Children's Books discussion
Banned Books: discussions, lists
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Discussion of censorship, equity, and other concerns.
Manybooks wrote: "Maybe young adults should consider getting the adults in their lives to simply sign out books they are suddenly not allowed to get from the library for them (that is what I would do and I would both gladly and also publicly sign out "restricted books" for younger readers)."Those teens who are comfortable with lying to their parents probably will but not every teen who might need a challenged book will feel comfortable going behind their parents' backs.
I would gladly check out restricted books for teens if such a draconian thing happened here. Fortunately, the teens here are waaaayy more aware of what's going on in their world than I am and the teen section is full of banned and challenged books. The LGBTQ/health section is even right near the elevator going up to the children's library and GASP I haven't heard any parents whine about obscene books, etc. etc. The kids don't even notice. They're so eager to push the buttons and get in the elevator.
I have purchased an album with explicit lyrics on behalf of a friend's little sister. She had her mother's permission and her older sister verified that but the young sales clerk remained firm. No one under 18 was allowed to buy that album. I had just turned 18. The sales clerk gave me a hard time thinking I was lying about my age even though I showed her my passport! She did ultimately let me buy the album because I WAS 18.
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I guess the sales clerk was afraid of getting himself or herself in trouble.
Crazy news out of Florida ... the Florida Department of Ed. has banned an AP African American studies course because it is in violation of their Stop W.O.K.E. act. This seems the complete opposite of what they SHOULD be doing to get their school test scores up and schools performing better. Why on earth would you deny students the opportunity to take an AP class and improve the quality of their education when you know your schools are notoriously underperforming? They'll be far behind their peers if they attend college of out state, which I'm guessing they won't be because they won't have the test scores or AP coursework necessary to get into a good school. Here's a link to the course overview and a summary:
“A solid understanding of how African Americans have shaped America, its history, laws, institutions, culture and arts, and even the current practice of American democracy, sharpens all knowledge about our nation.”
—Dr. Nikki Taylor, Chair of the Howard University History Department
https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/ab...
I would totally want to take that. It's more interesting than the Great White Man this war memorize names, dates and battles version of U.S. History I suffered through in AP history.
In another head shaking news story, the Katy ISD in Texas has canceled yet another author visit and this time because of something she said on Twitter! I fail to see what her upset tweets or any social media posts have to do with her book or even why parents are reading her social media. I'm certain she's been cancelled due to her political views more than her use of profanity.Emma Straub was to read Very Good Hats her first children's picture book to Kindergarten and first grade students at Robertson and Cimarron Elementary schools on Jan. 13.
"The visit was intended to be an opportunity to visit with a children's book author who wrote Very Many Hats and learn about the writing process," read an email sent on Jan. 12 from administrators to parents and staff from both schools. "However, it has been brought to our attention that this author has regularly used inappropriate and foul language on her social media platforms — specifically repeated use of the 'F' word. This type of language, as you know, does not align with our school and community's values."
https://www.chron.com/news/houston-te...
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Manybooks wrote: "So the Florida governor has likely performed as a Drag Queen! Why am I not surprised, as let's face it, many of the most homophobic politicians have often turned out to be in the closet themselves."No not him, someone else. George Santos, a Republican representative for New York's 3rd congressional district. The governor of Florida is Ron DeSantis.
Good news from Alaska, Homer’s Library Advisory Board upholds decision to keep LGBTQ books in children’s section!
https://alaskapublic.org/2023/01/20/h...
"Many of the board members, like Douglas Baily, questioned why some of the books were on the list in the first place.
“Some of the books relate to race,” Baily said. “Some of the books relate to leadership capabilities of people of color. I can’t find anything in many of those books that relates to LBGTQ [sic]. So how did they get on the list?”
Baily was referring to the book “Black Is a Rainbow Color” a book about Black history written from the perspective of a child. Board member Emilie Springer said the only thing she thought could be considered LGBTQ-themed in the book was the mention of the word “rainbow.”
Board members noted that a few books were contested simply because of the sexual orientation of the author.
“The author is gay,” said board member Brenda Dolma. “Sometimes that was the only thing.”
The seven-member board went on to uphold Berry’s decision to keep all 55 titles in the library. In a statement at the meeting, Berry said parents who would prefer to read books with heterosexual couples can pick from thousands of titles.
“There are 12,500 titles in the children’s and young adult collections combined,” Berry said. “The 55 titles on this list represent 0.4% of that collection.”
Alternatively, those titles can provide representation to people in marginalized groups who might not see themselves represented in mainstream culture, Berry said.
“If you are the kind of parent who would like to be able to sit down with your child in a kid’s room, open up a book and say, ‘Look, there’s your mom. And there’s your other mom. And isn’t it nice that there’s a book about us here to read?’” he said. “Well, we have a responsibility to stock those titles as well.”
