut would hurt people who use public libraries as a vital resource, including to apply for jobs.
“By cutting this funding, we’re literally tying the hands of one of the most important resources in our communities,” she said."
https://news.yahoo.com/mo-lawmakers-m...
This one seems a little skewed, but here we go...4th graders in Duval County Florida react to battle over school libraries, media centers.
These girls like to read above grade level
Harry Potter
I Survived
Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You
Stamped from the Beginning: A Graphic History of Racist Ideas in America
The Girl in the Locked Room: A Ghost Story
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2...
I love these girls and wish they could have been here to go on my field trip! I feel so bad for these girls that they can't find good books to read.
In Peoria, IllinoisA teacher in Heyworth has resigned shortly after being placed on administrative leave.
Administrators did not release to 25News what actually caused this teacher to be put on paid leave, but parents at the meeting referenced questionable material about sexual health and sexuality in a middle school classroom.
This Book Is Gay
Some parents shared concerns at the special meeting on Thursday about the images involved in the book, some described as cartoon-type images.
Others argued the material was not much different than the typical ‘sex ed’ textbook but was instead inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community.
Following execute session by the school board, a separation agreement with the teacher was approved.
https://www.25newsnow.com/2023/03/24/...
Since banning the book is now illegal, they resort to banning the teacher instead.
The news gets worse. "WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)- Lafayette School Board member, Chuck Hockema, has requested administration provide him names of all of the novels being used in Lafayette school classrooms K-12.
LSC Associate Superintendent Alicia Clevenger sent the request to principals. An email provided to News 18 from one of those principals asks teachers to provide books' titles and authors by April seventh.
The emails sent on Thursday, March 23rd asks for books, either picture books or novels, read aloud to classes, or given to classes, small groups or individuals to read to be provided.
Superintendent Huddle said what Hockema is asking for is public information that anyone can request.
“The uniqueness of this is that it is a school board member and some of Mr. Hockema's earlier statements when he was elected indicated that he would do this and the request is here. It has caused somewhat of a stir we are dealing with that right now and at some point we will get Mr. Hockema that information,” said Superintendent Huddle.
News 18 reached out to both Chuck Hockema and the Lafayette Education Association for comment, but have not heard back at this time."
https://www.wlfi.com/news/lsc-board-m...
and finally, I have lost faith in Democracy and freedom in the United States. I BELIEVE these policies are already in place and this bill is an excuse to discriminate against LGBTQ+, people of color, women and anyone who attends public school because they lack other options.House passes the GOP's Parents Bill of Rights measure opposed by Biden
The legislation would require school districts to publicly post information about curricula for students, including providing parents with a list of books and reading materials available in school libraries.
WASHINGTON — The House passed GOP-sponsored legislation Friday aimed at providing parents with more information about their children's education, marking the congressional Republicans' foray into culture war battles taking place across the country over what is being taught in public schools.
Lawmakers approved the bill in a 213-208 vote after voting on several amendments.
The Parents Bill of Rights Act would require public school districts to publicly post information about curricula for students, including providing parents with a list of books and reading materials available in school libraries. The congressional action comes as some elected Republicans in states across the country have been intensifying a push to ban some books or pressed for limits on teaching about issues related to racial equality, sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.
Under the measure, schools would be required to offer at least two in-person parent-teacher meetings annually, and school boards would be required to hear feedback from parents about students' education.
Congressional Democrats have voiced opposition to the bill, and the White House has also rejected it in a statement of administration policy.
"The administration does not support H.R. 5 in its current form because the bill does not actually help parents support their children at school," the statement said. "Moreover, instead of making LGBTQI+ students feel included in their school community, it puts them at higher risk. The administration strongly supports actions that empower parents to engage with their children’s teachers and schools, like enabling parents to take time off to attend school meetings. Legislation should not politicize our children’s education."
The Senate, controlled by Democrats, is not expected to take up the legislation"
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/cong...
and finally, I have lost faith in Democracy and freedom in the United States. I BELIEVE these policies are already in place and this bill is an excuse to discriminate against LGBTQ+, people of color, women and anyone who attends public school because they lack other options.House passes the GOP's Parents Bill of Rights measure opposed by Biden
The legislation would require school districts to publicly post information about curricula for students, including providing parents with a list of books and reading materials available in school libraries.
WASHINGTON — The House passed GOP-sponsored legislation Friday aimed at providing parents with more information about their children's education, marking the congressional Republicans' foray into culture war battles taking place across the country over what is being taught in public schools.
