A New Jersey school district had to take a couple of books off of their summer required reading list and issues apologies to the parents and community. The list was compiled by teachers, librarians and school administrators. The final list was approved by the school board.”Some of the language is inappropriate. We were not trying to create controversy. We were just trying to get students to read.” said Chuck Earling, the superintendent of Monroe Township Schools.
What set the parents off? Two books in particular caused an uproar. “Norwegian Wood” is one book that was intended for students going into 10th grade. According to parents there were inappropriate language and words and a graphic lesbian sex scene between a 31-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl. “Tweak (Growing up on Methamphetamines)” by Nic Sheff is the other book. That book included drug use and a homosexual orgy.
This incident is not unique. School systems all around the country deal with parents claiming books are not appropriate for their kids. Libraries fight groups who seek to ban books like “Harry Potter,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Brave New World” and “Twilight.” There will always be difference of opinions on what is acceptable or not, butthere has to be a compromise. Do you think parents should retain ultimate control over what their children read? Do you think one parent should be able to have a book removed for all children? Have you ever had a problem with something your child’s school assigned them?