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress
Julián Is a Mermaid
Two Grooms on a Cake: The Story of America's First Gay Wedding
were moved previously
Sex is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and YOU
They She He Me: Free to Be!
A Crow of His Own
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo
A Family Is a Family Is a Family
And Tango Makes Three
Big Bob, Little Bob
Black Is a Rainbow Color
Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring
Everywhere Babies
Grandad's Camper
Heather Has Two Mommies
Home at Last
It's Okay to Be Different
Julián at the Wedding
Keeper
Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing
Littles: And How They Grow
Lumberjanes (Collections) (books 1-12) and Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power! and Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy
Mr. Watson's Chickens
My Footprints
My House
One Family
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
Red: A Crayon's Story
Stella Brings the Family
Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution
The Adventures of Honey & Leon
The Cardboard Kingdom
The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish
The Lotterys Plus One
The Magic Misfits, The Second Story, The Minor Third
The Sleeper and the Spindle
The Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets
This Day in June
Were I Not a Girl: The Inspiring and True Story of Dr. James Barry
What Are Your Words?: A Book About Pronouns
The Soldotna Public Library (also Alaska) had a Banned Books Club
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Food for thought. Do you agree or disagree? Should Al Capone Does My Shirts be banned because it contain sexual references and mentions of nudity as well as a derogatory terms used in reference to an autistic girl? Does context matter?
I say no to banning because I read the entire series and it's not what it sounds like. There are hints the cons haven't seen/been with a woman in a long time. There's a strict dress code for women. Natalie, who has autism, doesn't understand this. She doesn't know why she can't wander around in her bathing suit the way she did back home on the mainland in San Francisco. She doesn't understand anything and takes off her clothes and lies on the cool linoleum floor.
It's very clear that any hateful words about Natalie are coming from a character no one likes AND it's clear in the story it's the 1930s, no one knows what's wrong with Natalie and the parents have tried everything but put her "away." The "r" word was used to refer to someone who was not normal even all the way into the very, very recent past. When I was a kid we tossed that word around all the time. There are extensive notes in the back for teachers and adults to read and share with the students. The book is clearly designed to be read in the classroom because that author's note is aimed squarely at adults. The paperback has additional material from the author.
The editorial states "Norwin School District board member Alex Detschelt would like the book pulled from the district’s fifth grade curriculum for several reasons, including sexual references and mentions of nudity. He also cites derogatory terms used in reference to an autistic girl.
The question here is why Detschelt has an issue with a particular word — “retard” used as a noun and an insult — when his sharing of a meme on social media using that word and apparently mocking autistic or intellectually disabled individuals created controversy last year.
This is where context becomes important.
The book uses the word in the context of a period in history where it was commonplace and the word “autistic” all but unknown. The author’s sister has autism; the book was dedicated to her as its inspiration. This is also important context."
https://triblive.com/opinion/editoria...
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Should Al Capone Does My Shirts be banned because it contain sexual references and mentions of nudity as well as a derogatory terms used in..."
I did not particularly enjoy Al Capone Does My Shirts (mostly because I found that the tone of narrative voice for Moose, for the main narrator feels more like someone from the 1950s or the 1960s than the 1930s). However, yes, historical context totally matters and the individuals wanting the novel (and probably also the sequels banned) obviously have issues understanding that salient and important fact. And unfortunately, in the 1930s (and until quite recently), the word "retard" was used to describe people like Moose's autistic sister Natalie, and having this included in the novel(s) both makes sense and also gives historical authenticity. And individuals who do not understand that make me cringe and in particular since there is such an increasing tendency to listen to them and to cater to this annoying and problematic lack of what should really be common sense (both on the right and on the left).
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Manybooks wrote: "I have to admit that I am kind of a bit leery asking if anyone knows whether Anthony McGowan's YA (but easy to read) series of four stories about teenaged brothers Nicky and Kenny has been challeng..."Never heard of them but I never read books about boys when I was growing up and only one public library in the entire state has Lark. You could check the lists but I don't remember seeing that one.
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I just hope the book does not end up getting banned ...
Don't alert the Moms for Liberty, etc. to the book to review on their specialized book banning review sites. This week's censorship news
https://bookriot.com/book-ban-legisla...
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Some concerning news in Central Bucks County, PA."Central Bucks School District’s administrative regulations for a library policy critics say opens the door to banning LGBTQ books have been reviewed and possibly edited by a statewide conservative group.
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.c...
Here's several good reasons why books should not be banned from kids who asked the Brooklyn Public Library for access to their "Unbanned" shelf.Teens need to see themselves reflected in books.
“I am queer,” they wrote. “I am black.” “I live in a rural state.” “I am gay and live in Mississippi.”