Lawmakers approved the bill in a 213-208 vote after voting on several amendments.
The Parents Bill of Rights Act would require public school districts to publicly post information about curricula for students, including providing parents with a list of books and reading materials available in school libraries. The congressional action comes as some elected Republicans in states across the country have been intensifying a push to ban some books or pressed for limits on teaching about issues related to racial equality, sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.
Under the measure, schools would be required to offer at least two in-person parent-teacher meetings annually, and school boards would be required to hear feedback from parents about students' education.
Congressional Democrats have voiced opposition to the bill, and the White House has also rejected it in a statement of administration policy.
"The administration does not support H.R. 5 in its current form because the bill does not actually help parents support their children at school," the statement said. "Moreover, instead of making LGBTQI+ students feel included in their school community, it puts them at higher risk. The administration strongly supports actions that empower parents to engage with their children’s teachers and schools, like enabling parents to take time off to attend school meetings. Legislation should not politicize our children’s education."
The Senate, controlled by Democrats, is not expected to take up the legislation"
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/cong...
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In a few years, cops in riot gear will be invading people's homes to weed out "unsuitable" reading materials, sigh.
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https://www.cnn.com/style/article/flo...
Parental rights supposedly being "supreme" is a problematic (to put it mildly) and dangerous concept, but it seems to be the way things are going in Florida and many other states, and it also seems to be creeping into post secondary education as well, sigh.
And also, since with the statue of David 97 percent of the parents are fine with it being used, why should the three percent of parents having issues have ANY say and to in any way dictate if the statue should be used. For it is bad enough that parents have so much power, but what is even worse is that the minority seems to often have more rights than the majority.
Manybooks wrote: "So now, even classical statues, paintings etc. are pornographic in Florida. Honestly, Ron DeSantis and his supporters are unhinged and mentally unstable but sadly, they seem to have power and clout..."That's just messed up!
Victorian era 2.0
Here we go again with "We're not trying to BAN anything..."
""We aren't trying to ban the picture," he said, referring to the statue of David. "We think it's beautiful, but we are going to make sure the concept of parental rights is supreme in Florida and at our charter school," he added."
" Parents decide what their children get to learn," he said.
"It does not mean that parents are telling us what we are going to teach their children. We are going to make sure that parents specifically know what we are going to show their kids, what we are going to talk to their kids about and any keywords that might be a triggering event. This gives parents the opportunity to say, 'Wait a minute. My child isn't old enough to hear that,'" he added.
Bishop and Carrasquilla agree this was the step that was missed regarding the lesson on the 500-year-old sculpture."
Classical school typical means classical education... ergo exposure to the ancient world and classical sculpture. Yes it could inadvertently be a trigger for some kids who have experienced trauma and that's why they need to read books like Speak, Shout and All Boys Aren't Blue, so they know they're not alone and learn to speak up and tell an adult and the adult can thereby get the child help.
In Alaska, the Anchorage city attorney declines to review book on teen sexuality after referral from library board Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human“The Department of law has not accepted the referral of library material until after the internal library process for review or removal of a library book has been appropriately followed,” wrote municipal attorney Anne Helzer in an email late Thursday.
Anchorage Assembly Vice Chair Chris Constant, who had raised concerns about the vote, said Helzer is right, and that in the future he’ll be looking at potential code changes to formalize the library’s established process for reconsidering materials.
https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/educa...
More updates from Idaho, determined to censor books no matter what.Idaho Senate GOP offers new restrictions for 'obscene' library books
"The proposals from Pro Tem Chuck Winder (R-Boise) would create a new citizens’ advisory board for public and school libraries to develop policies to keep these materials out of the hands of minors.
The group would include one person from a local law enforcement’s sex crimes unit, a religious leader, parents and community members.
It would recommend policies to a library’s board of trustees, as well as review concerns from citizens.
The second measure would allow prosecutors to sue libraries if they do lend these books to kids. They would also have the ability to seize the materials and destroy them.
Jeff Kohler, an elected trustee for the embattled Meridian Library District who was testifying in his own capacity Friday, suggests supporters of these types of legislation are being disingenuous.
“Library opponents keep saying that they don’t want to ban or burn books, but seized and destroy sounds exactly like book burning to me,” Kohler said.
Should these bills pass, he said he would recommend the library immediately revoke all library cards for those under 18 to avoid possible litigation.
