Crutcher books banned in Michigan

Ha! This is the only good thing about attempts to ban books:

From the story: Author Chris Crutcher is banned temporarily from Grand Rapids Public Schools, but at local libraries, his book "Athletic Shorts" is flying off shelves. "I haven't had a chance to re-read it because all our copies are checked out," said Mary Robinson, young adult librarian at Herrick District Library in Holland.

Here's another story about the debate: Controversy goes beyond the 'n-word'

And a letter from a parent in a separate debate about whether students should read the book "Whale Talk" for a reading program.

I find all of this rather sad and baffling. Chris Crutcher is such an amazing author. . .his books are so tender and compassionate, but they acknowledge that there are people in this world who are full of hate and pain, and I think that this is what must upset the censors. What teenager doesn't already know this about the world, though?

It's like the people who want to ban "Cut" or non-fiction books on suicide because it "might give teens ideas". For many teens, if they don't know anyone who has practiced self-mutilation or attempted suicide, they're very lucky. It's not the books that give them new ideas. But the books might give them new ways of coping, or make them feel less alone.

Okay, end of rant!

School library media studies on achievement

This semester I'm taking at class at San Jose State University on School Library media centers. I got my MLS there in 1996 but now I'm back to take the classes I need for a school library media credential (I'm also at San Francisco State getting a multiple subject credential, and doing my student teaching in April and May, while continuing to work part time for San Francisco Public Library -- so a lot of juggling this spring!). Anyway, one of the assignments is to read about how school library media centers improve academic achievement. A librarian posted this link to LM_NET: School Library Media Studies on Achievement. It's put together by the Iowa Association of School librarians and looks like a great resource for my class.

"Bless Me, Ultima" banned in CO; books allegedly burned

From the story: "The Catcher in the Rye."

"Of Mice and Men."

"Lord of the Flies."

A chorus of student voices rang out Friday at Norwood High School, to apprise R2 School District Superintendent Bob Condor of books deemed "objectionable" that were nonetheless required reading.

And now, it's "Bless Me, Ultima," the book Condor pulled from curriculum after one parent objected to its content.

Muller in the Middle

Here's a great blog by Frederick Muller, a middle school librarian in New Jersey who reads and reviews his fiction titles before putting them on the shelf.

Newbery winner

Although "Kira-Kira" is catalogued under both teen and children's in our library system, I just finished reading it and think it has more appeal to children. The main character, Katie, is very young when the story begins, about 12 at the end, and tells much of her story in the voice of a young girl rather than an adolescent. It's beautifully written, but not my favorite Newbery winner by far. Maybe I didn't get into it because it has the feeling of a memoir, rather than fiction. There are not many full-fledge scenes and it's lacking in dialogue. I enjoyed the setting and was angered by the discrimination Katie and her family faced, but the ending didn't move me the way I expected. Now I'm looking forward to getting the Printz winner, "how I live now".