When a Black student can’t read about their own history or the social movements currently in progress, or when a trans student can’t experience the affirmation brought on by seeing themself authentically, or even joyfully, portrayed in a book, it is a fracture that has a long-term impact on their well-being and their understanding of the world around them.
or many teens, accessing books of any kind can be difficult. Underfunded libraries in rural areas may have limited hours or be too far to visit on a regular basis.
Some teens have fines, and their borrowing privileges are blocked. Trans teens who don't have IDs with their chosen names avoid the library since they would have to use their deadname to get a library card, possibly outing themselves.
Others are currently unhoused and unable to apply for a library card because they lack the required identification.
Teens with print disabilities or who are neurodiverse need audiobooks, or eBooks with accessibility functions like OpenDyslexic type, a special font style which helps make text more legible to people with Dyslexia. Patrons with disabilities should have the same reading options as those who are nondisabled, but many libraries do not have the funds to provide them.
Some teens do not feel safe being seen with books about anti-racism, sexuality, or trans narratives; for them, requesting and borrowing digital books is a lifesaver. One teen, who had recently come out, found their library card blocked by family members. Others said at school, they were often victims of racial slurs or physical assaults and simply were afraid to go out, even to the library.
When you can’t safely leave your house (or stay in it), when you lack access to books, you cannot fully participate in public life. And that should concern everyone. When our neighbors have access to information and education, we all reap the benefits of a stronger community and more vibrant culture.
“It may save another kid's life because reading saved my life a few years ago when I was struggling the most with my identity,” said one teen.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/88qp3...
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Teens need to see themselves reflected in books.
..."
I am appalled that family members would be able to block a child's or a teen's library card, but I am also sadly not surprised ...
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Teens need to see themselves reflected in books.
..."
Wonderful post. I don't know if it'll speak to the bigots, but it might to the people who think "how is book banning a big deal, why should i care?"
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Teens need to see themselves ref..."
The true bigots are obviously so entrenched in their views and their animosity that nothing will likely every change them, but the "why is book banning such a big deal crowd" crowd might (hopefully) wake up and smell the proverbial coffee.
But I do keep wondering why so often we cater to and enable the bigots and that even a challenge of a book by one or very few individuals can and does get said book banned.
I read another commentary piece from the Washington Post with one more reason libraries need popular books. It keeps kids coming to the library! One boy read the entire manga series he loved and kept coming back for the latest installment but now the school librarian can't buy any more and the boy tried rereading all the old favorites but that didn't work. He stopped coming to the library. Some of the censors claim the library needs to focus on reading and writing but most librarians and readers and sensible people will claim there's more to reading than learning TO read and passing standardized tests. (Which students in Florida and Texas and elsewhere won't be able to do without a decent education). Libraries keep kids off the streets, away from unstable home environments and popular literature introduces kids to thinking and learning, it opens their imagination and shows them either that some people have had the same lived experiences or introduces them to other worlds and how to empathize with other people. My sister used to be a school psychologist at a high school. The kids used the library for free food, the computers (VR gaming), drugs and sex. At least that's what she observed as she chased them down to get them back in class. If the library isn't relevant to them, that's all they will use it for.
We're reliving the 19th-century debate over children's libraries and NOVEL reading. Some adults didn't think novels were appropriate for children and children should be reading improving works or whatever it was the adults wanted them to learn. The first ever librarian of the Providence (RI) Public Library argued that if a child reads a novel like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, he'll ask the librarian for more like that and she can direct him to the non-fiction section to learn what's really under the sea and thus, he'll learn something! The PPL had one of the first children's libraries in the U.S. It was designed to be welcoming to all the children and that downtown Providence was already very urban industrial in the late 19th-century/early 20th-century. The wealthy have their private library which had a banned book section behind the front desk where unmarried young ladies had to have parental permission to check out "inappropriate books." As far as I can tell, the public library has never censored books but I didn't get very far into the archive.
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Yes indeed, and I just found this post on Bored Panda, which basically shows 35 things that are different in the USA than in many other areas of the world, and the first thing on the list sadly is that graphic violence seems acceptable in the USA but off-colour language and sexuality are anathema (something that I as a person of German background and that indeed many Europeans have trouble understanding and obviously also the reason why there is so much banning and censoring for books dealing with sexuality, swearing and nudity).
https://www.boredpanda.com/socially-a...
Some of the fantasy books and modern day issue novels feature violence. The modern day issue novels tend to feature police brutality which is a no-no for the censors and a reality for many kids of color. This story about a teacher from Manatee County, Florida covering their bookshelf makes me so sad for the kids. Their posters are very sweet and show they WANT to read and think about the world around them.