Winder said he previously “pooh-poohed” the idea that there are “harmful” materials in public libraries. But he said he changed his mind when he recently attended his grandchild’s birthday party and a mother showed him a book she found objectionable.
Winder didn’t mention which book she shared, or what it contained.
“It wasn’t about baseball at all,’ he said. “It was age-inappropriate for what was in there."
“Things are different in our libraries today than when any of us grew up,” said Winder. “Something’s different.”
Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) points out that a lot of these challenged books are about being gay or transgender.
“None of these are pornographic. None of these are obscenity. These are about ideas and differences from mainstream culture.”
To Senate Assistant Minority Leader James Ruchti (D-Pocatello), “Minors are not the problem here, it’s the adults.”
“We have people who just won’t take ‘no’ for an answer and this legislature won’t tell them ‘No,’” Ruchti said.
Minors, he said, aren’t the “snowflakes they’re being projected as.”
“It’s not going to bring them to a pile of tears and an inability to function. They’re going to be okay. This is life.”
Both bills now head to the Senate floor for amendments that would exempt college and university libraries from these proposals."
https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org...
Suburban Chicago school board races heat up over library books, sex ed. Traditionally often tame affairs, school board contests have taken on a more partisan tone in recent years. National political action committees have entered the fray.
For example, the 1776 Project PAC, a New York-based group that promotes "patriotism and pride" in history classes and backs "un-woke" school board candidates, has endorsed 14 in Illinois, including three in Barrington Community Unit District 220. The 1776 group has put out mailers on behalf of Katey Baldassano, Leonard Munson and Matt Sheriff, who are campaigning on a slate.
In District 220,, where they narrowly voted to keep Gender Queer: A Memoir available at the Barrington High School library, two school board members are seeking reelection. While the teachers union has endorsed the incumbents, the four-person slate has set up a local political action committee called Parents for CUSD200 Children. Some of its donors are local church elders and Christian school board members.
Slate candidates in District 200 are campaigning against what they perceive as "political and ideological bias" in curriculum and learning materials. . The district sought to "develop staff awareness and knowledge of how one's implicit bias influences behaviors and actions" as part of its equity plan.
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/2023...
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We are not trying to ban the picture but if a few parents complain, their complaints supersede the fact that 97 percent of the parents have not issue with David, and if a teachers or the principal does not tow our or Ron DeSantis' line, they are out the door.
A school specializing in classical education should of course be covering classical paintings, statues etc. and if parents do not want their kids exposed to nudity they should not be enrolling their children in such a school.
In Johnson County, Missouri the school district has removed 7 of 11 books because ONE mom keeps complaining.No one challenged any book in the Gardner Edgerton district for at least a decade — until this school year.
Parent Carrie Schmidt argues the books she’s challenged include sexual content that amounts to pornography, as well as violence and discussions of self-harm and abuse inappropriate for students. One of the books is available in middle school libraries, while the others are at the high school.
The challenges have angered several parents and students, who believe one parent’s complaint should not infringe on their access to books, which trained library professionals deemed appropriate. “I found my voice from people in books that represented me. Reading shaped me as a person, and now they are trying to take it away,” high school senior Elizabeth Fiedler told The Star. “One parent has challenged numerous books all the while crying parents’ choice. However she is removing my parents’ choice to choose what I can and cannot read. She is taking on roles that are not her own, one as my educator and another as my parent. She has every right to decide what her own kids can and cannot read, but she has no right to decide what I can.” In reviewing challenged books, Superintendent Brian Huff said earlier this month, community feedback is crucial to determine what “the vast majority of people deem as being appropriate or inappropriate for our books in our schools. We want to be reflective of our community. It’s very important to us.”
"“I will verify also that no one individual has any more power than any one other individual when it comes to challenging books. Our policy merely allows for an individual to initiate the process,” Huff said. “The process remains the same for all of our books. And we’re going to continue to follow that process no matter how many book reviews we get in the future.”
“This isn’t an elementary school library or even middle school. Some of these (high school) kids are going to be off on their own in less than a year. And we’re going to control what they read?” former school board member Kristen Schultz said. “There are a lot of different ways to come up with a solution that would be beneficial to everyone involved, rather than allowing one person to say nobody can read this. I think it’s a strong infringement of students’ First Amendment rights.”
