[ISLMA-Share] Genius Files Question

Email list for the Illinois School Library Media Association islma at list.railslibraries.info
Wed Aug 10 08:22:03 CDT 2016


Just for information, the 2017 Bluestem book Rain Reign by Ann Martin also has the word "retarded" in it when the dad refers to the special needs classroom.


Peggy Burton, Librarian

Williams Elementary School

1709 S. 9th Street

Mattoon, IL 61938

217-238-2800

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From: islma-bounces at list.railslibraries.info <islma-bounces at list.railslibraries.info> on behalf of Email list for the Illinois School Library Media Association <islma at list.railslibraries.info>
Sent: Tuesday, August 9, 2016 11:00:55 PM
To: islma at list.railslibraries.info
Subject: Re: [ISLMA-Share] Genius Files Question

I am not sure if it will allow me to attach this photo, but it is a photo of Author Dan Gutman's response to similar complaints. He responded in October on his FB page. I am not agreeing with him in any way, only sharing.

On Tuesday, August 9, 2016, Email list for the Illinois School Library Media Association <islma at list.railslibraries.info<mailto:islma at list.railslibraries.info>> wrote:
Oh my goodness this is just awful to hear. We had Mr. Gutman at our schools last year...it was quite an honor because he no longer does school visits.

While I've read many of his books, I did not feel that I need to read the Genius Files.

Whatever possessed him to use the term "retarded," and how did it ever get nominated for an award?

Kids check out this series as choice reading and I wouldn't have the opportunity to explain why or why not Mr. Gutman used such a vulgar term.

Unless someone,  who has read the book,   can give me just cause for the term...I'm pulling the book.

Very disappointing, but I thank you for pointing this out to us.

Linda

“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.”
—Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty
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Director of Library/Information Services
Sunset Ridge School (Grades 4-8)
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On Tue, Aug 9, 2016 at 7:08 PM, Email list for the Illinois School Library Media Association <islma at list.railslibraries.info<javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','islma at list.railslibraries.info');>> wrote:
I also noticed those two things (girl twin not as smart, retarded) and they bothered me. I also felt like the book wandered in terms of plot. I've never served on an awards committee, but I know they work very hard to choose books for the list. It's impossible to know what they discussed and what other books were rejected.

I guess, as Joanne said, it is a good opportunity for discussion. However, I'm not sure that I will be able to mention it every time I book talk the book. (Or if it is even appropriate to.) If I do, will those two things be the only things they notice about the book when they read it?

Pam

On Tue, Aug 9, 2016 at 3:25 PM, Email list for the Illinois School Library Media Association <islma at list.railslibraries.info<javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','islma at list.railslibraries.info');>> wrote:
Hi Helen --

I really could not believe this book made it to the final Bluestem list. I had a problem with the two things you mentioned as well as the violence and, really, the lack of a coherent plot. I think that if Gutman had just written a funny realistic fiction book about the family roadtrip and all the unusual roadside attractions they visit, it would have probably made a much better book. When I discuss this with my Bluestem Book Club students, I intend to bring up the problems that I have with the book. It will be interesting to hear what the students have to say about it.

Joanne

On Tue, Aug 9, 2016 at 3:04 PM, Email list for the Illinois School Library Media Association <islma at list.railslibraries.info<javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','islma at list.railslibraries.info');>> wrote:
Anyone had any experience with discussion of a couple of things that are disturbing me about this book?

1) several instances of a major character repeatedly using the word "retarded"
2) many references to the girl twin not being smart?

Am I being over sensitive?  This is really bugging me.....

Helen Bibler
LLCD - Heritage Lakes School

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CCSD62 - Des Plaines

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