Banning writings by John Adams is plain old weird. He was one of most conservative of the Founding Fathers! However, he was a Federalist, a proponent of a strong Federal government so I'm guessing that's not allowed to be read in schools anymore.
"Jean Faulk, a history and journalism teacher at Bayshore High, had to remove books on democracy and writings from John Adams because they weren’t vetted in the district’s library system. Her bookshelves are now only lined with reference books, she said."
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/n...
https://www.facebook.com/tamara.solum...
Hooray for Europe! Lithuania tried to ban access to a book of fairy tales!
Book showing same-sex marriage suitable for children, European court rules
Restricting children’s access to fiction showcasing same-sex relationships is ‘illegitimate,’ the European Court of Human Rights says.
Labeling a fiction book with references to same-sex marriage as harmful to children violates freedom of expression, the European Court of Human Rights stated Monday in a landmark ruling.
https://www.politico.eu/article/book-...
More broo-haha from Westerly, RI (Stonington/CT). This is the same guy who tried to ban books before but the school board seems to be ignoring him. His sister is on the school committee.
"A Rhode Island father is demanding an independent audit of a public school district's entire library system after fighting for the removal of the controversial book "Gender Queer" for more than a year.
While standing in front of other parents holding posters displaying graphic images from "Gender Queer," Chiaradio read several excerpts from the memoir. A board member eventually cut him off, saying "you're sinking to a new low."
Chiaradio claims that WPS has now dismissed the concerns and refuses to remove "Gender Queer" from its high school library. Calling the inclusion of "non-age appropriate" books in educational settings "hyper-sexualization" and "radicalization," he is now calling for an independent audit of each WPS library.
"I have never supported prohibiting kids from looking at ideas," a board member said. "Yes, it has to be age appropriate. That's what we're here for. We're not here to judge if it's a good book or a bad book. It's is it age appropriate? You know, and once you start banning books, it doesn't stop."
Despite the option being raised, no WPS board members elected to respond to Chiaradio's calls during the meeting. It is not immediately clear if an audit will be conducted.
https://katu.com/news/nation-world/it...
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I am beginning to think that students should just and collectively actively revolt, bring only banned and challenged books to class and to also refuse to read anything but the banned books in class. It is time to fight fire with fire and to actively burn with outright refusal and rebellion book banning happy politicians, school boards, anyone, who wants books banned (but in particular parental groups like that silly and Fascist Moms for Liberty).
message 177:
by
Cheryl, Host of Miscellaneous and Newbery Clubs
(last edited Jan 24, 2023 08:16AM)
(new)
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I, honestly, think that neglecting the education of your own children by not letting them learn about other points of view, other cultures and 'lifestyles,' other perspectives, is bad enough.
But how is it ok, by any measure at all, to make the books that other children and teens want to read inaccessible to them?
Doesn't it boil down to:
I don't tell 'you' how to raise your kids; 'you' don't tell me how to raise mine.
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I, honestly, think that neglecting the education of your own children by not letting them learn..."
I agree, but sadly, there are far too many people, including individuals in positions of authority (like politicians, school board members etc.) and so-called special interest groups who obviously think otherwise and like to enforced this ignorance on everyone collectively.
Cheryl wrote: "I'm just stuck on why these people think it's ok to tell other families how to raise their children..."
I agree. Not every family's values are the same. The arguments I am reading include "protect the children", assumptions about what the community is/isn't including conservative, religious zealot cult and also they pay taxes and they're not going to stand for having this "filth" in schools. In the case of the man in Westerly, RI, I think it's personal- a family feud with his sister and her beliefs vs. his.
Gundula I don't think the students would get in trouble for bringing the books to school. It's not the students that are the target. It's the EDUCATION of said students. If an adult provides the children with a book that goes against the local obscenity laws/Stop WOKE act, that adult can be persecuted by law, lose their job, their license to teach and right to vote or pay a fine, and even go to jail. I think they should all read Property of the Rebel Librarian and take that as their model.
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I agree. Not every family's values are the same. The arguments I am reading ..."
Well, those adults who value freedom should even with the threat of being jailed consider actively rebelling. There is too much at stake here.
Manybooks wrote: "Well, those adults who value freedom should even with the threat of being jailed consider actively rebelling. There is too much at stake here.."
Then you lose your job, your freedom, your right to vote, get blackballed by the union in some instances. While Thoreau went to jail for not paying his taxes, his sister bailed him out and that was that. It's not the 1850s anymore and there's more at stake than spending a night in jail.
The parents opposed to censorship are the ones who have to take a stand and vote AGAINST these school board members who ensure their children do not have access to the quality of education they need or books they enjoy. Librarians and teachers are essentially powerless right now.
These moms in Sumner County, TN have formed their own mom group to fight for the freedom to read. They say it's not a political group; it's one that helps school librarians keep books on the shelves.