Huff said earlier this month that the books remain in circulation while under review. Peeke said that in her 13 years with the district, she has not seen so much turmoil over books. “We do have policy that allows a parent who is uncomfortable with a particular required book in class to request an alternative to that particular book, that will still meet the standards for that class. So we’ve had a handful of those instances where families have reached out and we provide that option,” Peeke said. “But in my time at the district level, a book review like this, this is a new experience.”
included in the curriculum are vetted carefully, with staff “considering reviews for the books, considering the content and material, how it’s going to fit in with the curriculum, how it might challenge students both in the literary content as well as being able to discuss topics that this book may bring up. “It also is important that it have acceptable content, based on what our community standards would have, based on the age and maturity level of students.” Huff said the district found 70% of novels used in the high school have either been challenged or banned at one time.
He said the district can improve transparency, so that parents are aware of what books are available or will be required reading. “We’re never going to have 100% support of our parents or our professional educators when we put books in place,” he said. “…We also want to take into consideration that we want our students to work through challenging material. We want material that’s going to make them think, to make them even potentially change positions, to make them argue."
Middle School
Bait
10th grade
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian-
The rest in high school
A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Silver Flames, Empire of Storms
Come Back to Me
Stay With Me
Run Away With Me
It Ends with Us (adult)
Wintergirls
Tricks
Read more at: https://www.kansascity.com/news/local...
Progressives Slam House Passage of GOP Book Banning Bill That Turns Children Into 'Pawns'"Republicans say they oppose government overreach," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. "But they're the ones passing bills that ban books in our libraries."
JULIA CONLEY
Mar 24, 2023
https://www.commondreams.org/news/fed...
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And since the person's name is known, perhaps those against her rule of one should start fighting back and also letting her know that she is an ignorant dictator.
Some positive news for the day:Iowa City librarian fighting for a place even for books that ‘hurt my feelings’
Sam Helmick is community and access services coordinator for the Iowa City Public Library
" Sam Helmick, a librarian at the Iowa City Public Library, is fighting for a place for every book in the library — even those that “’rustle my jimmies, hurt my feelings, break my heart,” they said.
“A book for every reader and a reader for every book,” said Helmick, 36, the community and access services coordinator for the library. “We’re not making anybody read them, and neither should we, but we shouldn’t make that choice impossible.”
As Iowa lawmakers consider legislation that would prohibit school libraries from including books that are not “age-appropriate,” barring any books that contain sexual content, Helmick is advocating against banning books, even those they disagree with.
When any district removes a book, the state Education Department would add it to a “removal list,” and all of Iowa’s 326 other districts would have to deny access to the book unless parents gave approval, according to Senate File 496, passed by Iowa House Republicans Wednesday.
There are already processes in place for libraries — public and school — to reconsider a book on their shelves, Helmick said. The bill could prohibit books that have literary value and would remove books that parents may want their child to read.
Bypassing that process through legislation “is stealing their voice,” Helmick said.
“I trust parents to make decisions for their kids. As a person whose parents private schooled me until high school and then home-schooled me, I know what it’s like to make sacrifices and commitments to your child’s education,” they said.
The Iowa City Public Library has one of the largest circulating collection of books in the state, Helmick said, which means there isn’t room for books that people aren’t interested in reading.
“If you don’t circulate it, you’ve spoken. You’ve voted with your checkout. A reader for every book and a book for every reader,” Helmick said.
...
Helmick has spent a lot of time driving back and forth from Iowa City to Des Moines to make their voice heard at the Capitol this year.
“I’m not going to these meetings feeling like my voice is being heard,” Helmick said. “I don’t feel like the people speaking for children and folks in the (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community are being heard or even entertained. It’s so painful.”
Helmick, who grew up in Burlington, didn’t see the value of libraries as a young adult. When they were growing up, there was only one shelf of teen books available to them. “I just wasn’t made to feel welcome,” they said.
They even voted against a levy that would provide funding for a new library. The levy passed and a new library was built.
“It was beautiful, with a teen department, teen advisory board and programming,“ Helmick said. ”There are people who don’t see the value of libraries until you put it right in their face.“
That’s what led Helmick to write books about marketing for libraries and speak internationally for library conferences on topics including intellectual freedom, social marketing, outreach and library fundraising.
“Our first impression is very important,” Helmick said. “You trust your library, your teacher, your firefighter. If I don’t make eye contact over that monolithic (welcome desk) and remind you you’re welcome here, acknowledge you in some way, remind you this is your space, that can be detrimental. You don’t vote for libraries you don’t value.”
