This article from yesterday's Chicago Tribune raises the perennial parental challenge of required reading titles. Though the particular title and the grounds for objection are not new, this is the first time I've read anyone who has voiced anger at educators (including librarians) who seem to flaunt banned books. On reflection, it seems an accurate assessment. Are we doing this to appeal to the rebel in our students? To agitate? Probably so...after all, we want to capture kids' attention and passion. Nothing better than a "forbidden" book!
We librarians are fortunate because, unlike classroom teachers, we do not generally require students to read a particular title, excusing us in a way from most challenges. High school librarians are even more fortunate because some of our students are 18 years old--legal adults. The value in this article is the admonition that we need to be sure to take our displays/flaunting beyond attention-grabbing and agitation. We have the obligation to help kids understand that meaning is conveyed in many ways and that they should learn to be discriminating. If not, I would say parents are entitled to be angry.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Wow. This article has added to my shifting perspective on banned books week. I agree with the concept that students have the right to read what they want. But the idea of requiring a book as controversial as The Chocolate War does strike me as "flaunty" and arrogant. I thought that schools were a community, where discussion with parents mattered. I have no problem with having banned books in my library or with recommending them to students. The fact that the school is mandating the book, despite parental protests (and warning parents that if the students do not participate, their grades will suffer)is what bothers me.
Post a Comment