Right to Read Sumner County
https://www.newschannel5.com/news/mom...
More groups fighting against censorshipThe National Coalition Against Censorship, an alliance of national nonprofit groups dedicated to protecting freedom of expression, including the rights of K-12 students, teachers and staff.
Writing to Hernando Florida school district in regard to the District's removal of several books by the author Ellen Hopkins from school libraries, purportedly for violating state law.
Co-signed by: American Booksellers for Free Expression
The Authors Guild
Children's and Young Adult Books Committee, PEN America
National Council of Teachers of English
https://ncac.org/news/ellen-hopkins-h...
in Glen Ridge, New Jersey a conservative group is trying to get six books banned from the Glen Ridge PUBLIC Library and residents are mobilizing to fight it. Phil Johnson is the organizer of Glen Ridge United Against Book Bans, a dedicated group of parents, residents, clergy, and educators who are fighting the ban and bringing awareness to the issue with a petition, as well as yard signs and plans for a rally.
Johnson says the CDE has been opposing sex education in Glen Ridge Schools and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts including LGBTQ representation, and has a seventh book challenge pending, a book called “Let’s Talk About It.”
“We call on our neighbors and community leaders to support the town’s professional librarians in making collection decisions that reflect diverse life experiences and provide a broad range of information that contributes to personal growth,” says Johnson.
Erin Ackerman, herself a professional librarian and parent of a Glen Ridge fourth grader, says, “We cherish the Glen Ridge Public Library and want our children to have access to materials that expand their views of themselves and others. Parents have the right to guide their children’s reading, but parents should not be making decisions for other’s children.”
Glen Ridge residents who want to oppose the proposed ban can sign the petition and are encouraged to write letters to the library board by February 6th, to the attention of tmdoody@glenridgelibrary.org (Comments submitted in writing or by email must include the individual’s name and address, and clearly indicate that this is correspondence to be shared with the Board of Trustees.)
Glen Ridge United Against Book Bans urges residents come to the February 8th Library Board of Trustees Meeting to voice their opposition (buy a T-shirt to wear here)
For more information, visit facebook.com/GlenRidgeUnited
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johson (YA BIO JOHNSON)
Here and Queer by Rowan Ellis and Jacky Sheridan (YA SOCIAL QUEER ELLIS)
It’s Not the Stork by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley (J PARENT 649)
It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley (YA HEALTH PUBERTY HARRIS)
This Book is Gay by James Dawson (YA SOCIAL QUEER DAWSON)
You Know, Sex by Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smyth (YA HEALTH PUBERTY SILVERBERG)
https://baristanet.com/2023/01/glen-r...
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Let's face it, when the Nazis started to go after professors and the universities, it was the beginning of the end.
I believe the university professors will ignore the challenges because the law applies to purveying obscenities to minors. While there are some minors who attend college, if they're there, they have to act like adults or ask for another assignment. The high school students can get the ACLU on their side in some instances but the laws are vaguely worded and open to interpretation so I don't know what will happen if a case goes before a judge. I'm guessing these states will also revive the Comstock Laws and pretty much already have with the overturn of Roe V. Wade. They'll expand it to include libraries and bookstores selling obscene material too.
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They are hopefully going to have a full scale rebellion on their hands.
Teachers are quitting in droves and there's already a teacher shortage. Some libraries who have not yet been fired are also quitting while others are sticking it out. The students and parents are fighting. Librarians have the ALA on their side but that's about it. The LAW says a committee, usually comprised of parents, community members (Moms for Liberty, etc.) and maybe a teacher or librarian and maybe students, depending on the district.Judy Blume is angry
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/j...
Hooray for Polk County School defying the censors!The Polk County School Board will purchase 37,000 books for new school libraries, including 14 books identified by conservative groups as containing topics inappropriate for school-aged children, including "Marxist critical race theory" and "pornographic" content.
https://www.theledger.com/story/news/...
Puritan Girl, Mohawk Girl is about my ancestor's daughter! I read it and while I didn't care for the writing style that much, John Demos is a well-respected scholar and I trust his research. It's not CRT... it's about how the Indians burned a house, killed a baby and slave and kidnapped the rest of the family. Eunice, the wife, died on the way to Canada while Eunice the little girl was adopted into a Mohawk family. She chose to stay with them, married a Mohawk man and was estranged from her Puritan father and brothers for many years after they were ransomed back. She did end up choosing to send her son to an English school because she knew he would have to live with a foot in both worlds and that was the best way to educate him.