Helmick has served on multiple committees for the American Library Association.
https://www.thegazette.com/k/iowa-cit...
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https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/italian...
Texas is doubling down trying to ban drag shows under the obscenity umbrella, even though drag queen story times don't fit the criteria they use. The ONLY criteria those story times meet is "drag." So the drag performers and activists have shown up at the Capitol in Austin to protest and people are wondering whether Mrs. Doubtfire will be banned? What about Shakespeare?I had more stories to share but they haven't shown up in my email and I don't have time to track then down right now. Maybe tomorrow they'll show up.
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I would hope that Abbott et al would not be silly enough to ban Shakespeare ...
The story about TexasTexas committee to take up drag performance, story time restrictions
"Members of the Texas Senate state affairs committee will start discussions on Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 1601, both filed by Republican State Sen. Bryan Hughes.
Senate Bill 12
SB 12, if ultimately passed by both chambers and signed by the governor into law, would levy a penalty up to $10,000 against any business owner who hosts a “sexually oriented performance” with anyone who’s younger than 18 present. A city or county would also not be able to host these kinds of performances on public property, according to the proposal.
The bill does not specifically mention the word “drag” in its language, but LGBTQ advocates and other critics interpret the bill’s definition of a “sexually oriented performance” as applying to drag shows.
The bill defines someone participating in a “sexually oriented performance” in the following three ways:
A person who is nude;
A “male performer exhibiting as a female, or a female performer exhibiting as a male, who uses clothing, makeup, or other similar physical markers and who sings, lip syncs, dances, or otherwise performs before an audience;”
And someone who “appeals to the prurient interest in sex.”
Drag performers could face a criminal misdemeanor charge if they perform in front of children or on public property, according to the language in SB 12.
Meanwhile, SB 1601 would bar the state from providing money to any municipal library if it holds an event with someone dressed in drag reading books to children.
The bill’s text reads, “A municipal library may not receive state funds if the library hosts an event at which a man presenting as a woman or a woman presenting as a man reads a book or a story to a minor for entertainment and the person being dressed as the opposite gender is a primary component of the entertainment.”
Just like the other bill being considered Thursday, this proposed law would also go into effect on Sept. 1. It also stipulates that a library would lose its state funding during the fiscal year following its drag story time event.
Supporters argue it’s inappropriate for drag performers to read to or perform for kids. However, critics contend it’s simply a distraction by conservative lawmakers that demonizes a popular part of life for LGBTQ Texans and their allies.
https://www.kxan.com/lgbtq/texas-comm...
More from TexasSpring Branch ISD school board passes new streamlined process to ban books submitted for review
"The 4-3 vote removes the first two layers of its review process, skipping input from librarians, teachers and administrators.
Now, the process skips straight to the third and final review. The remaining stages require board input only."
"Sources tell ABC13 they believe innocuous reads are being submitted for review to clog up the system, prompting the Monday evening vote."
"When the board took up the discussion Monday night, the superintendent revealed that she was actually the one who asked trustees to step in. With the end of the school year approaching, Dr. Jennifer Blaine said she wanted all of her teachers, administrators, and librarians focused on education and instruction, not book reevaluations.
Trustees Caesar, Gonzales, and Klam were the three trustees who voted against taking educators out of the process. They argued that it wasn't the board's place to make these kinds of decisions.
The board members who voted in favor of the amendment said the suspension of the first two levels of the reevaluation process would be temporary, and they would prioritize elementary-level, "frivolous" titles that have been challenged ahead of more difficult books to help with the backlog."
https://abc13.com/book-bans-spring-br...
This is insane. What else are librarians FOR? Teachers and librarians are trained to know which books are age appropriate and popular with their students.
and seriously? The books they're "reviewing"?
Dragon of the Red Dawn
Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties
Nephew 1 has the DogMan book already but I shall be buying the Magic Tree House for nephew 2. When they're done reading, we will send them to Texas.
Good news from St. Tammany Parish, La.After contentious hearing, 5 books targeted by St. Tammany library critics returned to shelves
St. Tammany Parish Council member Jake Airey, who was recently appointed to the Library Board, said that it was "quite clear" that the first book debated, "I Am Jazz," did not meet a four-point test in the law. "I don't know if any of them do," he said, calling the suggestion "far-fetched."
But Airey also said he would prefer that the book, which is an autobiographical account of a transgender girl, be shelved in a different spot than in juvenile non-fiction, and suggested that the library create a parenting section for books like it.
