[ISLMA-Share] Genius Files Question

Wed Aug 10 11:26:11 CDT 2016

Yes, and the context of his use of it was more offensive, and the character
never changed as a result.  These are great opportunities for discussion
and argumentative writing.

On Wed, Aug 10, 2016 at 8:22 AM, Email list for the Illinois School Library
Media Association <islma at list.railslibraries.info> wrote:

> 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
> ------------------------------
> *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> 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*
>> _________________________________________________________
>> Linda M. Polak, MLIS
>> Director of Library/Information Services
>> Sunset Ridge School (Grades 4-8)
>> 525 Sunset Ridge Road
>> Northfield, IL 60093
>> polakl at sunsetridge29.org
>> (847-881-9449)
>> Fax: 847-446-6388
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Aug 9, 2016 at 7:08 PM, Email list for the Illinois School
>> Library Media Association <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> 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> 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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>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> *Joanne Zienty, MLIS*
>>>> LMC Specialist
>>>> Forest Elementary School
>>>> CCSD62 - Des Plaines
>>>>
>>>> *Latest Read:*
>>>> *Children's: Fish in a Tree - Hunt*
>>>> *Nonfiction: Behind the Beautiful Forevers - Boo*
>>>> *Fiction: I'm Thinking of Ending Things - Reid*
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> *www.noshushingallowed.com <http://www.noshushingallowed.com> *
>>>>
>>>> Instagram: @forestlibrary
>>>>
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>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Ms. Pamela L. Meiser
>>> *Library Information Teacher*
>>>
>>> *Barbara B. Rose Elementary School *
>>>
>>> *61 W. Penny Road *
>>>
>>> *South Barrington, IL 60010 *
>>> *pmeiser at barrington220.org*
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>>>
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>>
>>
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-- 
Kathleen M. Kerner, M.L.S.

Library Information Specialist
Walden Elementary School
Deerfield Public Schools District #109
630 Essex Ct.
Deerfield, IL 60015
(847) 945-9660 x 3136
kkerner at dps109.org

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