Students threaten to sue the Florida Dept. of Ed for not allowing an African-American history AP class. The Florida government claims they object to the ONE chapter on the intersection of race, class, gender and sexuality (Queer studies) because it violates their laws, which it doesn't because the "Don't say gay" thing is for K-3 students. I don't see how learning African-American history and literature is "woke". I did it before "woke" was even a word 23 years ago. I studied history in grad school and learned they don't talk about "women's history" anymore or separate spheres or anything I learned in undergrad. They talk about gender studies because you can't have women without men and they talk about the intersection of race, gender, class and sexuality.
"Last week, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. called the course "woke indoctrination masquerading as education."
"As we've said all along, if College Board decides to revise its course to comply with Florida law, we will come back to the table," Diaz added.
The College Board announced on Tuesday that it would be revising the course. The organization said it will release "the official framework" for the course on Feb. 1, which it noted is the first day of Black History Month.
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/25/115137...
More good news from Alaska. Hooray for Homer keeping LGBTQ+ books in the youth section. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-...
Most of the news stories today were about backlash against Gov. DeSantis for banning African-American AP History. That decision is not going over well! Some new stories I'm following today come from the usual suspects like Missouri and a new one, Connecticut.
"Katie Earnhart, director of Cape Girardeau Public Library, said she felt "blindsided" when she first read a proposed rule submitted by Missouri Secretary of State John Ashcroft that would alter how public libraries operate.
Ashcroft's proposed rule, submitted Oct. 14, is titled "Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of Minors". The rule, according to Ashcroft, is meant to prevent minors from having access to "prurient" material.
If approved, libraries that receive state funds would have to submit written policies showing they are in compliance with the rule's six requirements regarding the "appropriateness" of materials for minors or risk losing that funding. Also, no age-inappropriate materials, as defined in these written policies, "shall be knowingly displayed — in areas designated by the library as containing materials predominantly for minors." This includes events and presentations, as well, requiring age-appropriate designations be displayed on "any publication, website, or advertisement." The rule also states, "No funds received shall be used to purchase or acquire materials in any form that appeals to the prurient interest of any minor." Libraries will also be required to adopt written policies "allowing any minor's parent or guardian to determine what materials and access will be available to a minor, and no person employed by or acting on behalf of the library shall knowingly grant access to any minor any material in any form not approved by the minor's parent or guardian."
.....
Jon Voss, newly elected state representative for District 147 and former treasurer for Cape Girardeau Public Library Board of Trustees, said he thought the proposed rule is "problematic" for several reasons.
"I expect it's going to be challenged," Voss said. "If it's implemented, I expect it'll be challenged fairly quickly, and we'll see what the courts have to say about that. I think it comes down to the parent. If they really have some concerns about what content is available in the library, that they disagree with, then they ought to be the ones shepherding that child to the outcome that they want, not the library or the librarians."
Ashcroft's response to Earnhart's criticism is that releasing the proposal was his way of starting that conversation. And in regard to the issue of vagueness, Ashcroft said that was intentional.
"I did not want to write a policy that every library in the state had to have," Ashcroft said. "It would have been a lot simpler just to say, 'Cape Girardeau County, this is what you have to have if you want state money,' but that wouldn't be any good."
Ashcroft said he expects there to be a variation of policies across the state's libraries and that tailoring their policies to their constituents would be a good thing. The important thing to him, he said, was making sure all public libraries have such policies in place.
...
When asked how libraries should enforce the required policies, Ashcroft said, "That's up to how the library wants to define it, because they write the policy."
He suggested some libraries could have a policy stating any parent who allows their minor children to have a library card must sign a statement saying they understand the children will have access to anything in the library. On the other hand, a library could program library cards to restrict access to material only found in particular age-appropriate sections.
According to Earnhart, the Cape Girardeau Public Library system does have the ability to restrict based on age.
"However, it would take a large amount of staff time to recatalog all the items in the collection to make this functionality work," Earnhart said. "Our collection has around 100,000 physical items, and the payroll costs needed to recatalog all items would cost well beyond" a $500 expenditure limit outlined in the rule.
Earnhart said that even though they have the capability, there is no situation where she would advocate for this.
"To do so would be a clear violation of our patrons' First Amendment rights," Earnhart said. "Patrons of the Cape Girardeau Public Library already have the ability to restrict what their children have access to."
https://www.semissourian.com/story/29...
Sounds like censorship of LGBTQ+ media to me!
More of the same idea from Tennessee, remember the state that banned Maus!Last week, the Wilson County School board voted to move The Perks of Being a Wallflower to the mature reading list.
Following that decision, the school board received a letter from a Tennessee state representative that claims the school board is in violation of a state law by not removing it.
PREVIOUS: ‘Perks of a Being a Wallflower’ stays on Wilson County school shelves
“Tennessee law is clear, it is illegal for these kids to be presented with these books,” said state Rep. Susan Lynn for District 57.