The board split, 2-2, on his motion to put the book in a new section, and the library staff's recommendation to return "I Am Jazz" to juvenile fiction was upheld. Airey tried again with another book, "My Rainbow," but was defeated.
One audience member, Mel Manuel, called Airey's proposal upsetting because it suggests that there is something wrong with being transgender. "We've defended you guys," Manuel said to the board. "We would like you to stand up for us."
The Bluest Eye
4 picture books :
I Am Jazz
My Rainbow
https://www.nola.com/news/northshore/...
Retired Florida media specialist speaks out on concerns with book banning and lack of training in school librariesPoints
1. Until recently schools used certified media specialists who knew how to use professional tools to ensure their collection was appropriate for the age group they were serving, and all students could see themselves represented in their reading choices.
Now untrained people are ordering books for the school library. Consequently, inappropriate books sometimes end up in school libraries.
most school districts already have a procedure in place to challenge a particular title, and a media specialist who oversees training for all school librarians, coordinating a review process for any books that are challenged.
2. Secondly, the word “inappropriate” is a vague term which can mean different things to different people. School media specialists always used professional review journals to assist when ordering books since they couldn’t read all of them and were mindful that all children and their families are different and should be represented in the collection. They might remind concerned parents there was a time when books containing Black children were banned from libraries.
There are kids whose home lives are “messy.” Good thing there are books that deal with divorce, abuse, alcoholic parents, depression, etc. This is why we read, folks. It opens our world a bit and allows us a glimpse into others’ experiences and, hopefully, gives us some empathy.
https://www.tallahassee.com/story/opi...
In Indiana librarians condemn conservative crackdown on bookshttps://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2...
News from IdahoAs Idaho lawmakers examine library bills, library leaders explain depth of the consequences
Some library leaders across Idaho worry that new laws will vastly impact the policies they publish on who can access a library and how.
“We feel that to comply with the requirements of this policy, we would need to make some pretty significant operational changes,” said Trustee Chair of the Meridian Library District Board, Megan Larsen.
Policies laid out in proposed legislation would vastly change how content is accessed and by who.
They would need to rescind library cards that are issued to minors
would need to prevent any minors from entering the library unless they were accompanied by a parent.
would need to discontinue our home delivery service.
would need to limit outreach activities to only those locations where minors are not expected to be.
And possibly other changes
Larsen said library entities simply can’t take on the financial risk of being subject to lawsuits and penalties. That reality sets another option for places like the Meridian library.
The other option would be to just decimating the adult collection in the library to remove every work of literature, nonfiction work that contains descriptions of sex.
"Either way, we just think the impact on our community would be nothing short of devastating. And truly, I'm just heartbroken,” Larsen said.
critics of the bill question the make up of that committee which includes one representative from “the religious community.”
“A huge concern about a government entity such as a public library district, selecting a member of the religious community and excluding many other religious communities. We don't we don't see how that can be done without violating the establishment clause. We are a governmental entity. And for us to choose one religion over another is just does not seem like a thing that we can do acceptably,” Larsen said.
Larsen also draws attention to the proposal that states if a court finds an entity allowed minors access to harmful material, an Idaho court can order the seizure and destruction of the material.
https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/loc...
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A person who is nude;
A “male performer exhibiting as a female, or a female performer exhibiting as a male, who uses clothing, makeup, or other similar physical markers and who sings, lip syncs, dances, or otherwise performs before an audience;”
And someone who “appeals to the prurient interest in sex.”
Drag performers could face a criminal misdemeanor charge if they perform in front of children or on public property, according to the language in SB 12."
Words fail me. And, PS, the first musical I ever saw was "Peter Pan" -- it was pure magic for me and led to a life-long love of theater arts. Also, the role of Peter Pan was played by a woman (not that even noticed!) Even in '50s the very popular televised version starred Mary Martin! I guess also the performance of "Hairspray" that I just attended would be leveled with a fine considering the role of Edna is played by a man (nevermind that we had a sold-out house of over 2000 people even in conservative Idaho!) With Michelangelo's David coming under fire, now this ludicrous definition of a "sexually oriented performance", in addition to all the book banning, I so fear for the future of the arts in addition to all the issues with democracy etc. already discussed above.
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As Idaho lawmakers examine library bills, library leaders explain depth of the consequences
Some library leaders across Idaho worry that new laws will vastly impact the policies th..."
