A Catholic high school gives chick lit series the old heave-ho
A parent of a fourth grader recently asked if it was appropriate to have Judy Blume’s Blubber in our collection. I was totally shocked. Why are people still getting riled up over that book?
Blubber (Atheneum, 1982) has long been one of Judy Blume’s most challenged books. Some parents just don’t like the way “the kids treat one another” in the story. Blume’s book is a popular read with elementary school students because she understands what it’s really like to be 10 years old and the target of bullies. My guess is that the parent has heard about the novel, but hasn’t read it.
Has the parent filed a formal complaint? If she has, then simply let the process run its course—odds are, your reconsideration committee will vote to retain the book. If the parent hasn’t filed a complaint, I’d use this as an opportunity to help her understand how Blubber may help kids be less inclined to bully or tease their peers. You can even suggest specific themes that the parent could use to discuss the book with her child. That approach allows everyone to win.
A teacher in my school wants me to remove Tar Beach, a Caldecott Honor book by Faith Ringgold. She objects to the book because the protagonist’s family picnics on the roof of an apartment building. In the teacher’s mind, that’s a safety hazard, and she’s worried that students who read the book may do the same thing. What do I tell her?
If this teacher’s reasoning wasn’t so ludicrous, I’d find this funny. The first thing I’d tell her is that the roof may be the only place where some urban children can picnic. Then, I’d tell the teacher that kids don’t emulate everything they read. Tar Beach (Crown, 1991) is a terrific book about people coming together to confront social injustice. The book broadens students’ sensitivities—and for that reason, it’s an important story. Finally, I would remind the teacher that she can formally challenge the book, but my bet is she won’t. She’s probably just trying to rattle your chain.
I’m a second-year librarian at a Catholic high school. Last week, my principal demanded that I remove the “Gossip Girl” and “It Girl” series from our shelves. I was worried that I’d be placed on probation or lose my job if I denied his request. He has no qualms about defending other books with “questionable” content, if they’re being taught by a teacher who can hold her students’ hands through the difficult passages. I feel like I caved in by removing the books. What should I have done?
Under the circumstances, I think you did the only thing that you could have done. Even the most radical free-speech proponents would never suggest that librarians do anything that would cause them to lose their jobs. It’s too bad that your principal doesn’t recognize that high school students need access to popular fiction for recreational reading. My guess is that he doesn’t feel these series promote the Christian values purported by the Catholic diocese. Remember, private school students don’t have the same First Amendment protection that public school students have. Since you’re in a parochial school, I doubt you’ll ever convince your principal of the value of these series. When students ask for the “Gossip Girl” or “It Girl” books, you can direct them to the local public library.
I have one more question: I’ve discovered that my Catholic high school doesn’t have a selection-and-retention policy for library materials. I haven’t had any luck finding examples of other private schools’ policies. What’s your advice?
Every school needs a selection-and-retention policy. Policies for public school libraries will look very different than those of private or parochial schools. Check with the Catholic Library Association (www.cathla.org); they may have some sample policies you can look at. If not, perhaps they can put you in touch with other Catholic schools that have policies. In any event, consider forming a committee of students, teachers, and parents to help write a policy. Who knows? Maybe in the process of developing one, students may actually plead for more popular fiction in your collection. And if you’re lucky, the school board will listen. That’s the best defense against your principal removing popular books in the future.