On Wednesday, Jan. 25, Lynn sent a letter to the Wilson County School Board, stating that keeping The Perks of Being a Wallflower on the high school shelves is in violation of the state’s criminal obscenity law. She referred to a section in the law that states there are exceptions when it comes to an educational setting, except when material is displayed to a minor.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/...
In Westport, CT residents question school board about banned books, DEI"Staples High School had a display in late September about the year's most challenged books across the country, prompting some parents and community members to share concerns in October that books were pornographic, including one called "This Book is Gay."
The display was based on the American Library Association's top 10 challenged books, which is a list they put out each year.
"These are legitimate books to talk about," Chair of the Board of Education Lee Goldstein said at this week's community conversation.
Goldstein said the district has a process regarding challenging books, which can go all the way up to the superintendent appointing a committee to discuss the book.
Parent Katerina Medina said one of the books included a section about Grindr — a dating app geared towards the gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community — and images... [of sexual acts]
"Signs challenging the kids to open up the books were attached to each display," she said. "The signs stated, 'These books are banned. Find out why.' Who allowed the American Library Association to create such a display and why?"
One community member said these books are in the schools because there are students who need it, such as LGBTQ+ students who cannot have conversations with their parents about their identity.
"I think that these books can save a kid's life," she said.
Superintendent Thomas Scarice said the criticism of the book from a parent who is challenging it was around the graphic nature of it and not the text itself.
Scarice mentioned the graphic nature of Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita," which is a novel about an adult man who is obsessed with a 12-year-old girl, who becomes her stepfather and later sexually abuses her.
"No one's questioned that," he said about the book. "I think that's the discussion here... about those kinds of topics in books that are around that are considered classics."
Residents also spoke out about the district's approach to diversity, equity and inclusion.
One attendee held up the book "Critical Race Theory in Education: A Scholar's Journey" by Gloria Ladson-Billings.
He said some of the verbiage in that book is included in the district's equity action plan, such as "asset based pedagogy" and "restorative practices."
"She clearly writes in this book that her goal is to tear down the educational system in the U.S.," he said.
He asked how the board will ensure that it will not occur.
...
blah blah blah usual arguments
https://www.ctinsider.com/westport/ar...
Unsurprisingly, Alabama schools cancel Black History Month event with award-winning author. I KNEW that was going to happen! Bye bye Black History Month and Women's History Month and anything else they teach about the diverse groups of people who live in this country.The author of Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut "
Barnes was scheduled to visit schools in the Alabaster City and Hoover City school districts next month. Barnes is known for his children’s books “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut” and “The King of Kindergarten,” one of which he planned to read at the elementary schools he planned to visit. However, suddenly, his appearance was cancelled due to “contract issues,” the report says.
Alabaster City didn’t bother sending out a statement but Hoover City addressed the parents claiming they tried to request contract information from Barnes on three occasions. Barnes called bullsh*t on that excuse.
In his mind, the sudden backing out was a direct result of all the political discourse surrounding anti-racist learning."
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/alaba...
Mod
I REALLY do not understand why teachers and librarians against this rampant book banning do not actively rebel and also do not go to the media or contact groups against book banning to name and to shame the banners (parents, special interest groups, politicians, basically anyone in favour of books being banned). For me, if teachers and librarians do not rebel (if they are against books being banned), they are rather much like the "Mitläufer" of Nazi Germany, individuals like teachers, university professors and the like who might not have agreed with the Nazis (and their policies) but who basically just went along with everything (and yes, I do know that there was danger involved then and there also is danger involved now, but that does not really change anything for me all that much).
Manybooks wrote: "I REALLY do not understand why teachers and librarians against this rampant book banning do not actively rebel and also do not go to the media or contact groups against book banning to name and to shame the banners (parents, special interest groups, politicians, basically anyone in favour of books being banned)"Because it's a class 3 felony to provide minors with obscene content. Punishable by jail time. There are accusations of being "groomers", threats to the librarians and their families, bad people with guns standing by to literally kill you and politicians pushing their own agendas just to get reelected or elected to higher office. If you go to jail, you lose your right to vote and the extremists win. Who will help the children if there's no one left in the schools to be their allies?
Some people are protesting. Teachers are quitting their jobs in droves. These people in Melbourne, Florida staged a massive mock book burning protest
https://www.floridatoday.com/story/ne...
In Fishers and Nobleville, Indiana, the library board is reviewing books to see if they need to be moved to the adult section."As it stands, the policy requires books that deal with profanity, nudity, sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and violence to be moved if they are deemed to be not age-appropriate in their respective children’s and teen sections.
One example Why?: A Conversation about Race deals with racial injustice.
The board, which represents libraries in Fishers and Noblesville, directed its library staff to review nonfiction children’s books and graphic novels in the teen zone.
Six people spoke a Thursday night board meeting, and none favored relocating children’s books to the adult section.