I feel truly ill. Also, I keep watching the news for word about the commissioners' decision on the Meridian Library District but so far nothing. They are supposed to decide by the 30th. If you come across it before I do, please post!
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As Idaho lawmakers examine library bills, library leaders explain depth of the consequences
Some library leaders across Idaho worry that new laws will vastly imp..."
Honestly, Kathryn, you should write letters to the book banning politicians and complain (but I guess doing so might end up with consequences for you and your family, as the book banners do not at all enjoy being criticized). I am glad you are homeschooling your boys, but I guess I am also afraid that this book banning etc. (and what is allowed to be taught and read) disease might end up infecting even homeschooling and what parents etc. are doing in their homes with books, that the thought police and the book banners might try to make many types of books etc. even illegal for use in the home (and to punish parents, anyone, for buying them, reading them, using them).
Manybooks wrote: "I guess I am also afraid that this book banning etc. (and what is allowed to be taught and read) disease might end up infecting even homeschooling and what parents etc. are doing in their homes with books, that the thought police and the book banners might try to make many types of books etc. even illegal for use in the home (and to punish parents, anyone, for buying them, reading them, using them)..."
Yes, in Texas they want to set up a snitch hotline so people can report drag! The LGBTQ+ community fears they will be persecuted for just being out in public.
From what I hear about drag queen story times, none of what they do meet the criteria of obscene. They dress in drag and read books about kindness, inclusivity and being yourself. Being yourself is the REAL crime we're talking about here. Y
I didn't check the news yet today but if I see anything about the Meridan Library I'll post it.
All this talk about protecting the children and yet this week 3 9-year olds died from gun violence. Not books.
This Book Is Gay banned at Hillsborough County (FL) middle schools for not being age appropriate. I feel that teens need to know this stuff BEFORE they get to high school. They will hear it in the hallways at school and on the internet before they hear it from their parents apparently. As my niece said "So they read books." I flipped through the book and thought it was funny in an irreverent way and it even calls out the censors and haters. The censors are making excuses about this not being about LGBTQ+ issues just about the book being obscene. The book specifically calls out that idea saying that heterosexual sex ed has been the default forever.
"The school and district committees found that materials like “This Book Is Gay” don’t introduce students to the concept, but serve as a nonfiction alternative to classmates and the internet that can clarify sometimes dangerous misconceptions."
The book is challenged by at least one parent without children in the school! Several people including couples from other cities in Florida came to the board meeting just to speak about banning the book as well as the conservative organization Hillsborough County Citizens Defending Freedom, who arrived early to make sure they signed up their speakers.
"“The school is not forcing anyone to read it. It is waiting on the shelf for someone to check it out who needs it,” said Naydell Laffita Serrano, a Leto High student. Had the book been available to her in middle school, she added, “it would have been easier to know my true self.”
Toward the end of the session, board member Lynn Gray said the board must take each book challenge seriously, and not ban items recklessly.
“If you only read books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking,” Gray said. “Let’s have a cautionary reflection on getting carried away with book banning. I’m not going to forget that.”
The board plans to discuss its book review policies and procedures again at an April 25 workshop."
https://www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
'You have the right to choose what you read': Demands to censor library books reach record high, librarians push backThe statistics:
The American Library Association (ALA) today released new data documenting* 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly doubles the 729 challenges reported in 2021.
A record 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship, a 38% increase from the 1,858 unique titles targeted for censorship in 2021. Of those titles, the vast majority were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color.
Of the reported book challenges, 58% targeted books and materials in school libraries, classroom libraries or school curricula; 41% of book challenges targeted materials in public libraries.
The prevalent use of lists of books compiled by organized censorship groups contributed significantly to the skyrocketing number of challenges and the frequency with which each title was challenged. Of the overall number of books challenged, 90% were part of attempts to censor multiple titles. Of the books challenged, 40% were in cases involving 100 or more books
Prior to 2021, the vast majority of challenges to library resources only sought to remove or restrict access to a single book.
...
ALA will unveil its highly anticipated list of the top 10 most challenged books in the U.S. on Monday, April 24 during National Library Week, along with its full State of America's Libraries Report. The theme of National Library Week 2023, There's More to the Story, focuses on the essential services and programming that libraries offer through and beyond books.
ALA President Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada said, “Every day professional librarians sit down with parents to thoughtfully determine what reading material is best suited for their child’s needs. Now, many library workers face threats to their employment, their personal safety, and in some cases, threats of prosecution for providing books to youth they and their parents want to read.