Shelley Bergman, a parent not in favor of relocating books, supported “letting the librarians do their job that they were educated to do and putting the books in the correct places in the library. Like most parents, we review what content our children are reading and watching before they watch it.”
Her daughter, Sophia Bergman, said before she spoke to the board, “I am going to talk about children’s rights and that they should have the right to choose the children’s book in the children’s section instead of having to go all the way to the quiet adult section.”
Some board members on Thursday night also floated the idea of relocating children’s books to a parents’ and teachers’ section within the children’s section.
Library staff says a full review of children’s books could take a considerable amount of hours and additional staff.
https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-new...
Mod
Funny though, with Germany during WWII, in the USA, the UK etc. everyone was (and still is) pointing fingers and saying that there was NOT enough protest and rebellion (even though the threats faced by anyone protesting against the government were a lot more dangerous than what is being faced in even the most right wing and extremist states of the USA). Just saying ...
Manybooks wrote: "QNPoohBear wrote: "Manybooks wrote: "I REALLY do not understand why teachers and librarians against this rampant book banning do not actively rebel and also do not go to the media or contact groups..."They can say that in hindsight but the situation at the moment is different because it's state by state. The book banning states are red states and enough people voted for Gov. DeSantis of Florida and the governors of Virginia and other places who made it their platform to pass anti-critical-race theory/anti-WOKE laws. The Floridians I know are all transplants from New England or snowbirds and they LOVE Gov. DeSantis. The only thing the rest of us can do is talk to our friends and family and try to make them see reason. It worked in Georgia. I have faith in Gen. Z. They want the world to change for the better and want it NOW. My sweet niece in middle school has already tried to form a club to fight sexism in schools like dress coding (a girl showing her midriff is a "distraction" but boys wearing low slung jeans with their boxers hanging out is OK), an international club and the school librarian orders all the "best" books (LGBTQ+ and whatever else kids want to read). If they start banning books here, she'll form a banned books club! (With her parents and my full support).
Florida parents are aghast that the classrooms are empty of books thanks to the new policy."Free speech organizations, literacy advocates and educators have blasted the policy, calling the concern over “pornography” a false flag attack to satiate Gov. Ron DeSantis’ far-right base of supporters and a veiled attempt to purge progressive ideas from Florida’s schools.
The co-founder of the Florida Freedom to Read Project, Stephana Ferrell, described the policies as “a pattern of fear-based decisions that prioritize staying in good favor with the Governor over doing the right thing for our students.”
"Free speech advocates have identified the concept of “erring on the side of caution” as a chilling effect on free speech. A “chilling effect” occurs when certain rights are restricted due to indirect political pressure or as a result of overly vague legislation.
“This is no free state of Florida. This is a state that censors books, censors educators, and censors students and families,” Broward School Board member Sarah Leonardi told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “It is a state that seeks to limit access to knowledge and resources that don’t fit in a conservative ideological box. ... It is a state that is making it more and more difficult to educate or parent a child without constant fear of retribution.”
Supporters of the policy say it provides much-needed transparency to the materials made available to students."
A trained media specialist will vet any books that are not on the list.
The state statute requires media centers to be free from the following materials:
Pornography – defined in the Merriam Webster dictionary as “the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement.”
Instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in grades kindergarten through three.
Discrimination in such a way that “an individual, by virtue of his or her race, color, sex, or national origin is inherently racist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.”
The text of the law also defines what is considered harmful to minors:
(a) Any picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture, motion picture film, videocassette, or similar visual representation or image of a person or portion of the human body which depicts nudity or sexual conduct, sexual excitement, sexual battery, bestiality, or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to minors; or
(b) Any book, pamphlet, magazine, printed matter however reproduced, or sound recording that contains any matter defined in s. 847.001, explicit and detailed verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual excitement, or sexual conduct and that is harmful to minors.
Florida Statutes Title XLVI. Crimes § 847.012
As part of the media specialist training, Florida educators are warned that violating this policy amounts to a third-degree felony.
“Teachers will receive a list of already approved books for continued use for classroom reading while the remaining books are under review,” the district’s memo said. “District staff members are working with teachers and certified media specialists to efficiently review books and to update the list as books are reviewed and approved. The district will soon provide school staff with more specific guidance on the review process.”
The district said each book that’s deemed “appropriate” will be included in a public, online database, allowing the general public to see each book available to students.
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2...
Children's Books
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My Rainbow (other topics)
Butt or Face? Volume 3: Super Gross Butts (other topics)
The Day the Books Disappeared (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human
is allowed to stay in the library, ..."
Maybe young adults should consider getting the adults in their lives to simply sign out books they are suddenly not allowed to get from the library for them (that is what I would do and I would both gladly and also publicly sign out "restricted books" for younger readers).