Book challenges distract from the core mission of libraries: to provide access to information. That includes access to information and services for learners of all ages, homeschooling parents, job seekers, new computer users, budding readers, entrepreneurs, veterans, tax filers and amateur genealogists – just to name a few.
“While a vocal minority stokes the flames of controversy around books, the vast majority of people across the nation are using life-changing services that public and school libraries offer. Our nation cannot afford to lose the library workers who lift up their communities and safeguard our First Amendment freedom to read.”
https://www.khq.com/straight_from_the...
Restrictions to drag performances, story times advance in Texas SenateAUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas lawmakers voted along party lines to advance two bills that would enact restrictions to drag-related events and even criminalize performers in the state.
Members of the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs agreed Monday to push forward the two proposed drag restrictions — Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 1601 — for debate to the full chamber. Both measures advanced in committee by votes of 6-2.
It’s unclear when the full Senate will take up both pieces of legislation for discussion. If they ultimately pass there, they would head to the Texas House of Representatives for approval before going to the governor’s desk for signature.
https://www.kxan.com/lgbtq/restrictio...
Newsweek checks the facts on whether there are so-called obscene books in schools targeted to 5 year olds. The answer is no, of course.https://tinyurl.com/newsweekfactcheck
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Oh yeah, there are so many children being killed by gun violence and accidental gun violence, but for the gun fanatics, this is insignificant even though children are NOT being killed by drag queens and by same sex relationships (I mean, a book is only dangerous if someone uses it to hit someone over the head with it). Honestly, book banners are dangerous and unhinged.
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News on the Meridan Library in IdahoCiting cost and logistical concerns, the Ada County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to not put the decision to dissolve the Meridian Library District on the November ballot.
Pointing to a stack of hundreds of postcards and an eight-inch thick binder containing printed emails from the public, board member Ryan Davidson said the office received a pretty good sample of the community’s interest.
“The results were pretty overwhelmingly against putting the question on the ballot by, well, again, a pretty substantial margin,” he said. “I think it's entirely possible that a lot of people are concerned with minors’ access in the library, who at the same time would not necessarily support this particular tactic to address those specific issues."
https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org...
Don't believe for a minute the "Concerned Citizens", "Mama Bears" and "Moms For Liberty" etc. will stop here though.
https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org...
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Citing cost and logistical concerns, the Ada County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to not put the decision to dissolve the Meridian Library District ..."
Exactly, these vile and disgusting dictatorship loving groups will continue their movement to ban books.
Lots more news right now.The press secretary for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized a children's book about deceased former Cuban leader Fidel Castro while also assailing progressives who criticize Republicans over book bans. Who Was Fidel Castro?
An image tweeted of the book shows the back asking about who was the Cuban leader, whether he was a "boy who loved sports – especially baseball," a lawyer that helped the poor or the leader of the Cuban revolution.
The correct answer in the book was "All of the above!"
https://news.yahoo.com/desantis-press...
Unsure what the problem is there... Fox News of all outlets reached out for comment and hasn't heard back
School districts across Central Florida examine book policiesSome board members are concerned they don’t have any power to push back against politicians in Tallahassee.
Multiple school districts have gathered to sort out what materials will be allowed in schools, but there are still questions about guidance from the state.
School leaders in Orange, Marion, Volusia and Brevard counties were among the districts that met Tuesday night.
“It is my expectation we continue to full comply with all state laws,” Marion County Superintendent Diane Gullett said. “We strongly encourage and support parental involvement.”
In Orange County, school board members dove deep during their meeting, going over how books will be selected for the school’s media center, and the process of removing books if a parent does not believe they should be there.
There is also a book challenge process for parents that will leave books on the shelves while they’re under review. The caveat being that the superintendent can object.
Superintendent Maria Vazquez said she believes additional guidance could soon be coming from the state.
https://www.wftv.com/news/local/schoo...
Children's Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Out of the Blue (other topics)The Princess in Black and the Prince in Pink (other topics)
My Rainbow (other topics)
Butt or Face? Volume 3: Super Gross Butts (other topics)
The Day the Books Disappeared (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Jodi Picoult (other topics)Sarah J. Maas (other topics)
Ellen Hopkins (other topics)
Jodi Picoult (other topics)
Scott Stuart (other topics)
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So if a student in a Florida classroom says that he or she is gay, does that mean immediate expulsion?